[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during May 2025]
I believe in God the Father Almighty Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;[1]
This month, May 2025, sees the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. This council and subsequent deliberations led, in due course, to the compilation of a series of statements of the Christian faith into a common creed.
The Nicene Creed and its derivatives were based upon a previous creed, although the exact origin of this earlier creed is still a matter of some debate. The Nicene creed is associated with the eastern orthodoxy whereas a later version, known as the Apostles’ Creed, is more commonly used by the established western denominations.[2]
Some commentators have suggested that the twelve clauses in the Apostles’ Creed could be attributed to the twelve apostles, with each Apostle contributing one of the clauses. As attractive as this idea might be, the chronology makes it unlikely. A counter argument is that “the Apostles’ Creed is so called because it is rightly considered to be a faithful summary of the apostles’ faith”.[3]
If you were to add a clause to the creed, what would you say?
The primary objective of having a defined set of beliefs was to counter heresies such as those which disputed the divinity of Jesus as the Son of God. Nevertheless, the content of the creeds remained somewhat fluid, with various modifications being introduced as denominations and languages evolved.
One point of debate is the reference to ‘The Holy Catholic Church’. Our modern understanding of this phrase differs from the Latin in which it was originally written; the Latin ‘catholicus’ translates as ‘general’ or ‘universal’ and in some places the phrase has been changed accordingly.
Paul, the final apostle, is not credited with adding a clause to the creed but his writings have been instrumental in helping believers of many generations to understand their faith. In particular, when writing to his protege Timothy he included his own statement of faith:
… I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
2 Timothy 1 v12 [NIVUK]
Do you have a personal creed, a statement of your own beliefs? Are you able to explain the basis of your faith?
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3 v15 [NIVUK]
References:
[1] The Apostles’ Creed as quoted in ‘Creeds of Christendom’, Philip Shaff, 1876
[2] The Apostles’ Creed as used in the Church of England
[3] The history of the Apostles’ Creed, via Wikipedia
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Last week’s reflection: Bees, Creeds and Measuring Up
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
Thank you Steve for reminding us of this important anniversary and the significance of the Niceness and Apostles Creed in our lives.
We are pleased to hear that you in better health. You have been in our prayers during recent weeks.