By Jared Lidgerwood

Previously we have looked at why we have the Apostles’ Creed and then how the creeds (in general) help to protect the life-giving Gospel. In this post we consider why Christians should use the creeds.

Why do Christians recite creeds in our public meetings?

In the reformed tradition, there are three creeds which are often used: The Apostles’ Creed, The Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. Each are a helpful summary of what Christian believe and each focus on slightly different aspects of theology. The Apostles’ Creed is the shortest and has three sections (Father Son and Spirit) spending the most time describing Jesus Christ as Son and Lord. The Nicene Creed follows the same threefold structure but gives a more detailed summary of what Christians believe, focussing on the nature of each person of the Godhead. An earlier version of this creed was formulated during the Council of Nicaea in 325AD. The Athanasian Creed is by far the longest and focuses on affirming both the Trinitarian nature of the uncreated and co-equal members of the Godhead and the Christological significance of the dual nature of Christ (fully God and fully man). It is thought to have been formulated in late 5th or early 6th century AD.