Chapter 2: What We Believe About the Nicene Creed
Status: ✓ Completed
Reading Date: January 23, 2026
1. STUDY GUIDE
Focus Areas for Reading
As you read this chapter, pay special attention to:
Essential Concepts:
- What a "creed" is and why creeds matter
- The difference between the Apostles' Creed, Athanasian Creed, and Nicene Creed
- How creeds originated and why they were written
- The relationship between belief (creed) and action (deeds)
- The Filioque controversy and why the Orthodox Church rejected it
- How the Nicene Creed should shape your prayer life
Critical Questions to Consider:
- Why is a written creed necessary if we have the Bible?
- How do creeds protect the faith from heresy?
- What makes the Nicene Creed authoritative rather than just one person's opinion?
- Why does it matter what we believe if our deeds are sincere?
Key Passages:
- John 3:16 - Early creedal statement
- 1 Corinthians 12:3 - "Jesus Christ is Lord"
- Matthew 28:19 - Trinity in the Great Commission
- John 14:26 & 15:26 - Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 - Trinitarian blessing
Key Historical/Theological Events:
- Writing of the Apostles' Creed (2nd century)
- Writing of the Athanasian Creed (5th century)
- First and Second Ecumenical Councils (4th century) - Nicene Creed
- Introduction of the Filioque clause by Western Church (11th century)
- Rejection of Filioque by Orthodox Church (preservation of original Creed)
2. SUMMARY
Overview of Chapter Content
Chapter 2 focuses on what the Orthodox Church believes as expressed in the Nicene Creed. More than just providing the text of the Creed, Coniaris explains why creeds exist, how they originated, why they matter for Christian life, and why the Orthodox Church has preserved the Nicene Creed in its original form while other churches made alterations.
Main Themes
What Is a Creed?
A creed comes from the Latin word credo, meaning "I believe." A creed is what you believe and base your life on. Significantly, everyone has a creed—even atheists base their lives on something. Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, for example, articulated his creed: "Life is absurd. Love is impossible."
The word "creed" refers to a fundamental statement that summarizes faith and serves as a foundation for living. In the Old Testament, the great creed of Israel was the Shema: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This wasn't merely intellectual assent but a foundational truth that guided the entire faith and practice of the Jewish people.
Early Christian Creeds in Scripture
The earliest Christian creeds are found within Scripture itself. Some examples:
- John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have life everlasting."
- 1 Corinthians 12:3: "Jesus Christ is Lord"
These simple declarations encapsulate Christian faith and were confessed by early believers.
Creed as Symbol, Map, and Pledge
The chapter explores multiple metaphors for understanding what a creed is:
As a Symbol or Password: The term "symbol" derives from a word meaning "watchword" or "password" in military camps. For early Christians, the creed functioned as a password identifying true Christians. In a context of persecution and false teachings, reciting the correct creed was both an act of faith and identification with the true Church.
As a Map: A.Leonard Griffith compares creeds to geography: just as early explorers drew maps of regions they traveled through, believers throughout the centuries have formulated creeds as "religious maps for the guidance of future generations." A creed maps the terrain of Christian truth so that future generations can navigate the same path.
As a Pledge of Allegiance: Like the Pledge of Allegiance summarizes national values, the Christian creed summarizes what we believe and serves as our pledge of allegiance to God. When we recite the creed, we are making a solemn commitment.
How Did the Christian Creeds Originate?
Christian creeds emerged for two primary reasons:
1. Need for Baptismal Confession: As Christianity spread, there was a practical need for a short summary of faith that those being baptized could understand and affirm. Early baptismal candidates needed to know what they were committing to. Local churches developed brief creeds that candidates would confess before baptism.
2. Defense Against Heresy: As St. Athanasius said, creeds were "Signposts against heresy." Paradoxically, it was the great heretics who prompted the writing of great creeds. When false teachers tried to distort Christian truth, the Church responded by articulating correct doctrine through creeds. The creeds were not innovations but rather clarifications and defenses of apostolic truth against distortions.
Early Christian Creeds
The Apostles' Creed (dated to the middle of the second century): According to tradition, each of the Twelve Apostles contributed a clause to its composition—hence its name. Though not apostolic in origin, it is apostolic in its teaching, faithfully preserving apostolic doctrine.
The Athanasian Creed (fifth century): This creed was influenced by the writings of St. Athanasius and deals extensively with the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology. Like the Apostles' Creed, it was written by local churches to be recited at baptism.
