| The Nicene Creed |  |
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| The Episcopal Church views the Nicene Creed as “the sufficient statement of our faith.” Meaning it is not the only one, but by itself, it says enough. Moreover, the Nicene Creed is intended to be recited in the context of the community’s worship. As such, it is not a personal statement of faith. It is, however, an important part of the worship life of the church because it reminds us of who we are, namely, a community of people who acknowledge God’s presence in our lives, who see in Jesus Christ as a human expression of God’s redeeming work, and who depend on God to bring us home to full union with God, all of creation, and each other. Perhaps no other document in the Christian church is as controversial as the Nicene Creed. Many Christians find solace in the words we recite each Sunday, while many others are bothered to the point of discomfort while saying them or even coming to church because of them. It is unfortunate that much of the Christian church has not allowed free and open discussion about the Nicene Creed and has adopted a “take it or leave it” attitude. It should be acknowledged that the Creed is a faithful representation of the Church’s vision of itself, that is, a community that believes. It should also be acknowledged the prior to the Nicene Creed or any other doctrinal statement was humanity’s experience of God. It is this foundational experience that the Creeds seek to honor. You may ask if it is necessary for one to believe each and every tenant of the Nicene Creed in order for him or her to be a Christian. The answer to that gnawing question seems to be a rather clear “no.” While an individual’s beliefs are held dear, it is in the believing community where all that is said in the Nicene Creed begins to make sense. It is the community’s expression of faith, not the individual’s. .
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Faith Concepts |
