The Nicene Creed for Non-Creedal Christians ---An Introductory Reflection
2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. That council of bishops called together by the Roman Emperor Constantine produced a creed that in its modified form (produced by a council at Constantinople in 381 CE) is embraced by a majority of Christians across the globe. Although a further modification of the creed, adding a clause known as the filioque, led to a division between Eastern and Western Christians, the Nicene Creed still claims the allegiance of most Christians, including Christians who reject a later creedal statement produced by a council at Chalcedon in 451 CE. Numerous concerns surround the original council at Nicaea, much of which centers on Constantine’s involvement. It is that involvement that essentially led to what became Christendom. While most Christians affirm, at least in principle, what should be called the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, some Christians pursue a non-creedal form of Christianity. As such, do not claim allegiance to the Creed. Among those traditions is the Stone Campbell Movement, of which my denomination—the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a part. So, is it possible for noncreedal Christians to participate in the observance of this anniversary?
The
Disciples of Christ denomination participates in various ecumenical efforts.
Most of our ecumenical partners and interlocutors embrace, to some degree, the
Nicene Creed. Therefore, our conversations often bump up against this creed. For
those traditions, which include most Mainline Protestant denominations, that affirm
the creeds, our noncreedal status presents a problem. I have argued in various
venues, including an article published in the Journal of Discipliana that
while we are noncreedal that doesn’t mean we are anti-creedal. Rather, we do
not use creeds and confessions as tests of fellowship. In fact, Alexander
Campbell, one of the founding figures of our movement, could affirm the
Apostles Creed. However, he wasn’t as sure about the Nicene Creed, which goes
further than the Apostles Creed. You can read my reflections on the Disciples
being a Confessional church here in my Journal of Discipliana article: Disciples
of Christ: Confessing Faith as a Non-Creedal Community.
Since
the larger Christian community, East and West, will be observing the
anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, I will join in the effort, offering my
reflections here on my blog, concerning the Creed, and writing as a minister
within a non-creedal church. While my denomination is non-creedal, I have
strong creedal roots, having grown up in the Episcopal Church. Because of that
background, I am comfortable with the Creed, as long as it is not used as a
test of fellowship. At the same time, I believe it is important for Disciples,
as a non-creedal church, to reflect on questions of authority. We began our
life as a tradition seeking to be true to the New Testament. We embraced
slogans such as “No Creed but Christ, No Book but the Bible.” The question we
have struggled with in recent decades as we moved away from our Restorationist
roots has to do with the basis of our confession of faith. If not the creeds,
then what defines a common confession of faith for us? In other words, can
Disciples speak with any clarity as to what we believe beyond that “Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of the living God?” That is a question our ecumenical partners
want to know.
So, join me as I ponder these
questions during this anniversary year. I will be writing about the background
to the Nicene Creed as we know it, its possible uses, and the problems with the
creed (including the lack of mention of Jesus’ earthly ministry as well as
gender concerns). Finally, I plan on working through the Creed itself, phrase
by phrase, offering my thoughts and reflections. All of this may lead to a book,
reflections on the creed from a non-creedal (not an anti-creedal perspective). As
we prepare for the journey ahead, I will close by posting the Nicene-Constantinopolitan
Creed of 381 CE (without the filioque— “and the Son”).
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come.
Amen.
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