The Nicene Creed: Official Creed of the Whole Church
In the 4th century, the Church faced the need for one uniform, official creed for the entire Church. The result was the Nicene Creed, composed by the First and Second Ecumenical Councils.
This is historically and theologically significant for several reasons:
Not One Man's Opinion: The fact that the Creed was written by the Church assembled in an Ecumenical Council demonstrates that it represents the voice of the whole Church, not one individual's interpretation. The Nicene Creed is the entire Church articulating and expressing its faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Corporate Confession: This is why early Christians recited the Nicene Creed saying "We believe" rather than "I believe." This plural form emphasized that the creed is not just personal conviction but the expression of the entire Christian community's faith. It's a communal, not individualistic, confession.
Acknowledging Our Limits: Coniaris emphasizes an important principle: No finite creed can ever exhaust the infinite God. St. Paul called Christ God's "inexpressible gift," underlining that no creed can fully capture His meaning. However, acknowledging our finitude, believers cannot remain silent about what God has done. We must communicate our faith, however inadequately. We need to know what we believe and in whom we believe in order to live as Christians.
Creeds and Deeds: Both Are Essential
A critical point the chapter emphasizes: Christianity is more than a creed; it is also a deed, a life to be lived. However, creeds and deeds are inseparable:
- Every deed proceeds from a creed
- What we truly believe ultimately finds expression in our lives
- A creed matters because it shapes how we live
The claim that "it doesn't matter what one believes as long as one is sincere" is naive and dangerous. Hitler was sincere—very sincere—in his beliefs, but he had the wrong creed. Most of the world's troubles stem from wrong creeds: Communism, materialism, secularism, atheism. If Christians believe they have the right creed, they have an obligation to translate it into deeds that bring glory to God.
In other words, creeds are made to be translated into life. Right belief should lead to right living. A person who affirms the Nicene Creed but lives contrary to it has made an empty confession.
The Filioque Controversy: Preserving the Original Creed
One of the most important doctrinal and historical discussions in this chapter concerns the Filioque clause ("and from the Son").
Original Orthodox Position: The original Nicene Creed, as composed by the Holy Fathers, stated that the Holy Spirit "proceeds from the Father."
Western Church Addition: Later, the Western Church unilaterally inserted the words "and from the Son"—so the clause read that the Holy Spirit "proceeds from the Father and from the Son." This single addition became one of the significant causes of friction between Eastern and Western Churches.
Why the Orthodox Church Rejected This Addition:
Violation of Council Authority: The Ecumenical Councils forbade any changes to the Creed except by another Ecumenical Council. The Creed belongs to the whole Church. One part of the Church (the West) had no right to alter it. This was not merely a technical point but a matter of principle regarding Church authority and conciliality.
Theological Incorrectness: The Orthodox Church believes the Filioque to be theologically untrue. The Orthodox principle is simple: "God knows best about Himself." Jesus Himself taught the correct understanding:
"The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things" (John 14:26)
"When the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me" (John 15:26)
These passages show that while the Son sends the Spirit, the Spirit proceeds from the Father. The Orthodox Church preserved this biblical truth: Christ sends the Spirit but the Spirit proceeds from the Father. This preserves the proper understanding of the Trinity, with the Father as the unique origin and source of the Godhead.
Orthodox Fidelity: The Orthodox Church has preserved the Nicene Creed in its original, complete, and unchanged form. This constancy is consistent with Chapter 1's teaching about the Church's "changelessness"—the Orthodox Church refuses to alter apostolic truth even under pressure.
A Correct Creed for Correct Praying
Coniaris includes a teaching from St. Augustine to catechumens (those preparing for baptism) that demonstrates how creeds shape prayer life:
Augustine instructed the catechumens: "What you have just recited, by the grace of God, is the orthodox statement of the Christian faith, on which the Holy Church is firmly established. You have received the Creed and rendered it back. Be sure that you keep it forever in your minds and hearts."
He advised them to:
- Recite it to themselves when they wake up in the morning
- Think of it as they walk down the street
- Remember it during meals
- Let their hearts meditate upon these precious words even while asleep
Teaching Before Prayer: Augustine further explained why the Church teaches the Creed before teaching the Lord's Prayer: "There is a text of scripture that says that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel 2:32). But, as St. Paul says, how can people call on the name of the Lord unless they believe in Him? (Rom. 10:13-15)."
The Church gives the Creed first so that people will know what to believe, then teaches prayer so they will know who to pray to and what to ask for. Then their prayers will be prayed in faith, and their prayers will be heard.
