Every Sunday, during Mass, we stand together as a community of believers and proclaim our faith by reciting the Creed. But What Is Creed exactly? Where does it originate, and what are we truly saying when we recite these powerful words? While the Creed is a complex subject, with numerous interpretations and historical debates, this article offers a foundational understanding of its meaning and importance.
Debunking Misconceptions About the Creed
It’s important to first clarify what the Creed is not. It’s not a comprehensive and exhaustive summary of all Catholic beliefs. The Catholic Church actually uses two primary Creeds: the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. While not contradictory, they differ in wording and content, with the Nicene Creed offering more detail.
Even the Nicene Creed doesn’t cover every aspect of Catholic faith. Key elements such as the Eucharist, Jesus’ teachings and miracles, and the roles of Mary and the Apostles are only briefly mentioned or omitted entirely. Therefore, it’s inaccurate to view the Creed as a complete encapsulation of Catholic doctrine.
Furthermore, the Creed is not exclusively Catholic. Many Christian denominations, including Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, also utilize it. When the Creed refers to the “holy catholic Church,” the term “catholic” (with a lowercase “c”) signifies “universal,” representing a broader sense of belonging beyond a single local church. Even the interpretation of “catholic” as “universal” is debated, but it points to a connection with something larger.
Finally, the Creed isn’t directly extracted from Scripture. Jesus didn’t deliver the Creed in the Sermon on the Mount, nor is it found in Paul’s letters or the Acts of the Apostles. While the Creed is deeply rooted in Scripture, its formulation occurred centuries after Jesus’ life and the writing of the New Testament.
So, if the Creed is not these things, then what is it?
Defining the Creed: A Summary of Core Beliefs
The word “creed” originates from the Latin word credo, meaning “I believe.” Thus, the Creed represents a set of beliefs that we hold to be true. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes it as follows:
“Whoever says ‘I believe’ says ‘I pledge myself to what I believe.’ Communion in faith needs a common language of faith, normative for all and uniting all in the same confession of faith.”
The Catechism further defines the Creed as “a sign of recognition and communion between believers…a summary of the principle truths of the faith.” In essence, it is a condensed overview of the most fundamental beliefs and core tenets.
The Creed fosters unity by providing a shared foundation of faith. During Mass, reciting the Creed together signifies agreement on essential doctrines. While disagreements may arise on specific Church teachings, the Creed offers a common ground.
The Catechism also emphasizes the Creed’s role as “the first and fundamental point of reference for catechesis.” It serves as a starting point for learning about the faith, acting as a concise summary of Catholic beliefs. Christian missionaries, like St. Francis Xavier, have historically used the Creed as a foundation for evangelization. Even today, the Creed is a vital component of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
In summary, the Creed is a concise statement of the principle truths that unite the Church, acting as a starting point for understanding and sharing the faith.
Tracing the Origins: From Apostles to Ecumenical Councils
If the Creed didn’t originate directly from the New Testament, where did it come from? Let’s examine the origins of both the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
The origins of the Apostles’ Creed are shrouded in history. Tradition held that the twelve apostles composed it on Pentecost, with each contributing one article. While this tradition is no longer widely accepted, the earliest written versions date back to the 4th century. The Catechism explains that it’s called the Apostles’ Creed because it “is rightly considered to be a faithful summary of the apostles’ faith.”
The Nicene Creed’s origins are better documented. It emerged from the first two Ecumenical Councils in Church history (Vatican II was the 21st and most recent). The First Council of Nicaea, held in present-day Turkey in 325 AD, primarily addressed the divinity of Jesus. This council produced key statements about Jesus, such as “God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father.” However, it didn’t complete the Creed as we know it today.
More than fifty years later, the Second Ecumenical Council convened in Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in 381 AD. Complementing the Council of Nicaea, this council emphasized Jesus’s humanity. It expanded on the Nicaea Creed, adding descriptions of Jesus’s birth and Passion: “by the Holy Spirit [he] was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried.”
The First Council of Nicaea, instrumental in shaping the Nicene Creed.
Constantinople also significantly expanded the Creed’s second half, affirming belief in the Holy Spirit as “the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” It concluded with the stanza on the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,” along with references to baptism, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life.
The Nicene Creed recited today is the finalized version of what began in Nicaea in 325 AD and concluded in Constantinople in 381 AD.
Unpacking the Principle Truths within the Creed
Each line of the Creed carries profound meaning, requiring extensive study to fully grasp the truths contained within. Let’s explore a few key points.
First and foremost, the Creed is fundamentally Trinitarian. It proclaims belief in one God existing as three distinct persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ the only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit. The first three sections of the Creed are dedicated to each person of the Trinity.
As previously mentioned, the Creed affirms both the divinity and humanity of Jesus. Jesus is one person with two natures. He is fully human and fully divine. The Creed also emphasizes key events in Jesus’ life: the Incarnation (Jesus becoming human and being born to Mary) and the Passion (His suffering, death, and resurrection). We profess that Jesus’ life, passion, death, and resurrection occurred “for our salvation.”
Rublev’s icon depicting the Holy Trinity.
Alongside the Trinity, the Creed affirms the four “marks” of the Church: it is “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” These interconnected characteristics represent the Church’s aspirations. With the Church, we further acknowledge the fundamental importance of baptism, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life.
The Creed’s Relevance Today
At the conclusion of reciting the Creed during Mass, the congregation proclaims “Amen,” signifying affirmation: “It is so!” We, the faithful, affirm our shared belief in the Creed. While it doesn’t encompass the entirety of our faith, it contains some of the most important and fundamental truths we believe.
Rooted in Scripture and formulated centuries ago, the Creed continues to hold profound meaning in our lives today. Take time to reflect on its words and incorporate it into your prayer life. Because the Creed encapsulates what we believe.
