Perhaps one idea we’re missing in all this talk of creeds, or at least talking around, is what exactly we are affirming and proclaiming.

Correct me if I’m wrong, Tom, but what you seem to be saying is that the various creeds miss out on all the acts of Jesus that we are to emulate. I would argue that while that is a central part of our discipleship, and something we should strive after over a lifetime, it is not central to what/who we affirm when we proclaim our faith.

The Apostles’ or Nicene creeds are there for us to profess our faith in God, and they help us define who that God is. To say who He is in such a short profession of faith will necessarily leave out a lot of detail. That’s why we don’t stop there, and continue on in ither areas of being His disciples.

My reasoning goes like this. I believe (insert creed here). So far so good. How does that work itself out daily? The creed points to the God revealed in Christ as we see in holy scripture. The creed is a pointer.  So I look in scripture and see further that I must be a disciple of Jesus. I study there and emulate what I learn. So the scripture is also a pointer and a teacher. This is where I would add the things you have talked about regarding Jesus’ life and ministry.

These things don’t stand on their own. God, disciple, scripture, creeds, prayers, sacraments (ordinances if you don’t care for that word) – all together – are wrapped up in this Christian life. OK, so God stands on His own. He doesn’t need us, but we certainly need Him, so I included Him in the list.

I have no conclusion to this thought. It is simply rattling around in the brain as I think on the interaction y’all have had over the past couple days.