Question 78: How Should You Use The Athanasian Creed?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 78: How should you use the Athanasian Creed?

The Athanasian Creed should be used with reverence, as a tool for guarding the faith, teaching the Church, and worshiping the Triune God in truth. Though not used as often in public liturgy, it serves to clarify and confess the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. It may be used devotionally, liturgically on certain feast days, and as a doctrinal standard for catechesis and theological reflection. (2 Timothy 1:13–14, Proverbs 30:5–6, 1 Timothy 4:16, Psalm 145:18, John 17:17)

Full Scripture References

“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” — 2 Timothy 1:13–14 (BSB)

“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” — Proverbs 30:5–6 (BSB)

“Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” — 1 Timothy 4:16 (BSB)

“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18 (BSB)

“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” — John 17:17 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Athanasian Creed is a doctrinal treasure of the Church that should be used thoughtfully and reverently. While it is not part of the weekly liturgy in most Anglican parishes today, it is still printed in the Book of Common Prayer and appointed for use on Trinity Sunday. In this role, it offers a solemn and worshipful declaration of what Christians believe about the nature of God and the person of Christ. Its exacting language teaches us to approach the mysteries of the faith with clarity, care, and reverence.

Anglicans may use the Athanasian Creed in three main ways: Liturgically, particularly on feast days like Trinity Sunday, where the doctrine of the Trinity is central. In the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, it was prescribed for use several times a year. Devotionally, for personal meditation or group study. Reading and reflecting upon the Creed can deepen one’s understanding of God and inspire awe for the majesty of His triune being. Catechetically, as a teaching resource to instruct both new believers and lifelong Christians in the essential truths of the faith. It is particularly valuable for grounding Christians in the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation amid a world of theological drift.

The Anglican Church in North America’s Catechism (To Be a Christian, 2020) encourages believers to know all three Creeds and specifically affirms the Athanasian Creed as a faithful summary of biblical doctrine. It states that the Creed “guards the mystery of our salvation” by rightly describing the nature of the God we worship and the Christ who saves us.

Contemporary Anglican theologian Dr. Gerald Bray writes: “The Athanasian Creed confronts us with doctrinal realities that demand clarity and conviction. It is not meant to intimidate, but to lead us into worship grounded in truth.”

Likewise, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali has said: “In a confused age, we need the strong medicine of the Athanasian Creed. It reminds us that truth is not negotiable, and salvation is not generic—it comes through Christ, who is fully God and fully man.”

The Creed’s strong warning—“This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully he cannot be saved”—should not be seen as uncharitable, but as a pastoral warning born of love. It reflects the conviction that false ideas about God endanger souls, and that the clarity of truth is a form of mercy.

To use the Creed well is to confess the truth boldly, worship God rightly, and teach the Church faithfully. It is a gift from the Holy Spirit through the Church, and its continued use strengthens the Body of Christ in sound doctrine and holy fear.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD) urged catechumens: “Learn the Creed word for word, and repeat it daily. Let your faith be not in plausible words of men, but in the inspired teaching of the Church.” — Catechetical Lectures, 5.12

Cyril emphasized the Creed’s role in personal devotion and memory.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) taught: “Let the Creed be as a mirror to you. Look into it to see whether you believe all that you profess to believe.” — Sermon 58

Augustine viewed the Creed as a personal diagnostic for spiritual integrity and orthodoxy.

St. Vincent of Lérins (d. c. 445 AD): “The Creed is not to be altered but received and handed on. It is the faithful deposit of divine truth.” — Commonitorium, 22

Vincent saw creeds as part of the Church’s sacred inheritance—unchanging and authoritative.

St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 AD) wrote: “The confession of true faith is the first step in true worship.” — Letters, 28.2

Leo reminds us that correct belief is not a matter of abstract theology, but of right praise.

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)