The Nicene Creed — "I believe in one God…" — is the profession of faith said at Sunday Mass. Here's where it came from, why it's said after the homily, and what its key phrases mean.
Apostles' Creed vs Nicene Creed at Mass: History, Meaning, and Biblical Roots
Every Sunday, after the homily, Catholics stand and profess the Nicene Creed — "I believe in one God, the Father almighty…" In this session of The Mass Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre distinguishes the two great creeds — the shorter Apostles' Creed (the ancient Roman baptismal creed, said before the Rosary) and the longer Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed of the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381), said at Mass — and shows how the Creed's precise language ("begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father"; the Holy Spirit, "the Lord, the giver of life") was forged to answer the great heresies. He traces how and when the Creed entered the Roman Mass (surprisingly late — 1014), the origin of the "Filioque," and the meaning of bowing at "and became man," drawing on St. Paul's earliest "creed" (1 Corinthians 15:3–5) and the Fathers.
Key passages & sources examined: St. Paul's earliest creed (1 Corinthians 15:3–5); the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381); the Synod of Toledo III (589) on the people reciting the Creed; the addition of the Creed with the Filioque under Pope Benedict VIII (1014); St. Augustine on the daily creed; and William Durand on genuflecting at "and became man."
What's the difference between the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed? The Apostles' Creed is the shorter, ancient Roman baptismal creed (said before the Rosary); the Nicene Creed is the longer one from the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople, said at Sunday Mass.
What does "consubstantial with the Father" mean? That the Son is of the same divine substance as the Father — Nicaea's answer to the Arian claim that the Son was "created."
When was the Creed added to the Mass? Very late in Rome — 1014, under Pope Benedict VIII.
Why do we bow at "and became man"? To adore the mystery of the Incarnation — a practice popularized by St. Louis IX in the thirteenth century.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
