Question 19: Why do you use creeds?

Answer:

We use creeds to confess the true Christian faith, to teach believers, and to preserve the unity of the Church in truth. They summarize the essential doctrines of Scripture, guide worship, protect against error, and connect us with the historic faith of the whole Church. (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 1:13–14, Romans 10:9–10, Jude 1:3, 1 Corinthians 1:10)

Full Scripture References

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.” — 1 Timothy 6:12 (BSB)

“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” — 2 Timothy 1:13–14 (BSB)

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9–10 (BSB)

“Beloved, although I wanted to write to you about our common salvation, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” — Jude 1:3 (BSB)

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.” — 1 Corinthians 1:10 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

We use creeds because they faithfully summarize the essential teachings of Scripture and provide the Church with a common confession of faith. They are not additions to the Bible, but concise declarations of what the Bible teaches about God, salvation, and the Church. By reciting the creeds, we publicly declare the faith we have received, just as believers have done since the time of the apostles. As Romans 10 reminds us, confessing with the mouth is a vital part of saving faith.

The Book of Common Prayer includes the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as part of regular worship. These are not optional extras—they are central expressions of what it means to be a Christian. Article VIII of the Thirty-Nine Articles states: “The Three Creeds… ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.” Reciting the creeds unites believers in truth and prevents the Church from drifting into error or novelty.

Bishop FitzSimons Allison once noted, “The creeds are not simply boundaries—they are maps.” They don’t just limit heresy; they lead us into the richness of biblical faith. They teach new believers what the Church has always believed and help guard them from false teaching. In an age of doctrinal confusion, the creeds keep the core of Christian faith clear, accessible, and unified across traditions and cultures.

The Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, an Anglican theologian, writes, “Creeds do not restrict truth; they preserve it. They make sure that the faith we preach today is the same faith handed down from the apostles.” The creeds are especially important in baptism and confirmation, where individuals personally affirm the faith of the Church and enter into its life. They are also used in catechesis to teach the essentials of doctrine with clarity and authority.

Ultimately, we use creeds not only to protect doctrine but to proclaim Christ. Every line of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds centers on God’s saving work through Jesus. As we confess these words, we not only affirm theological truth but join with the communion of saints throughout history. In the words of Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, “To use the creeds is to stand with the Church through the ages, proclaiming one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) wrote: “The Church, though scattered throughout the world, carefully guards this preaching and this faith… as if she had only one soul and the same heart.” — Against Heresies, 1.10.2

Irenaeus speaks of the early Church’s use of a unified confession of faith, anticipating formal creeds. Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) explained: “This rule of faith… was handed down by Christ Himself to the apostles, and from them to us. It is what unites all true believers.” — Prescription Against Heretics, 13

Tertullian referred to a shared doctrinal summary—an early version of the creeds—to preserve unity and defend truth. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD) said: “This synthesis of faith was not composed by human whim, but from the whole of Scripture, and is a shield against all heresy.” — Catechetical Lectures, 5.12

Cyril’s catechesis demonstrates the creeds as teaching tools rooted in Scripture, essential for discipleship and doctrinal defense. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) taught: “Let the Creed be your mirror. See yourself in it, that you may believe what you profess and practice what you believe.” — Sermon 58.13

Augustine saw the creed not just as a statement of belief but a guide for holy living. St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) affirmed: “This is the faith of the universal Church: we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity.” — Athanasian Creed

Athanasius recognized that unified confession of truth was vital for the Church’s worship and salvation.