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Let’s talk about creeds (the Apostles’ Creed, Nicene, and Athanasian, to name a few). The creeds have evolved, reflecting their times' theological and philosophical understandings. Their development mirrored the early church's growth and challenges, including internal theological disputes and external political pressures.
Creeds are statements of faith. They are not statements of fact. They begin with the words “I believe,” a translation of the Latin phrase “Credo.” In this way, they are expressions of belief. We cannot prove the contents of the creed. We take the claims of the creeds on faith. (Hence, they are faith statements.) Because the creeds are summations of events described in scripture, our approach to the Biblical text is also one of faith and belief. We were not there. We cannot prove the virgin birth or the Resurrection. We take these events on faith and the beliefs of others (passed down over time to us) and decide to (or not) have faith and belief in them for ourselves. Remember, the extraordinary claims we assent to each Sunday (and the scriptures they summarize) are faith claims, not assertions of fact. The creeds make belief claims, not truth claims.
Most mainline Christians encounter the creeds in confirmation classes. They serve as a primary source of instruction as to church beliefs and a brief, scripture-inspired summary of the life of Christ and Trinitarian dogma. Our relationship with the creeds grows more formal and distant as we age. Some memorize the creed; others read the texts from a hymnal. When the creeds are included in worship, they are most often recited in a monotone mumble, with little thought, feeling, or effort given to the words or meaning by the congregation repeating them. The creeds are one more speed bump on the way to the benediction.
When this occurs, the creeds, formed around our limited human abilities to accept extraordinary claims without extraordinary evidence, lose even more significant meaning. The creeds evolve into something we merely utter; we don’t think about what we’re saying or why we’re saying them and become devoid of their theological significance. Creeds only have meaning when we invest them with religious meaning. Their claims, however unbelievable or whatever demands they make upon our faith, are meaningless unless we honestly engage with each clause, claim, or statement.
Do the Creeds do anything else? We have a two to three-hundred-word statement that defines the essence of our faith and belief, inspired by scripture; shouldn’t it do more than regurgitate information we already know, albeit in a shorter, more concise form? Why have a creed if it’s just a collection of words and information we already know? Do creeds give any purpose to our lives? If we transcend their literal interpretations, do they provide meaning and purpose to the lives of believers, helping contribute to our moral and spiritual formation?
Humans are meaning-seeking creatures. Our search for meaning is a way to cope with the harsh realities of existence, even if the search is ultimately subjective. The creeds are inherently subjective. What gives our lives meaning is determined by what we value and give meaning to. Creeds provide meaning in the words, mind, and actions of the person reciting the creed, not from the accuracy of the events described by the creed.
The creeds provide a moral framework derived from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This framework guides believers in making ethical decisions and living lives that reflect Christian values such as love, compassion, and forgiveness.
The creeds provide a moral framework derived from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This framework guides believers in making ethical decisions and living lives that reflect Christian values such as love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Reciting the creeds reinforces a sense of belonging to a global faith community. This communal aspect fosters a spirit of unity and shared purpose, which can be deeply meaningful in a fragmented world.
I advocate for reinterpreting the creeds, focusing on their symbolic and allegorical meanings rather than literal historical facts. This approach allows the creeds to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
The historic Christian creeds continue to hold profound significance for believers. They symbolize faith, a moral and ethical framework, psychological comfort, and community. The enduring relevance of these creeds lies not in their literal truth but in their ability to imbue life with meaning, purpose, and a sense of connection to a larger narrative. As Christianity evolves, these creeds will likely continue to adapt, offering insights into the human quest for understanding and belonging.