Creeds

Although it's not quite fashionable today, I have to admit I like the creeds.

I like 'em for two reasons. One is they help us articulate our faith. "I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord."  I believe. Articulating the faith is a much needed ability these days among Christians. The creeds help us.

The other reason I like the creeds is that I love thinking back to the faith-filled believers who gathered together more than a thousand years ago to try and express the deepest truths of our faith. Imagine their task: how do we articulate the mystery of the Trinity in human words?

"And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father."

"And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets."

Question: Do you have to understand and agree with everything in a creed to recite and appreciate it?

Another question (or two): Why have Christians been moved to create creeds and catechisms throughout the centuries? In what ways has this been helpful and not always so helpful?

And yet another question: Can you be doctrinal without being doctrinaire?

Prayer: Lord of the ages, Lord of eternity, give me the words to recite my creed based on my understanding of you, revealed in scripture and in my life. Amen.


Extra Credit

The Nicene Creed (4th C.)

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Apostles Creed
(Found in various versions between the 2nd & 9th C. Not written by the apostles, but called that because it expresses their faith.)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Weakness of the Creeds

Notice that there's not a lot in them about discipleship, prayer, mission, worship, love thy neighbor, etc. It's all Right Beliefs (Ortho-doxy) and no Right Practice (ortho-praxis).