Creeds:
What are the Lutheran Creeds?
The Apostles’ Creed
Origins of the Nicene Creed
The original Nicene Creed was adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325. The council was called together by the Roman Emperor Constantine I and came to be known as the first ecumenical conference of bishops for the Christian Church.
In 381, the Second Ecumenical Council of Christian churches added the balance of the text (except for the words "and from the Son"). This version is still used today by Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches. In the same year, 381, the Third Ecumenical Council formally reaffirmed the version and declared that no further changes could be made, nor could any other creeds be adopted.
The Roman Catholic Church made the addition of the words "and from the Son" to the description of the Holy Spirit. Roman Catholics refer to the Nicene Creed as the "symbol of faith." In the Catholic Mass, it is also called the "Profession of Faith." For more about the origins of the Nicene Creed visit the Catholic Encyclopedia.
Along with the Apostles' Creed, most Christians today regard the Nicene Creed as the most comprehensive expression of the Christian faith, with it often being recited in worship services. Some evangelical Christians, however, reject the Creed, specifically its recitation, not for its content, but simply because it is not found in the Bible.
The Athanasian Creed:
The Athanasian Creed is traditionally ascribed to Saint Athanasius (296-373), from whom it takes its name. (This creed is also called the "Quicumque," which is the first word of the creed in Latin.) Like other creeds, such as the Apostles' Creed, the Athanasian Creed is a profession of the Christian faith; but it is also a full-fledged theology lesson, which is why it is the longest of the standard Christian creeds.
Origin.
Saint Athanasius spent his life combating the Arian heresy, which was condemned at the Council of Nicaea in 325. Arius was a priest who denied the divinity of Christ by denying that there are three Persons in one God. Thus, the Athanasian Creed is very much concerned with the doctrine of the Trinity.
Its Use.
Traditionally, the Athanasian Creed has been recited in churches on Trinity Sunday, the Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, though it is rarely read today. Reading the Athanasian Creed privately or with your family is a good way to bring the celebration of Trinity Sunday home and to gain a deeper understanding of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.
- The Apostles’ Creed is one of the three great creeds of the ancient Christian church, the others being the Athanasian Creed and the Nicene Creed.
- The creed summarizes the apostles’ preaching's and teachings concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- The Apostles’ Creed was not written by the apostles.
- The creed is the oldest, simplest, and least developed creed of the Christian church.Luth
Origins of the Nicene Creed
The original Nicene Creed was adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325. The council was called together by the Roman Emperor Constantine I and came to be known as the first ecumenical conference of bishops for the Christian Church.
In 381, the Second Ecumenical Council of Christian churches added the balance of the text (except for the words "and from the Son"). This version is still used today by Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches. In the same year, 381, the Third Ecumenical Council formally reaffirmed the version and declared that no further changes could be made, nor could any other creeds be adopted.
The Roman Catholic Church made the addition of the words "and from the Son" to the description of the Holy Spirit. Roman Catholics refer to the Nicene Creed as the "symbol of faith." In the Catholic Mass, it is also called the "Profession of Faith." For more about the origins of the Nicene Creed visit the Catholic Encyclopedia.
Along with the Apostles' Creed, most Christians today regard the Nicene Creed as the most comprehensive expression of the Christian faith, with it often being recited in worship services. Some evangelical Christians, however, reject the Creed, specifically its recitation, not for its content, but simply because it is not found in the Bible.
The Athanasian Creed:
The Athanasian Creed is traditionally ascribed to Saint Athanasius (296-373), from whom it takes its name. (This creed is also called the "Quicumque," which is the first word of the creed in Latin.) Like other creeds, such as the Apostles' Creed, the Athanasian Creed is a profession of the Christian faith; but it is also a full-fledged theology lesson, which is why it is the longest of the standard Christian creeds.
Origin.
Saint Athanasius spent his life combating the Arian heresy, which was condemned at the Council of Nicaea in 325. Arius was a priest who denied the divinity of Christ by denying that there are three Persons in one God. Thus, the Athanasian Creed is very much concerned with the doctrine of the Trinity.
Its Use.
Traditionally, the Athanasian Creed has been recited in churches on Trinity Sunday, the Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, though it is rarely read today. Reading the Athanasian Creed privately or with your family is a good way to bring the celebration of Trinity Sunday home and to gain a deeper understanding of the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.
