The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of Christian faith, dating back to the 2nd century AD. It is widely used in the Western Church and is considered a summary of the beliefs of the early Christian Church. The text of the creed is as follows:
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. On the third day, he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there, he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”
What is the original Apostles Creed?
The original form of the Apostles’ Creed is not definitively known, as it was not written down until several centuries after the apostles’ deaths. The earliest versions of the creed are believed to have been used as a baptismal profession of faith in the early Christian Church. These versions were likely passed down orally and varied in different regions. The text of the creed that is most commonly used today is believed to have been formalized in the 4th or 5th century and is a summary of the core beliefs of the early Christian Church.
What is the difference between Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed?
The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are two of the most widely used statements of the Christian faith. The main difference between them is their purpose and the time period in which they were written.
The Apostles’ Creed was created in the 2nd century and is considered a summary of the beliefs of the early Christian Church. It is shorter and more concise than the Nicene Creed and focuses mainly on the basic tenets of the Christian faith, such as the belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
The Nicene Creed, on the other hand, was written in 325 AD at the Council of Nicaea, an early gathering of Christian leaders. It was created to address the Arian heresy, which held that Jesus was a created being and not fully divine. The Nicene Creed is longer and more detailed than the Apostles’ Creed and includes more specific language affirming the deity of Jesus Christ.
Both creeds are widely used in the Western Church, but the Nicene Creed is considered the more authoritative statement of faith and is used more frequently in liturgical services.
Why do Catholics say the Apostles creed?
Catholics recite the Apostles’ Creed as a profession of their faith and a symbol of unity with the early Christian Church. The creed is considered a summary of the core beliefs of the Catholic Church and is used in several liturgical contexts, such as the celebration of the Mass and the administration of the sacrament of baptism.
Reciting the creed is also seen as a way for Catholics to express their belief in the central mysteries of the faith, such as the existence of the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the forgiveness of sins. By reciting the creed together, Catholics affirm their shared beliefs and their unity as a community of faith.
In addition to its liturgical use, the Apostles’ Creed is also used for personal devotion and reflection, allowing Catholics to meditate on their faith and deepen their understanding of the beliefs that define their religion.
