15 May 2010 | 2 comments

Creedal conundrums (part 2) Sandy Grant

Ben Bathgate15/05/2010 03:04 AM

I can sympathise with the comment you received, Sandy. While the person didn’t provide any reasons, I think we can easily think of some, and should state clearly the case “against” the creeds, if I can put it like that. For example, the creeds don’t major on the atonement and are instead focused on early church debates about the nature of the Godhead and the person of Christ. If the creeds are a product of their time (which is fine) perhaps we need new creeds which incorporate truth about God and his purposes in the context of our 21st century mission. These would continue to include biblical statements about the Trinity and Christ’s persons, but also include clear statements about the saving work of Christ, apart from works, for example.

Having said all that, I now work in a heavily Muslim context, and I’ve discovered a new love of the creeds, particularly the Nicene creed which we say every week at church (we use the prayer book). I appreciate it in a way I never did before, for all the reasons you state, especially the clear statements about the person of Christ, and the connection to historical Christianity. I’ve even considered using the creed (and perhaps the prayer book!) in my evangelism with a particular Muslim friend. Haven’t done it thus far, though.

Al Garlando15/05/2010 03:51 AM

Another way to confess your faith as a congregation is to say the Lord’s Prayer together.
We do this weekly. Put the text up on the screen.
We also occasionally do responsive readings of scripture. I.e. leader reads one verse, congregation reads one verse. It doesn’t always work smoothly - but it’s something to train people in so that aren’t just an audience.

Being raised as a Catholic and then spending the best part of 25 years in an Independent Fundamentalist Church I was strongly against the use of the Lord’s Prayer and Creed recitation. However, in my new/current pastorate have come to appreciate it as a great way to express our faith and unity and provide a succinct summary of beliefs. When preaching I will frequently refer to sections to emphasise application points. This re-enforces the validity of the experience and helps the congregation affirm and recite them with greater confidence and conviction.

Al

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Paul is one of the Staff Editors at Matthias Media. He is married to Cathy and has three fantastic kids. He loves student ministry, reading, writing music and playing the saxophone, and is looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face.

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