In other words, right belief leads to right prayer. A creed improperly understood or held leads to prayers that miss their target. Conversely, those who truly understand and embrace the Nicene Creed can pray with confidence, knowing they are praying in alignment with apostolic truth and the whole Church's faith.
The Nicene Creed as Living Confession
The chapter notes that the Nicene Creed, recited in every liturgy, serves as "a constant renewal of our baptismal confession of faith." Each time an Orthodox Christian recites the Nicene Creed in the Divine Liturgy, they are renewing and reaffirming the fundamental commitment made at baptism. The Creed is not a historical document to be studied; it is a living confession, constantly renewed.
3. VISUAL OUTLINE
The Purpose and Function of Creeds
┌──────────────────────────────────────┐
│ WHY CREEDS EXIST & MATTER │
├──────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ PRACTICAL PURPOSE │
│ ├─ Baptismal confessions │
│ │ (What candidates affirm) │
│ └─ Public identification │
│ (Mark true Christians) │
│ │
│ DEFENSIVE PURPOSE │
│ ├─ Combat heresy │
│ ├─ Protect apostolic doctrine │
│ └─ Clarify truth against false │
│ teachings │
│ │
│ SPIRITUAL PURPOSE │
│ ├─ Guide meditation & prayer │
│ ├─ Shape Christian living │
│ └─ Express corporate faith │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────┘
Evolution of Christian Creeds
APOSTOLIC AGE
↓
Simple confessions: "Jesus Christ is Lord" (1 Cor 12:3)
"For God so loved the world..." (John 3:16)
↓
2ND CENTURY
↓
Apostles' Creed (local churches, baptismal confessions)
↓
5TH CENTURY
↓
Athanasian Creed (response to Trinitarian & Christological heresies)
↓
4TH CENTURY (1st & 2nd Ecumenical Councils)
↓
NICENE CREED (official, universal, whole-Church confession)
↓
11TH CENTURY
↓
Western Church adds "Filioque" clause without Council authority
ORTHODOX CHURCH REJECTS - Preserves original Nicene Creed
↓
TODAY
↓
Orthodox Christians recite the Nicene Creed unchanged
(Constant renewal of baptismal confession)
Creeds as Multiple Metaphors
WHAT IS A CREED?
|
____________________________
| | |
PASSWORD MAP PLEDGE
| | |
Identifies true Guides believers Commitment
Christians in through Christian to God
persecuted truth like a map & Church
Church guides geography
The Relationship Between Creed and Deed
CREED → DEED
|
______________________
| |
INTELLECTUAL PRACTICAL
BELIEF EXPRESSION
| |
What we believe How we live
| |
God's truth God's work
| |
Foundation Fruit
| |
MUST be correct Must flow from
(wrong creeds lead to correct creed
wrong deeds) (right belief
→ right living)
PRINCIPLE: "Creeds are made to be
translated into life"
The Filioque Controversy: One Word, Major Implications
ORIGINAL NICENE CREED (Ecumenical Council)
↓
"The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father"
↓
↓─ 11TH CENTURY ─→ WESTERN CHURCH
│ │
│ ↓
│ "The Holy Spirit proceeds
│ from the Father AND
│ FROM THE SON (Filioque)"
│ │
│ Added without Council approval
│ Single addition to
│ official Creed
│ │
↓ ↓
ORTHODOX CHURCH WESTERN CHURCH
Rejects Filioque Adopts Filioque
│ │
├─ Violates Council ├─ Argues it
│ authority (only preserves
│ Council can alter Trinitarian
│ Creed) relationships
│
├─ Theologically └─ Becomes
│ incorrect point of
│ (contradicts East-West
│ Scripture: friction
│ Son SENDS Spirit, (contributes
│ Spirit PROCEEDS to Great
│ from Father) Schism)
│
└─ Preserves Father as
unique source of Trinity
Creed Structure: Communal Not Individual
EARLY CHRISTIAN PRACTICE
|
"I BELIEVE" (singular)
↓
Personal, individual faith
↓
BUT ALSO →
↓
"WE BELIEVE" (plural)
↓
Corporate, communal faith
of the whole Church
under the Holy Spirit
↓
NOT just my opinion
= Church's expression of faith
4. REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Personal Application & Deeper Thinking
On Creeds Generally:
What is your personal creed—the core beliefs you base your life on? How does your creed compare to the Nicene Creed?
Coniaris says everyone has a creed. Before becoming Orthodox, what creed were you operating from? How is that changing?
The chapter emphasizes that creeds are not abstract theology but practical guides for living. What difference does a creed make in how you actually live your life?
