The Role Of Confessions And Creeds On The s The Creedal...

There is much debate within evangelicalism about the role of confessions and creeds. In â€Å"The Creedal Imperative†, Carl Trueman addresses this by stating his belief that confessions and creeds are â€Å"vital to the present and future well-being of the church† through life and through worship (13). Trueman finds it important to argue that confessions and creeds fall in line with the belief that Scripture alone is the main source of revelation and authority, yet also noticing the synthetic and public nature of these documents. Trueman begins chapter one by addressing three cultural assumptions. These are: the past is important, language should be used to communicate truth, and the church should teach and enforce creeds and confessions. In†¦show more content†¦Trueman’s central point of his biblical basis is Paul’s words to Timothy. Paul says, â€Å"Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Jesus Christ† (2 Timothy 1:13). Trueman provides scriptural argument that the Bible demands we have forms of sound words to pass the gospel and tradition on to future generations, and the creeds are the best way of doing that. This indicates error in the idea the Bible is our only necessary creed. In chapter three, Trueman uses historical components to make his arguments and show the development of the creeds. Chapter three introduces the history of creeds and confessions through the early church by outlining the ecclesiological developments in discussing the Rule of Faith, the Apostle’s Creed, and the creeds of the ecumenical councils. Two unusual ideas were, â€Å"the fact that the early church developed them in the first place and the early church creeds focus on the most basic building blocks of faith† (104-105). Trueman states that the forms of sound words are what make up the creeds and showcase power over the non-Christian world. Trueman also addresses the Apostle’s creed, stating that it is not a Trinitarian doctrine due to inadequate detail on the doctrine of God. This indicates the focus on Christ’s identity and not just content that relates to Christians only.