Use of a Creed

Throughout the ages, the basic doctrines of faith have been codified in a formal creed recited in worship assemblies. One of the earliest of written creeds is below. Since copies of scripture were not widely available, creeds and catechisms were used to teach matters of faith to believers and as instruments of worship and professions of faith. At the time the Apostles' Creed was written, the word "catholic" was not referring to a particular branch of Christianity, rather it referred to the full body of believers world-wide. The word "catholic" actually means "universal" and did not become associated with the Roman Church until many centuries had passed and divisions of practice began to distinguish branches of Christianity.

There is nothing wrong with a creed, per se. The purpose of the creed is to codify the key elements of Christian faith in a single statement that gives honor to the Lord. Reminding ourselves of these key elements is important for refocusing our minds from the demands of life toward the tenets of faith. Read the words carefully, and consider that for over 1,500 years, this statement has been repeated aloud, daily, somewhere on the face of the earth.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the life everlasting. Amen.