On Creeds as Defense:
St. Athanasius said creeds are "signposts against heresy." Why do you think false teachings prompted the Church to write creeds? What heresies threaten the Church today?
If you encountered someone teaching something that contradicted the Nicene Creed, how would you respond? What would you say to them?
On the Authority of the Nicene Creed:
The Nicene Creed was written by the whole Church in Ecumenical Council, not by one person. Why does this matter? How does this affect your confidence in the Creed?
How would you explain to someone from another Christian tradition why the Orthodox Church considers the Nicene Creed authoritative?
On Creeds and Prayer:
Augustine taught that understanding the Creed comes before learning to pray. Why would correct belief be necessary for effective prayer?
How might regularly meditating on the Nicene Creed throughout your day (morning, street, meals, sleep) change your spiritual life?
When you recite the Nicene Creed in the Divine Liturgy, what should that moment mean to you?
On Creeds and Deeds:
Coniaris says "every deed proceeds from a creed." Think of a specific action you took recently. What creed (what beliefs) motivated that action?
He gives the example of Hitler being sincere but having the wrong creed. What are the implications of this for Christian living? How does it challenge the idea that sincerity alone is enough?
What are some specific ways your belief in the Nicene Creed should change how you act toward others this week?
On the Filioque:
The Filioque clause was added by one part of the Church without consulting the whole. Why would the Orthodox Church maintain the principle that only an Ecumenical Council can alter the Creed?
The Filioque is both a technical theological issue AND a statement about Church authority and process. How do both the theology and the process matter?
The chapter explains that the Spirit "proceeds" from the Father while the Son "sends" the Spirit. Why is this distinction important theologically?
Integration & Commitment:
What is one key insight from this chapter about creeds that you want to remember?
How will learning about the Nicene Creed and its role in the Church shape your approach to becoming Orthodox?
As you prepare for chrismation, what role should the Nicene Creed play in your spiritual preparation?
5. KEY DEFINITIONS
Core Theological and Historical Terms
CREED
- Definition: From Latin credo ("I believe"); a formal statement of beliefs that summarizes and expresses faith
- Function: Serves as a confession of faith, a guide for living, a defense against heresy, and a rallying point for believers
- Orthodox Understanding: A creed is not merely intellectual assent but a living confession that shapes belief and practice
- Example: The Nicene Creed is the official creed of the Orthodox Church
NICENE CREED
- Definition: The official creed of the Orthodox Church, composed by the First and Second Ecumenical Councils in the 4th century
- Authority: Written by the whole Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not by individuals
- Use: Recited in every Divine Liturgy as a constant renewal of baptismal confession
- Distinctive Feature: Preserved in its original form by the Orthodox Church without the Filioque clause
- Scope: Confesses faith in God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church
APOSTLES' CREED
- Definition: An ancient creed dating to the middle of the second century, traditionally attributed to the Twelve Apostles
- Origin: Each apostle supposedly contributed a clause; hence the name (though this is more tradition than historical fact)
- Status: Not apostolic in origin, but apostolic in its teaching
- Use: Written by local churches to be recited at baptism
- Distinction from Nicene: Shorter and simpler; predates the Nicene but less universally authoritative
ATHANASIAN CREED
- Definition: A creed from the fifth century influenced by the writings of St. Athanasius
- Focus: Deals extensively with the doctrines of the Trinity and Christology
- Context: Written in response to trinitarian and christological heresies
- Use: Like the Apostles' Creed, used by local churches in baptismal confessions
- Naming: Named after St. Athanasius, the great defender of orthodox Christology
ECUMENICAL COUNCIL (in context of creed-writing)
- Definition: An assembly of bishops from throughout the entire Church representing the whole Church
- Authority: Decisions regarding doctrine are considered authoritative when accepted by the whole Church
- Creed-Writing Role: The First and Second Ecumenical Councils wrote the Nicene Creed for the universal Church
- Principle: Only an Ecumenical Council can alter or amend the Creed; no individual or regional church has this authority
FILIOQUE (Latin: "and from the Son")
- Definition: An addition to the Nicene Creed stating that the Holy Spirit "proceeds from the Father and from the Son"
- Historical Origin: Introduced by the Western Church in the 11th century without Council approval
- Orthodox Rejection: The Orthodox Church rejected this addition for two reasons:
- Procedural: It violated the principle that only an Ecumenical Council can alter the Creed
