Creeds, confessions, and articles of faith?
 

Many churches, movements, etc in the history of Christendom have thought it needful to articulate their beliefs, distinctives, practices etc by the issuance of a creed, a confession, a statement, or 'articles' of faith.

The 1644 London Baptist Confession begins with the following:

"Presented to the view of all that feare God, to examine by the touchstone of the Word of Truth: As likewise for the taking off those aspersions which are frequently both in Pulpit and Print, (although unjustly) cast upon them."

The latter statement indicates one purpose of such confessions and statements of faith are to 'clear the air' about false accusations regarding doctrines and practices levelled by opponents.

My question is this - are such statements of faith, confessions, creeds, etc Biblical? Not so much the content, but the issuance of such things? It is evident that such statements are expected to be binding upon those who subscribe to them.

Do such things hinder God? Do they hinder the church or individual believer from growing in knowledge? Do they wind up becoming a replacement for the Scripture?

Is there a benefit to them? Do the cons outweigh the benefits?

Is there another way?

Would that we could all just say 'the bible is our statement of faith, creed, and confession' but so many people affirm a biblical text yet have widely contrary interpretations of what they 'all' affirm.

On the other hand, I have seen for example Reformed believers and ministers argue vehemently as to the proper interpretation of the Westminster confession so it seems that such confessions may not be a 'cure' for doctrinal divisiveness.

What say ye?

Re: Creeds, confessions, and articles of faith?
 

I can't answer all your questions but I can say that these statements have kept us from visiting a lot of churches because they often start with 'we believe'... which says to me that if I attend there then I should believe those statements too.

If I ever get down to the bottom of one that I can say I agree with I might visit. So far, not happening. :)

Re: Creeds, confessions, and articles of faith?
 

I think it's good for denominations to have a "Statement of Faith" or such because it either helps regulate the weirdos or helps hold them back. Not always though. Just my 2 cents.

Re: Creeds, confessions, and articles of faith?
 

I might be a weirdo then :)

Re: Creeds, confessions, and articles of faith?
 

Im glad Churches have them. It keeps me from wasting a lot of time having to visit them and even be there for a while before anyone opens up to what they believe.

Re: Creeds, confessions, and articles of faith?
 

I agree.

Re: Creeds, confessions, and articles of faith?
 

Ditto.

I feel it's important to know what a church believes and where they stand on the Godhead, Salvation and other issues. The "About Us > Beliefs/Statement of Faith" is the first thing I view when looking at another church's website.