council_or_creed

The Athanasian Creed

Era: 5th–6th century (Western)
Location: Latin West
Discovered: c. AD 500

A longer, more precise trinitarian and christological creed. Not written by Athanasius himself but named for him because it defends what he defended — one God in three co-equal Persons and one Christ in two natures.

The find

The Athanasian Creed (also called Quicunque Vult) works through the doctrine of the Trinity carefully: the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God, and yet there are not three Gods but one God (Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14). It then works through the Person of Christ in Chalcedonian terms. Its opening and closing lines — that this is "the catholic (universal) faith which, except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved" — are not meant to make salvation depend on mastering technical theology, but to warn that denying the Trinity or the true deity and humanity of Christ is denying the God who saves.

Why it matters

The most detailed of the ancient trinitarian summaries. Especially useful when discussing the Trinity with sects (e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals) that reject the biblical teaching on Father, Son, and Spirit.

Cross-linked Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:4— The LORD is one
Matthew 28:19— The threefold name
2 Corinthians 13:14— Grace, love, fellowship — Father, Son, Spirit

Doctrine check

Sources