- Theological: It contradicts Scripture and the proper understanding of the Trinity
- Theological Issue: Confuses the distinction between the Spirit proceeding (from the Father) and the Spirit being sent (by the Son)
- Historical Impact: Became one of the significant points of friction between Eastern and Western Churches
HERESY / HERETICAL
- Definition: False teaching that contradicts apostolic doctrine and Church truth
- Historical Context: Great heresies prompted the Church to write creeds to defend true doctrine
- Examples: Arianism (denying Christ's divinity), Nestorianism (denying Christ's unity), Monophysitism (denying Christ's two natures)
- Purpose of Creeds: To be "signposts against heresy" by clearly articulating true doctrine
CATECHUMEN
- Definition: A person undergoing instruction in the Christian faith and preparing for baptism
- Practice in Early Church: Catechumens were taught the Creed and were required to confess it before baptism
- Modern Practice: Orthodox catechumens preparing for chrismation similarly study the faith and make their confession
- Education: Catechumens received instruction in both doctrine (Creed) and prayer (Lord's Prayer)
BAPTISMAL CONFESSION
- Definition: The statement of faith recited by a person being baptized, confessing belief in the Trinity and the Church
- Renewal: The Nicene Creed, recited in every liturgy, serves as a constant renewal of one's baptismal confession
- Commitment: A public commitment to faith in Jesus Christ and the Orthodox Church
- Significance: Not merely words but a life-changing commitment made before God and the Church
APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE / APOSTOLIC FAITH
- Definition: The teaching of the apostles as preserved and transmitted through the Church
- Relationship to Creeds: Creeds are summaries of apostolic doctrine, protecting it from distortion
- Validation: A creed is valid if it faithfully expresses apostolic teaching, regardless of when it was written
- Orthodox Principle: Even newer formulations (like the Nicene Creed) are valid if they accurately express what the apostles taught
CHRISTOLOGICAL HERESY
- Definition: False teaching about the nature or identity of Jesus Christ
- Examples: Arianism (Christ is a creature), Nestorianism (Christ is two separate persons), Monophysitism (Christ has only one nature)
- Response: The Nicene Creed was written partly to combat christological heresies and clearly articulate Christ's divinity and humanity
TRINITARIAN HERESY
- Definition: False teaching about the nature of God or the relationship between the Three Persons of the Trinity
- Examples: Arianism (denying the Son's equality with the Father), Modalism (Three Persons are just modes/phases of God)
- Response: Creeds like the Athanasian and Nicene address trinitarian heresies by clarifying the relationship of Father, Son, and Spirit
- Council Defense: Ecumenical Councils defined orthodox trinitarianism against heretical understandings
CONSUBSTANTIAL (also homoousios)
- Definition: Of the same substance or essence; used to express that the Son is of the same substance as the Father
- Nicene Context: The Nicene Creed affirms Christ is "consubstantial with the Father"
- Theological Import: Defends against Arianism and affirms Christ's full divinity
- Greek Term: homoousios, which became a key term in creedal definitions
CATECHESIS / CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION
- Definition: Religious instruction or teaching, especially preparation for baptism or joining the Church
- Historical Practice: The early Church had a structured catechetical process including teaching the Creed
- Orthodox Practice: Modern catechesis includes this book and study like you are doing now
- Purpose: To teach both doctrine and practice—what to believe and how to live
EPICLESIS
- Definition: The prayer in the Divine Liturgy calling upon the Holy Spirit to consecrate the bread and wine
- Connection to Creed: Relates to the Filioque debate (the Spirit is called upon by the priest, sent by the Son from the Father)
- Trinitarian Expression: Demonstrates the roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Eucharist
- Liturgical Significance: Central moment showing how right doctrine shapes right worship
6. UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
How the Key Passages Connect to Chapter 2 Themes
John 3:16 - Early Creedal Statement
Full text: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have life everlasting."
Relevance: This is one of the earliest Christian creeds found in Scripture itself. It encapsulates the entire Gospel message in one sentence. Coniaris uses this to show that creeds weren't invented by councils—they emerged naturally from the earliest Church's need to summarize faith. This verse demonstrates that even before formal creeds like the Nicene Creed existed, Christians were articulating their faith in concise statements. It's also deeply personal ("God so loved the world...") while being universally applicable ("whoever believes"), showing how creeds balance both individual commitment and corporate truth.
1 Corinthians 12:3 - "Jesus Christ is Lord"
Full text: "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."
