The Nicene Creed: An Introduction with Dr. Phillip Cary
May 23, 2023
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Dr. Phillip Cary, author of The Nicene Creed: An Introduction, discusses the significance of the Nicene Creed as a summary of the gospel and the challenges of translating it. They explore the power of liturgy, the importance of the Virgin Mary in redemption, and the doctrine of the Trinity.
The Nicene Creed is a concise summary of the gospel and provides key insights about the nature of God, including the belief in one God who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
'Begotten, not made' is a crucial phrase in the Nicene Creed that counters the heretical teaching of Arius and emphasizes the unique eternal birth of Jesus Christ.
The Nicene Creed upholds the belief in one God while recognizing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as divine, focusing on the relationship between the persons of the Trinity.
Deep dives
Overview of Dr. Phil Kerry's Book and Background
In this podcast episode, the host welcomes Dr. Phil Kerry, a theologian whose book on the Nicene Creed is discussed. The host and Dr. Kerry briefly reminisce about their previous interactions and express their admiration for each other's work. They discuss the choice to publish with Leximpress and praise the publisher's commitment to building up the church through prayer and study. Additionally, the quality and layout of the book are commended.
Understanding the Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed is introduced as a fundamental confession of faith shared by over a billion Christians worldwide. It is a concise summary of the gospel and provides key insights about the nature of God. The creed is explained as a confession of belief in one God who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The distinction between the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed is outlined, with the former addressing metaphysical aspects of God's being.
The Significance of the Creed's Language and Concepts
The podcast delves into the importance of specific language used in the Nicene Creed, such as 'begotten, not made,' which highlights the unique eternal birth of Jesus Christ. It is explained that this phrase counters the heretical teaching of Arius, who claimed the Son of God was a created being. The term 'begotten' is further clarified as a metaphorical and incomprehensible concept, emphasizing the Son's eternal existence. The role of the Virgin Mary is also discussed, emphasizing her consent and active participation in the divine plan of redemption.
Exploring the Trinity and Monotheism
The podcast delves into the Trinitarian nature of God as expressed in the Nicene Creed. It is explained that the Creed upholds the monotheistic belief in one God while recognizing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as divine. The focus is placed on the relationship between the persons of the Trinity, rather than the technical terminology. The question of the Holy Spirit's procession is briefly touched upon, mentioning different interpretations between Eastern and Western churches. The possibility of omitting the controversial 'and from the Son' phrase from the creed is also suggested.
Why the Nicene Creed is Relevant for Believers
The podcast concludes by highlighting the significance of the Nicene Creed for believers. It is described as a summary of the gospel and a powerful tool to internalize and proclaim the good news of God's love and salvation. The importance of familiarity with the creed and its impact on spirituality is emphasized, along with the rich musical tradition associated with its recitation in worship. The podcast ends with a warm exchange between the host and Dr. Kerry, expressing gratitude and friendship.
