Nicea is extremely critical, and people cannot deny it and still be Christian. But it must be clarified with Chalcedon (451). These two statements considered together are the orthodox definition of the nature of Christ. Any that deny it are not Christian.
Of course creeds matter. A creed is, by definition what you believe. The Nicene Creed, somewhat succinctly captures the essence of God's character and nature. A more complete understanding evolves as your relationship with God grows through study and reflection on His Word.
Many years ago in a class on aestheetical theology, I picked up a simple definition for religion. Religion is the relationship between God and man. This relationship, like any relationship, is greatly influenced om your understanding or at least your perception of the second party in the relationship.
I have a relationship with God based on what I believe about God.
Matt Flynn - 13 years ago
The Bible is the authoritative, final and complete revelation of God. Therefore, I think that the creed is relevant if it points us to, reminds us of, teaches us about the Nature of the one true God, the God of the Bible. It is not in and of itself authoritative, but is useful in showing us authoritative principles/theology that come from God's Word(The Bible).
Nicea is extremely critical, and people cannot deny it and still be Christian. But it must be clarified with Chalcedon (451). These two statements considered together are the orthodox definition of the nature of Christ. Any that deny it are not Christian.
I'm not sure I'd use the word "authoritative."
Of course creeds matter. A creed is, by definition what you believe. The Nicene Creed, somewhat succinctly captures the essence of God's character and nature. A more complete understanding evolves as your relationship with God grows through study and reflection on His Word.
Many years ago in a class on aestheetical theology, I picked up a simple definition for religion. Religion is the relationship between God and man. This relationship, like any relationship, is greatly influenced om your understanding or at least your perception of the second party in the relationship.
I have a relationship with God based on what I believe about God.
The Bible is the authoritative, final and complete revelation of God. Therefore, I think that the creed is relevant if it points us to, reminds us of, teaches us about the Nature of the one true God, the God of the Bible. It is not in and of itself authoritative, but is useful in showing us authoritative principles/theology that come from God's Word(The Bible).