Question 77: Why Is The Athanasian Creed Important?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 77: Why is the Athanasian Creed important?

The Athanasian Creed is important because it faithfully defines the essential doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation with precision and clarity. It safeguards the Church from heresy by affirming the full divinity and unity of the three Persons of the Godhead, and the true humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. Its strong declarations underscore that salvation depends on believing the catholic faith as revealed in Scripture. (Titus 1:9, John 8:24, Galatians 1:8–9, 1 Timothy 6:3–4, 2 John 1:9)

Full Scripture References

“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” — Titus 1:9 (BSB)

“Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” — John 8:24 (BSB)

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” — Galatians 1:8 (BSB)

“If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.” — 1 Timothy 6:3–4 (BSB)

“Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.” — 2 John 1:9 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Athanasian Creed is important because it provides the most thorough and uncompromising statement of orthodox Trinitarian and Christological doctrine in the Christian tradition. While the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds give foundational summaries of the faith, the Athanasian Creed delves into the how of what we believe about God and Christ, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It was written to combat false teachings and has served ever since as a benchmark of theological precision.

At a time when confusion about the nature of God and Christ still threatens the Church’s witness, the Creed remains remarkably relevant. It confesses the one divine essence shared equally and fully by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and upholds the two natures of Christ in one undivided person. These are not academic distinctions—they are the very truths upon which salvation depends.

The strong language in the Creed, stating that “whoever wishes to be saved must hold the catholic faith,” reflects the conviction of the early Church that salvation is not found through vague spiritual feelings or generic belief in God, but through faith in the revealed truth of Scripture, centered on the true God and the true Christ.

Contemporary conservative Anglicans uphold this creed as part of the biblical and catholic heritage of the Church. The Jerusalem Declaration (2008) affirms all three historic Creeds, including the Athanasian, as faithful expressions of the rule of faith. Dr. Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Rochester and a global orthodox Anglican leader, has written: “To deny the truths set out in the Athanasian Creed is to deny the Gospel itself—for the Gospel is Trinitarian, and it is Christological. These truths are the framework of salvation.”

Dr. Ashley Null, a theologian in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), notes: “The Athanasian Creed is not harsh—it is careful. It was born from pastoral concern that Christians know the true God, for knowing Him rightly is necessary to worshiping Him truly.”

Bishop Robert Duncan, founding Archbishop of the ACNA, declared in a pastoral letter: “In an age of relativism, the Church must proclaim without apology the faith once delivered. The Athanasian Creed helps us speak that faith clearly, faithfully, and without compromise.”

While the Creed is not recited frequently in worship today, especially due to its length and intensity, it is retained in the Book of Common Prayer (1662 and other editions) for use on special occasions such as Trinity Sunday. Its presence reminds us that the Church’s faith is not evolving, but enduring—and that clarity in doctrine is a gift, not a burden.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD): “Those who maintain that the Son is a creature, or not of one essence with the Father, are severed from the Church’s communion.” — On the Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia

Athanasius insisted that the right confession of Christ is essential for true faith and fellowship.

St. Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329–390 AD): “Nothing is so important in theology as precision in our words about God. For by words, we guard the mystery.” — Oration 27

Gregory emphasized the value of doctrinal clarity, a hallmark of the Athanasian Creed.

St. Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376–444 AD): “Let us confess the faith with the same exactness handed down by the fathers. Therein is life, and salvation, and glory.” — Letters to Nestorius

Cyril taught that fidelity to received doctrine is essential to the Church’s health and mission.

St. Vincent of Lérins (d. c. 445 AD): “The Athanasian rule is not new. It is the old faith, stated clearly for the sake of the simple and the learned alike.” — Commonitorium, paraphrased

Vincent affirmed that doctrinal clarity, not innovation, serves the unity and truth of the Church.

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.

DOWNLOAD A FREE EBOOK TODAY

An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)