Relevance: This is described in the chapter as one of the earliest Christian creeds. It's remarkably simple yet profound—a single confession of faith that identifies true Christians. This verse shows why creeds functioned as "passwords" in the early Church: a true Christian, speaking by the Holy Spirit, could confess "Jesus is Lord." This creed protected the Church from false teachers. Anyone claiming to be Christian but denying Jesus as Lord would be revealed as false. The verse emphasizes that making this confession requires the Holy Spirit—it's not just intellectual agreement but spiritual surrender.
Matthew 28:19 - Trinity in the Great Commission
Full text: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Relevance: This passage is foundational to understanding why the Trinity is central to the Nicene Creed and why baptism is so important. Jesus explicitly commands baptism in the name of the Trinity. Coniaris notes that the three Persons are mentioned distinctly ("Father," "Son," "Holy Ghost") yet united in "the name" (singular, not "names"). This verse is why the Nicene Creed begins by laying out the Trinity—because Trinitarian faith is essential to baptismal confession. It also connects to the chapter's teaching that creeds are not arbitrary human inventions but expressions of what Jesus Himself commanded.
John 14:26 & 15:26 - Holy Spirit Proceeding from the Father
John 14:26: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
John 15:26: "But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me."
Relevance: These verses are crucial to the Filioque controversy discussed extensively in Chapter 2. Jesus Himself clarifies the relationship between the Son and the Spirit:
- The Father sends the Spirit (14:26)
- The Son also sends the Spirit (15:26)
- But the Spirit proceeds from the Father (15:26)
This is exactly why the Orthodox Church rejected the Filioque clause. The Western Church added "and from the Son" to the Creed, but Jesus Himself taught the correct understanding: the Spirit proceeds from the Father (eternally), while the Son sends the Spirit (historically/functionally). Jesus is the ultimate authority on the Trinity—God Himself explaining His own nature—so the Orthodox preserved His teaching by rejecting the Filioque and maintaining the original Creed.
2 Corinthians 13:14 - Trinitarian Blessing
Full text: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Relevance: This Trinitarian blessing, used in Orthodox liturgy, demonstrates how the Trinity isn't abstract theology but lived, experienced reality. St. Paul uses it as a benediction—a gift of grace to believers. This verse shows how creeds shape prayer and worship. The Trinitarian confession isn't meant to be intellectually puzzled over but lived and experienced: we receive grace through Christ, love from the Father, and communion/fellowship through the Holy Spirit. The chapter emphasizes that correct creed leads to correct prayer; this verse is an example of how Trinitarian theology becomes Trinitarian prayer and blessing.
Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema (Referenced in Chapter)
Full text: "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord."
Relevance: Coniaris references this as the great creed of Israel. It establishes monotheism as the foundation of Old Testament faith. This is important for understanding why the Nicene Creed also emphasizes "one God"—the Church inherited this foundational truth from Judaism. However, the Nicene Creed goes further by articulating that this one God exists as three Persons. The Shema is the foundation; the Nicene Creed is the fuller revelation of that one God's nature as Trinity.
Joel 2:32 & Romans 10:13-15 - Calling on the Name of the Lord (Referenced in Chapter)
Joel 2:32: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 10:13-15: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved... But how shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?"
Relevance: These verses support the chapter's key teaching that correct creed is necessary for correct prayer. You cannot pray in faith without knowing what you believe and who you're praying to. St. Augustine's teaching (cited in the chapter) explains why the Church teaches the Creed before the Lord's Prayer: Paul says you must first believe in order to call upon the Lord. The Creed teaches what to believe; prayer is the result. Without a correct creed, your prayer has no proper foundation.
How These Verses Work Together
| Verse | Addresses |
|---|---|
| John 3:16 | Creeds are natural expressions of faith (Gospel in a nutshell) |
| 1 Corinthians 12:3 | Creeds identify true Christians and protect against false teaching |
| Matthew 28:19 | The Trinity is foundational to Christian baptism and faith |
| John 14:26 & 15:26 | Defines the relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit (Filioque issue) |
| 2 Corinthians 13:14 | Shows how Trinitarian creed becomes lived prayer and blessing |
| Deuteronomy 6:4 | Establishes monotheism as foundation for understanding Trinity |
| Joel 2:32 & Romans 10:13-15 | Correct creed necessary for correct prayer |
Together, these verses establish that:
- Creeds emerge naturally from Christian faith, not artificially imposed
- Creeds distinguish true Christians from false teachers
- The Trinity is central to Christian identity
- Our understanding of the Trinity shapes how we pray and worship
- Without correct belief, our prayers lack foundation
7. CHAPTER 2 AS A PARENT WOULD TELL IT
"Why What You Believe Actually Matters"
A Story to Help You Understand
Okay, imagine you're learning to drive. Your parents could say, "Just get in the car and figure it out." Or they could give you a manual—a clear guide that says, "Here's what the steering wheel does. Here's what the gas pedal does. Here's how to start the engine. Here's what the speed limit is."
