Creed

A creed is a formal statement of shared beliefs. It serves as a summary of the core tenets held by a community. Many religious groups use these statements to define their identity. The term is anglicized from the Latin word "credo," which means "I believe." This word often begins the recitation of these texts during liturgy.

In some specialized contexts, a creed is called a "symbol." This comes from the Latin "symbolum" or the Greek "symbolon," meaning a token or watchword. While creeds are usually concise, some traditions use longer documents called confessions of faith.

In Christianity, creeds have played a central role in defining orthodoxy. Orthodoxy refers to the authorized or accepted beliefs of a religious group. One primary purpose of these statements is to protect believers from false doctrines. For example, the Nicene Creed was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325. This council aimed to establish what Christians believed and affirm the deity of Christ. The creed was later revised at the First Council of Constantinople in AD 381. This revision helped affirm the doctrine of the Trinity as a whole. In AD 431, the Chalcedonian Definition was added to further clarify the doctrine of Christ.

There are several distinct types of Christian creeds used throughout history. The Apostles' Creed is a very popular statement in Western Christianity. It concisely details the Trinity, the virgin birth, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. Another important text is the Athanasian Creed, also known as "Quicunque vult." This creed focuses heavily on Trinitarian doctrine and Christology. It is unique because it includes anathemas, which are formal condemnations of those who disagree. The Tridentine Creed is another example, issued by Pope Pius IV in 1565. It was intended to summarize the teachings of the Council of Trent.

History shows that these statements evolved from very early oral traditions. The earliest known Christian creed was the simple phrase "Jesus is Lord." This originated in the writings of Paul the Apostle. Some biblical scholars believe early creeds were received within five years of Jesus' death. These may have come from the Jerusalem apostolic community. One such early creed is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3–7. It describes the death and resurrection of Jesus. Later, the Old Roman Creed emerged as a shorter version of the Apostles' Creed. This was based on the 2nd-century "Rules of Faith" and baptismal declarations.

Many Protestant denominations use confessions of faith rather than short creeds. These documents are typically much longer and more detailed.

The Augsburg Confession was created in 1530 by Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. This document marked a significant breach with the Roman Catholic Church. Other historical examples include the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England from 1562. The Westminster Confession of Faith was produced in 1647 by the Westminster Assembly of Divines. These confessions often serve as a basis for fellowship among churches of the same denomination. Some groups, like the Baptist tradition, have included specific clauses in their confessions to define their unique views.

Not all religious groups follow a creedal structure. Some groups practice "non-creedalism," which is the stance of not using formal creeds. The Anabaptists, originating in the 16th-century Radical Reformation, often stated they had "no creed, but the Bible." This view led to persecution from other believers. Today, groups like the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites continue these traditions. The Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, were founded in the 17th century. They believe that formal structures cannot replace communal relationships or a shared connection with God. Similarly, the Seventh-day Adventist Church emphasizes acting on Jesus' words over repeating creeds.

Creed-like concepts also exist in other major world religions. In Islamic theology, the term ʿaqīdah is the closest equivalent to a creed. The word ʿaqīdah literally translates to "bond" or "tie." This concept helps define the essential beliefs that bind the community together. In different cultures, creeds can also be adapted to local traditions. For instance, the Maasai people of East Africa composed the Maasai Creed in 1960. They worked with missionaries to express Christian essentials within Maasai culture. Whether through a short symbol or a long confession, these statements help communities organize their shared understanding of the world.