Watty's Website

Creeds and Confessions

The word "creed" comes from the Latin credo "I believe." Creeds simply are brief statements of belief. The word "confession" also comes from Latin; con- which signifies completeness and fari which means to speak. Confessions are more complete statements of belief, but of course not exhaustive. Finally, the word "catechism" is a development of "catechize" which comes from the Greek construction, katechizein which means "to din into the ears". Catechisms are series of questions and answers, desgined to be learned, that teach and instruct the reader in core truths about the Christian faith.

Historically many creeds and confessions have been drawn up to unite Christians around re-statements of the Biblical faith. They have often been issued at times to clarify truth when some have been in error.

The historic Christian faith is revealed in Scripture alone. However it is expressed, as far as they faithfully explain the Bible, in numerous creeds and confessions. I have included here some, what I hope, are good examples. Remember, not every creed and confession that has been produced is sound. Do check what they say agrees with the Bible (Acts 17:11). Not all these confessions would agree with each other in every point, but I hope you will see how in the essential gospel truths there is unity. Please do let me know if you think otherwise! (N.b. these links are all offsite).

Ancient Creeds

• Apostles Creed
• Nicene Creed (325AD & 381AD)
• Athanasian Creed
• Creed of Chalcedon (451AD)

Reformation Confessions

• Augsberg Confession (1530) - Lutheran

The Three Forms of Unity (Reformed)

• Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
• Canons of the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619)
• Belgic Confession (1619)

The Church Of England (Anglican)

• Thirty Nine Articles (1571)
• Book of Common Prayer (1662)

The Westminster Standards (Presbyterian)

• Westminster Confession (1647)
• Westminster Larger Catechism (1647)
• Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)

Others

• Savoy Declaration (1658) - Congregationalist
• London Baptist Confession (1689) - Baptist

Later Statements of Faith

• New Hampshire Confession (1833) - Baptist
• Abstract of Principles (1858) - Baptist

Contemporary Statements of Faith

• Chigcago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978)
• Crosslinks Statement of Faith - Anglican Evangelical Mission Agency (1986)
• Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (1988)
• CPAS Basis of Faith - Anglican Evangelical (c. 1990)
• Refom Covenant - Anglican Evangelical (c. 1993)
• Cambridge Declaration (1996) - Non-denominational
• Desiring God Affirmation of Faith and Catechism (2000s)
• Together For the Gospel Affirmations and Denials (2006)
• Gospel Coalition Foundation Documents (2007)
• UCCF Doctrinal Basis - Non-denominational
• South East Gospel Partnership - Non-denominational