Creeds: Not By Rote But By Heart

Every worship, many churches in Christendom recite some sort of creed (a statement of beliefs). When something is done regularly, it can become routine, meaningless. The recitation of a creed was not meaningless to early Christians. In the early years of the Church, believers used the recitation of a creed as a symbol by which they could recognize each other. The Nicene Creed was recorded by the Council of Nicea in the fourth century but is believed to have been in practice earlier. The so-called Apostles Creed, traditionally, was compiled from statements of belief by each of the twelve apostles. Since it did not appear in its present form until the eighth and ninth centuries, its origin as being from the apostles cannot be verified. Each of the various creeds recorded in the United Methodist Hymnal is a powerful encapsulation of Christian beliefs.

In a recent Sunday School lesson a class explored the concept of belief as a culminating activity on the study of faith. Rather than rehash the Apostles Creed, the students were encouraged to express their beliefs as statements which answered the following questions in their own words:

I believe that God (talk about who He is, what He's like)

I believe that Jesus (talk about who He is, what His role is)

I believe the Holy Spirit (talk about who the Holy Spirit is, what His role is today)

In one of the earliest books of the New Testament James, the brother of Jesus, explains to the believers that their faith will manifest itself in actions. (James 2:14-26) The students answered the following questions in their own words:

Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my own life by

Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my church by

Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my community by

Because I believe these things, I will show the power of God in my world by

As they shared their answers, they outlined specific ways in which they could live out their creed. What about you? Could you write your own creed? How could you live out your creed? It would be easy to answer abstractly but be concrete in your responses. Make your actions specific and measurable. Be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He directs you in the dedication to ministry of your own talents and skills.

Finally, put your sentences together to create your own creed and record it. It can be a powerful means of focus in the practice of your faith.

Sources

Leclercq, Henri. "The First Council of Nicaea." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 16 Jul. 2010 .

Thurston, Herbert. "Apostles' Creed." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 16 Jul. 2010 .

Wilhelm, Joseph. "The Nicene Creed." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 16 Jul. 2010 .