The most fundamental of all Christian understandings is found in the creed developed by the Christian Church in the fourth century.  This creed developed over many years at two ecumenical councils (325 AD and 381 AD) is called the Nicene Creed.  It is shared by almost all Christians across time and space. It serves as basic understanding of the Christian movement.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day, he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge

The living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

I invite you to explore with me the meaning of most basic and fully ecumenical understanding of the faith as found in the Creed. We will approach this creed one word or phrase at a time.  There are questions at the end of each chapter that I invite you to pause and ponder.

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Gregory W. Hall serves as Pastor of Clarence Presbyterian Church in Clarence, New York. He is a graduate of St. Lawrence University (B.A.), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and McCormick Theological Seminary (D.Min.). Greg is married to Kathleen, and they have one daughter and one granddaughter.