Creed is a summary of belief with which the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds begin. These two creeds, together with the Athanasian Creed, are the most ancient authoritative Christian creeds, though numerous ancient formularies of faith are preserved in the writings of the early fathers, Irenaeus, Origen, Tertullian, etc., which agree in substance, though with some diversity of expression.
The Nicene Creed was so called from being adopted as the creed of the church at the Council of Nicaea or Nice, 325 AD, though its terms were subsequently somewhat altered.
The Apostles' Creed probably dates from the end of the 4th century; but there is no evidence of its being accepted in its present form until the middle of the 8th.
The Athanasian Creed was certainly not drawn up by St Athanasius, but probably belongs to the 5th century, if not as late as the end of the 8th or beginning of the 9th century. In addition to these three creeds, the Roman Catholic Church has the creed of Pius IV, put forth in 1564, and consisting of the Nicene Creed with additional articles adopted by the Council of Trent, to which is now added a profession of belief in the definitions of the Vatican Council.
The English Church adopts as 'thoroughly to be received and believed' the three ancient creeds, which as part of her liturgy may be read in the Book of Common Prayer, but does not consider any of them to be inspired. Besides these creeds, there are numerous Confessions of Faith, which have been adopted by different churches and sects. The Thirty-nine Articles of the Book of Common Prayer form a confession of faith for the Anglican Church. The creed of the Church of Scotland and other Presbyterian churches is contained in the Confession of Faith, drawn up by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, and completed in 1646. Research Creed
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Matt and Leela Probert
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Research Creed
