Christian Creeds (Part 1)

There are four main Christian creeds that are accepted by practically all the branches of traditional Christianity with the exception of some oriental churches (Armenian, Syrian, and Coptic):
1. The Apostles' Creed
2. The Nicene Creed (The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed)
3. The Athanasian Creed
4. The Chalcedonian Creed

1. The Apostles' Creed
It is considered to be the oldest Christian creed that is believed to come from the apostles. This is why it has this name.

The text of the Apostles' Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Many Christian theologians question Christ's descending into hell stated in this creed because the Bible does not clearly state that. All the other statements are in the agreement with the Bible and are accepted by all the branches of traditional Christianity. In this creed as well as in others, "the catholic church" is not Roman Catholic Church, but the universal church as it is presented in the New Testament.

Although this creed speaks about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, it does not clearly state that the Son is God and the Holy Spirit is God. It does not clearly teach about the Trinity.

Basically, this creed just summarizes the main doctrines of the New Testament. It pays much attention to Christ. Many churches use this creed in their worship.