Which would be more helpful?
Of course, the manual. You need to know what you're doing before you do it.
That's what a creed is. It's a guide. It's a manual for what to believe.
What Is a Creed, Really?
The word "creed" comes from the Latin word credo, which means "I believe." So a creed is just a statement of what you believe.
But here's the thing: everyone has a creed. You have a creed even if you don't realize it. A creed is whatever you base your life on—whatever you really believe is true.
For example, if you believe "hard work pays off," that's part of your creed. If you believe "friends are important," that's part of your creed. If you believe "God loves me," that's definitely part of your creed.
People who don't believe in God also have a creed. An atheist might say, "The universe is random. There's no God, no ultimate purpose, just matter and energy." That's their creed—what they believe and base their life on.
A long time ago, there was a philosopher named Jean-Paul Sartre who said his creed was: "Life is absurd. Love is impossible." Pretty depressing, right? But that's what he believed, and his whole worldview was built on that.
The point is: what you believe actually matters. Your creed shapes how you live.
The Creed of Israel
Do you know what the foundational creed of the Jewish people was? It was called the Shema, and it's still recited today. It goes like this:
"Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord."
That's it. Simple, but powerful. This one statement meant everything to the Jewish people. It meant God is singular, not multiple. God is one, unified, not divided. And because God is one, we should have one heart devoted to this one God.
That creed shaped everything they did, how they worshipped, how they lived.
The Creed of Christians
When Christianity started, Jesus's followers needed their own creed—a simple statement of what they believed. So they came up with some early ones:
"Jesus Christ is Lord"
That's it. Just four words. But if you said those four words in the early Church, you were saying something powerful: I believe Jesus is God. I believe He rules my life. I'm a Christian.
Later, as Christianity grew, people got more specific. Someone would summarize the faith like this:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have life everlasting."
These weren't fancy theologians writing creedal statements. These were just regular Christians saying, "Here's what I believe. Here's what matters."
Why Creeds Became So Important
Over time, a problem developed. False teachers started showing up, saying things that contradicted what Jesus and the apostles taught. They would twist Scripture to support their own ideas.
A false teacher might say, "Jesus wasn't really God. He was just a really good man." Or "Jesus didn't really die and rise again. That was just spiritual."
When false teachers started corrupting the faith, the Church realized: We need to write down what we actually believe, clearly and officially, so people can't distort it.
So the bishops of the Church got together in councils (big meetings) and said, "Okay, let's write down the official belief of the entire Church. Not just one bishop's opinion, not just one local church's idea, but what the whole Church believes."
That's why creeds were written—to protect the truth from being distorted by false teachers.
The Different Creeds
The first official creeds came from local churches. If you were getting baptized, the priest would ask you to confess what you believed. Different churches had different confessions, but they all said basically the same thing:
- You believe in God the Father
- You believe in Jesus Christ, His Son
- You believe in the Holy Spirit
- You believe in the Church
The most famous early ones were the Apostles' Creed and the Athanasian Creed.
But eventually, bishops from all over the Church got together and said, "We need ONE official creed for the entire Church—not just local creeds, but one that represents what every Christian everywhere believes."
So they wrote the Nicene Creed, and they made it official. When you recite the Nicene Creed today, you're saying the same thing that the entire Church has been saying for 1,600 years.
One Word Changed Everything
Here's where it gets interesting—and kind of important.
For about 1,000 years, the Nicene Creed said this about the Holy Spirit:
"The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father"
That's it. Simple. The Spirit comes from God the Father.
But then, around the year 1000, the Western Church decided to add two words. They changed it to:
"The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and from the Son"
They added "and from the Son." Those two words. And it caused a HUGE fight between the Eastern Church and the Western Church.
Why was this such a big deal? Because Jesus Himself taught us the right way to understand it:
"The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name... but whom I shall send to you from the Father..."
Notice what Jesus said: The Father sends the Spirit. The Son also sends the Spirit. But the Spirit proceeds from the Father.
It's like this: Think of a river. The source (where it comes from) is one place. But the river can be directed by people along the way. The Holy Spirit's source, its origin, is God the Father. But the Son directs the Spirit and sends the Spirit. They're different things.
