The Symbol of Faith in Theology and in Preaching

Abstract

The life of the Church from the very beginning is connected with searching for Her own identity which has its expression in the forming of the profession of faith. The testimonies of this fact can be found already in the Old Testament, which is shown in multifarious doctrinal formulas which are handed over by the apostolic proclamation which is based on them. In a relatively short time these formulas were gathered as a whole, first in the profession of faith used during the right of Baptism and later, especially in a profession of faith which is called the Apostles’ Creed. It has preserved its significance and superior role in theology and preaching to this day although in reality its role has been diminished especially in preaching. This paper recommends the return to the Apostles’ Creed and to its inspiring role. The most important thing is to present its doctrinal message which highlights the need for the holistic, Trinitarian and Christological perspective in reference to theological issues. Today, the Apostles’ Creed can play the same role in the organisation of Church proclamation, which admiring the so called original kerygma falls into short-sighted interpretations and restrictions, resulting in the weakening of Christian identity.