Hey there,
The word creed is derived from the Latin word “credo,” which means “I believe.”
Merriam Webster defines creed as:
: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief
: a set of fundamental beliefs
In the Catholic Church we have not one, but two creeds. The Apostles Creed came first as a way to provide a standard set of beliefs for the growing Christian religion. Later it was expanded with the Nicene Creed to add even more clarity.
Now almost 1700 years later, we are saying the Nicene Creed as our Profession of Faith during Sunday Mass. And the Apostles Creed begins our Rosary prayer.
So exactly how did the two creeds originate? What’s the difference between them? What is their deeper meaning and how can they help us? This week’s issue of Genuflect answers all of these questions about these two powerful prayers.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
Origins of The Creed
The Creed dates back to AD 325 and though it’s evolved a little bit since then, Catholics have been reciting the Apostles and Nicene Creeds for almost 1700 years! Aside from understanding what the Creeds mean, it’s also good to understand the historical perspective as to why they were needed.
Origins of The Creed | Simply Catholic
The Creed’s Meaning
Each Sunday in Mass you profess the Nicene Creed. But do you fully understand the meaning behind all the words? And how is it relevant today? Here’s what you need to know.
Why is The Creed Important? | Simply Catholic
The Creed and The Catechism
As expected, the Catechism of the Catholic Church spends a lot of time discussing the Creed. In fact, the first section follows the structure of the creed. In this one intro episode, Father Mike Schmitz covers paragraphs 185-192, including the differences between the two creeds and their value.
Day 26: Communion of Believers | The Catechism in a Year Podcast
Difference Between The Two Creeds
Both the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed profess our Catholic faith. And either one may be stated as part of our Catholic Mass. So why do we have two and what’s the difference between them?
What’s The Difference Between The Apostles’ Creed And Nicene Creed? | Aleteia
Jesus Descended Into Hell?
It’s not something we talk much about, but in the Apostles Creed, we say that Jesus descended into hell. If you’re unfamiliar with this, it probably doesn’t mean what you think. You need to know what “hell” it’s referring to.
Why Does The Apostles’ Creed Say That Jesus ‘Descended Into Hell’? | Busted Halo
A Deeper Understanding
With repetition we go through the motions without thinking about what we’re saying … like robots. If that’s the case for you with the Creed, then check out this creative video that will reignite your love for this prayer by giving you a deeper understanding.
Do You Sound Like a Robot When You Say The Creed? | Catholic Link
Winning The Spiritual Battle
Genesius says we face a spiritual battle every day. To win the battle, there’s much we can learn from the best who are trained for physical battles, the US Army’s elite Rangers. Here’s how the creed can help.
Recite The Creed to Prepare For Spiritual Battle | Catholic Stand
Reserved For Solemnities
Have you ever noticed the creed is only recited during Sunday Mass and on Holy Days of Obligation? Julianne Wallace explains the reason for this.
Why is The Gloria And Creed Said on Sundays Only? | Busted Halo
genuflect: bonus
Digital Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