The Western Church changed the Creed without asking everyone else. And the Orthodox Church said, "No. We're not going to change what Jesus Himself taught. We're going to keep the Creed exactly as it was written."
And that's why today, Orthodox Christians still recite the Nicene Creed in its original form, without those two words added.
This teaches an important lesson: Truth isn't negotiable. Just because something seems like a small change doesn't mean it's okay to make it without the whole Church agreeing.
Belief and Action
Here's something really important the chapter teaches us:
What you believe shapes how you live.
Some people say, "Creeds don't matter. What matters is how you act. It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere and you do good things."
But that's not true.
For example, Hitler was sincere. He really believed what he believed. But he believed the wrong things, and because of his beliefs, he did horrible things.
A terrorist might be sincere about their beliefs. But if their beliefs are wrong, their sincerity doesn't make them right.
Your creed—what you really believe—matters because it's the foundation for how you act.
If you believe "all people are worth nothing," you'll treat people badly.
If you believe "God loves me and all people," you'll treat people with respect and kindness.
If you believe "this life is all there is," you'll make different choices than if you believe "I'll answer to God for my choices."
Your creed shapes your life. That's why the Church gives you a creed—not just as words to memorize, but as a foundation for living.
Creed as a Map
Think about a map. If you want to go somewhere, a map helps you. It shows you where things are, how to get there, what obstacles are in the way.
A creed is like that for your faith. It's a map that says: "Here's the landscape of Christian truth. Here are the important landmarks. Here's the way to go. Here are the dangers to avoid."
Without a map, you might get lost. Without a creed, you might believe things that aren't true, or you might wander away from the real faith.
The Nicene Creed is the Church's map for Christian faith. It says: "This is what we believe. This is where the important truths are. Follow this and you'll be on the right path."
Belief Comes Before Prayer
Here's something really practical: The early Church taught that before you learn to pray, you need to know what to believe.
Why?
Because, as the Bible says: "How can you call upon someone unless you believe in them? And how can you believe in someone unless you know what they're like?"
So here's the order:
- First, you learn the Creed—what you believe about God
- Then, you learn to pray—knowing who you're talking to and what you're asking for
If you don't know what you believe, how can you pray? You'd be talking to God, but you wouldn't really know who God is or what to ask Him for.
That's why every time you go to church, you recite the Nicene Creed before you pray. You're saying, "Okay, here's what I believe. Now I can pray based on what I believe."
What You're Really Saying
When you recite the Nicene Creed, you're not just reading words. You're making a commitment. You're saying:
- "I believe in God the Father who made everything"
- "I believe in Jesus Christ—that He's God's Son, that He died for me, that He rose from the dead"
- "I believe in the Holy Spirit who lives in me"
- "I believe in the Church—the body of Christ"
- "I believe in baptism and the resurrection"
You're not saying "I think maybe these things might be true." You're saying, "I believe this. I'm committing my life to this. This is what I'm building my life on."
That's why it's called a creed—from credo, "I believe."
The Power of Saying It Together
Something else is really cool: You don't recite the creed alone. You recite it with the whole Church.
In the early Church, people didn't say "I believe." They said "We believe."
"We believe in one God..."
Why? Because it's not just your personal opinion. It's not "well, I personally think..." It's "this is what the whole Church believes. This is what every Christian has believed for 1,600 years."
When you stand up in church and recite the Nicene Creed with everyone else, you're joining your voice with millions of Christians throughout history and around the world today. You're part of something much bigger than yourself.
That's powerful.
Moving From Knowledge to Living
Here's the final important thing: Learning the creed isn't the end. It's the beginning.
You learn the creed so that you understand what you believe. Then, you're supposed to live that belief.
If you believe that God loves you, you should respond to others with love.
If you believe that Jesus died to save you, you should be grateful and want to serve Him.
If you believe the Holy Spirit lives in you, you should live like you're holy and set apart for God.
The creed is the manual. Your life is supposed to be the car being driven according to that manual.
What you believe matters because it shapes who you are and how you live.
Study Completion Notes
Chapter 2 Completed: January 23, 2026
Personal Insights to Remember:
- [Space for your reflections]
Connections to Chapter 1:
- How does this chapter's emphasis on the Creed relate to Chapter 1's teaching about the Church's role in preserving truth?
Questions for Next Session:
- [Add any unresolved questions here]
Connection to Your Faith Journey:
- [How understanding the Nicene Creed affects your conversion process]
Next Chapter: Chapter 3 - What We Believe About Jesus
Optional: If you're ready to continue with Chapter 3 this week, simply let me know!