Ways of Christ
Practical and
biblical questions.
Apostles' Creed.
Commentary: This is the oldest form, as handed down in
Greek. It was originally a
living personal creed, passed on by word of mouth, and no theological doctrine.
The Church tradition says, this creed originates from the apostles themselves. *But
at that time there was no church in the later meaning, but the early community/
communities. The Apostles still knew, that faith means to be deeply convinced,
and that this cannot be enforced from outside. (Some modern theologians think, it originates
from the forth century). Versions of this Creed are still
used by the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy universal church*,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.
The Nicene Creed.
This one is said to originate in the 4th century in the context of the
Nicene Council. * The term "catholic" didn't mean the later Roman
Catholic Church, but means "general", "the church of all
Christians".. (But other parts of the Nicene tradition, independently of such matters of
creed, combined religion and state in one hand. This activities of the
roman emperor Constantin later had problematic effects, enduring still today in
some countries.)
"We believe in one God,
The Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth
and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only begotten Son of God,
begotten from the Father before all ages,
light from light, true God from True God,
begotten not made,
of one substance with the Father.
By Him all things were made.
For us men and our salvation
He came down from heaven,
was made flesh from the Holy Spirit
and Mary the virgin and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
suffered and was buried.
He rose again on the third day,
according to the Scriptures,
and ascended into heaven.
He sits on the right hand of the Father
and will come again with glory
to judge the living and the dead.
His Kingdom will never end;
And in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and life-giver, who proceeds from the Father.
Together with the Father and the Son
He is worshiped and glorified.
He spoke through the prophets;
And in one holy catholic* and
apostolic church.
We confess one baptism for the remission of sins.
We look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the age to come. AMEN
In
Germany f.e. the journal "Publik Forum" is collecting "personal
creeds". If all people would formulate for themselves, what they
understood, believe, and look at as crucial, it would be an interesting
experiment - but considering, that this state of consciousness is developping.
But also a tradition which does not depend on such frequent changes, is valuable
and can give to many people the backbone they want.
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