Abstract

This research project examines the role of early church creeds as a safeguard within the ancient church and the modern church to fight heresy that was prevalent within the culture. It investigates the historical context of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, emphasizing how these creeds were used to drive out heretical beliefs such as Gnosticism and Arianism. This study argues that while these creeds successfully clarified and summarized the core doctrines of the Christian faith and drive out heretical teachings, they did not fully achieve lasting unity among the church and Christian groups. The study shares the important historical significance of the Protestant Reformation and how this movement led to the creation these ancient church creeds. It shows that initially these creeds were used as profession of faith for new believers who were about to get baptized and how that evolved into Christians adopting these creeds as their statements of faith. This project also shares different modern-day views of these church creeds like the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and how they hold fast to Sola Scriptura which is the belief that that Bible is their only authority rather than having a church creed to anchor their beliefs. Overall, this paper emphasizes the enduring theological and historical importance of early church creeds as a protective measure and facet of the church.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-12-2025

Mentor

Dr. Deverin Muff

Mentor Department Affiliation

Exercise and Sport Science

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

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