E-Newsletter November 29, 2024

The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed – What’s the difference??

As we set out to begin reciting the Nicene Creed at our Sunday Masses, I thought I would put together a short catechesis around the two creeds: when and why they were written, the differences and when they are traditionally recited. Also, as we become accustomed to the new translation of the Nicene Creed, please feel free to use the bulletin as a reference at Mass. Unfortunately, the hymn books in our pews are very outdated and so the translations of the creeds are incorrect. However, new hymnals are coming to our parish in the near future, but that’s a different message for another day!

The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed are both important statements of Christian faith, summarizing essential beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. They are both used in Christian liturgies, especially during Mass, but they differ in their historical origins, content, and when they are typically recited. Here's a breakdown of their differences and their usage in the celebration of Mass:

1. The Apostles' Creed

Historical Background: The Apostles' Creed is an ancient declaration of Christian belief, traditionally attributed to the Apostles. Its exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to have developed in the early centuries of Christianity, around the 2nd century, as a concise summary of Christian teachings.

Content: The Apostles' Creed is shorter and more general, focusing on the core aspects of Christian faith:

- Belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church.

- Emphasis on the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

- Mentions of the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

2. The Nicene Creed

Historical Background: The Nicene Creed was formulated in response to theological disputes, particularly the Arian heresy, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. It was established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and expanded at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD to provide a more precise description of the nature of the Trinity and the role of the Holy Spirit.

Content: The Nicene Creed is longer and more detailed than the Apostles' Creed. It includes:

- A clear affirmation of the divinity of Jesus Christ with the phrase “consubstantial with the Father,” meaning Jesus is of the same substance as God.

- A more developed description of the Holy Spirit as the giver of life.

- A more elaborate statement about the Church, the resurrection of the dead and eternal life.

Use in Mass: The Nicene Creed is recited during Sunday Mass and on major solemnities in the Roman Catholic Church and many other Christian traditions. It is the standard profession of faith used during the Mass because it provides a more comprehensive theological explanation of the Christian faith, especially regarding the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ.

3. Why and When We Use Them in Mass

Apostles' Creed: As I mentioned, the Apostles' Creed is traditionally used during the Season of Easter, particularly during the Easter Vigil and the days following Easter, to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also recited during Baptisms. Its simplicity makes it especially suitable for these contexts, when Christians focus on the core truths of the faith and reflect on the foundational nature of the resurrection. Additionally, it is recited at the start of the Rosary, uniting those praying in a common profession of faith before meditating on the mysteries of Christ.

Nicene Creed: The Nicene Creed is used more frequently in the celebration of Mass, especially on Sundays and feast days, as it offers a fuller and more detailed profession of the faith. It is an essential part of the liturgy, where the community of believers comes together to publicly declare their belief in the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ.

Conclusion

In summary, the Apostles' Creed is a shorter, simpler summary of Christian belief, traditionally recited during the Season of Easter, Baptisms and at the beginning of the Holy Rosary. The Nicene Creed, on the other hand, is a more detailed statement of faith that is used regularly during Sunday Mass and other solemn celebrations. Both creeds serve important roles in the liturgy, helping the faithful affirm and declare their beliefs in different ways, depending on the liturgical context.

This explanation only touches the surface of these important statements of the Church, but since we will begin using the Nicene Creed at the start of Advent, I thought it was time for a refresher.