Religious Studies 102 introduces students to post-biblical theology and religious practice and the contexts in which they appear. Through a consideration of representative figures and issues, students analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments and points of view. In particular, we consider how concepts of the body are incorporated in religious beliefs and practices.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Do We Need Creeds?
Jaroslav Pelikan says we do. You might be interested in this podcast from the radio show, "Speaking of Faith."
I wouldn't necessarily say that we need creeds, but it is important to be able to state your faith. Creeds are helpful for unifying the beliefs of a church body or a community of believers. Creeds can clarify the many disagreements between people who claim to be in the same religious group or sect. But from my own experience with creeds, I think that they are stated way too many times. It is good to remind yourself or state what you believe in, but in some cases they just become boring words that one repeatedly says. I think that destroys the whole purpose of them, when one does not actually think about the meaning behind the words they are saying.
I agree with Michael. Likewise,I wouldn't go as far to say that creeds are necessary to religion or faith, but I think they do help create a sense of stability and strength to one's faith. Creeds unite people by establishing a common definition of beliefs and practices, which help one easily identify other believers of the faith and connect immediately. However, while creeds unify the believers they also ostracize those who do not share those beliefs. The immediate connection shared by those who maintain the same creed could easily become immediate rejection of those who maintain differing creeds. In short, I think creeds are a nice addition to religion as long as one keeps an open mind.
I wouldn't necessarily say that we need creeds, but it is important to be able to state your faith. Creeds are helpful for unifying the beliefs of a church body or a community of believers. Creeds can clarify the many disagreements between people who claim to be in the same religious group or sect. But from my own experience with creeds, I think that they are stated way too many times. It is good to remind yourself or state what you believe in, but in some cases they just become boring words that one repeatedly says. I think that destroys the whole purpose of them, when one does not actually think about the meaning behind the words they are saying.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michael. Likewise,I wouldn't go as far to say that creeds are necessary to religion or faith, but I think they do help create a sense of stability and strength to one's faith. Creeds unite people by establishing a common definition of beliefs and practices, which help one easily identify other believers of the faith and connect immediately. However, while creeds unify the believers they also ostracize those who do not share those beliefs. The immediate connection shared by those who maintain the same creed could easily become immediate rejection of those who maintain differing creeds. In short, I think creeds are a nice addition to religion as long as one keeps an open mind.
ReplyDelete