Creeds - Apostles, Nicene & Athanasian

Introduction: There are three statements of Christian belief that are brief, succinct and memorable. These are the Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian Creeds. The Latin word for creed is symbol. The opening words, "I believe" translate the first words, "credo,", but the statements themselves were referred historically to the fact that they symbolized or succinctly stated what Christians have believed every where and always.

Historically, we know more about the Nicene Creed than the other two. It was formulated at the ecumenical council held in the town of that name, east of Constantinople, in what is now Turkey. The occasion for the council was that the emperor Constantine desired greatly that church leaders move from contentious bickering to reasoned uniformity and conciliation. This was necessary not only for the reputation of the faith that the emperor had recently embraced, but upon the leadership and influence the church could exercise in a steadily deteriorating political/social condition throughout the Roman Empire. The creed is decidedly Trinitarian, focusing on the nature of Jesus Christ as both fully human and fully divine. It was aimed to contradict the teaching of Arius, a priest who maintained that Jesus was halfway between divinity and humanity. In response, it could be said that a savior who was only half a god could accomplish only half of what is necessary for a complete and full redemption.

The Nicene Creed is used at the service of Holy Eucharist and in the Ordinals for Deacon, Priest and Bishop.

The Apostle's Creed is of western origin and is directly descended from the Roman 'Symbol' which dates back to the third century. It is a straight forward affirmation of Trinitarian Worship and belief, boldly affirming what is referenced in the New Testament. Athough the word Trinity is not found in Holy Scripture, the Church Fathers clearly believed that the doctrine of the Trinity is validly supported by Holy Scripture. It is reckoned to have been a brief recitation of the faith proclaimed by those being baptized, and that practice continues to today. It can be found in the Prayer Book of the ACNA in the daily office, the baptismal service

The Athanasian Creed dates to the mid 5th Century, and is similar to the Nicene Creed in its affirmation of Trinitarian faith. It strongly upholds the equality of the members of the God head, and, unlike the others, pronounces condemnations of those who do not uphold to these statements of faith. Although referenced in the catechism of the ACNA, it has yet to be included in our liturgies. It is appropriate to still be used on Trinity Sunday, but not for the faint of heart!

Doctrine

a. Creeds - Apostles, Nicene & Athanasian b. Trinity: Christology c. Salvation d. Sin, Suffering & Reconciliation e. Sacramental Theology f. Anglican Theological Method g. Office of Instruction/Catechism h. Heresies i. 39 Articles j. BCP 1662 as standard k. Theology of Mission