Introduction

There are many different beliefs that people have held at various times, places and in various cultures. But what is common to people of every time is a longing for truth. We want to know! We want to know the purpose of our life, why we are here on earth, where we came from, whether there is a God, who this God is, whether there is an afterlife, and so much more! 

These most basic and fundamental questions are hopefully in the forefront of our minds. And if they are not, it's never too late to start! Below is the answer to these questions. It is our Creed. At first, the Creed can seem dry and unimpressive. It can even seem confusing and overly academic. But when properly understood, the Creed holds the answer to the questions we so deeply seek. 

The Nicene Creed was written over 1,500 years ago!  And since that time it has been professed, lived and loved by countless Christians and saints of God.  It has been the forming set of beliefs that so many have even shed their blood for.  It's deep, profound, clear and transformative when properly understood.

This Creed is professed every Sunday at every Catholic Mass throughout the world.  It's said in unison with every other Catholic.  But it's also said individually, by each one making the profession.  Our individual profession of this faith is what unites us with each other and with our Triune God.  

Too often we stand and profess this Creed and our mind wanders to other things.  We think about yesterday, or what we will do later in the day.  We think about our particular struggles or hurts.  Or we may even find ourselves randomly daydreaming as we speak the words of the Creed.  I believe the primary reason we can so easily be distracted and enter into "routine mode" as we profess the Creed is because we do not understand it.  Sure, we may get the basic parts, but most Catholics do not truly understand the depth and splendor of the Creed.  And therefore, most Catholics do not understand the depth and the splendor of their own personal Catholic faith!

If this is you, even to a small degree, then commit yourself to a more in-depth reflection on the faith of the Catholic Church and continually ask yourself, "Do I believe?"  "Is this also my personal faith?"  Be open.  Be attentive to God's voice.  Seek the truth and let that truth speak to your conscience.   

So join along on a reflection to the beautiful answers to the questions of life! 

The Creed

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Next: Chapter 1 - Coming to Faith