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What is a creed? profession of faith to proclaim a faith vision of the world, not merely knowledge and facts, but our own profession of faith commitment rule of faith a guide or measure for right reading of the scripture definition of faith boundaries and limits between our faith and everything else symbol of faith sign pointing to one’s faith, thus, for example, proclaimed by a convert at baptism reflecting the commitment to the faith of the community of believers What does a creed do? narrates the Christian story interprets the scriptures the creed and scripture together construct the Christian world (thus, based on first two) guides Christian practice prepares people for worship (when used liturgically) What are the functions of a creed? theological boundaries are the outer perimeters of acceptable teaching theological emphases are those teachings of special prominence theological posture is the way in which doctrines are used to relate to other groups and movements within Christianity or within Protestantism
[1] Parts 1
and 2 adapted and modified from Luke Timothy Johnson, The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters (Doubleday,
2003), chap. 2.
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