Have you heard the Apostles Creed recited in church and been confused by parts of it? Christians developed this creed over the years to include the basics of the Christian faith, and it is used in churches spanning several denominations.

I wrote a blog series that examines the basic beliefs of the Christian faith as it has been understood by the leaders of Christian churches and expressed in this creed. I hope this series of posts will help answer some questions you may have about the creed and the Christian faith.

My intent is not to teach any specific denominational doctrine, but to lay a foundation that is consistent with most Christian denominations. It is my firm commitment that Christians need to spend more time seeking to find where they agree instead of nit-picking over their differences.

These posts are based on the Ecumenical version of The Apostles’ Creed as found in the United Methodist Hymnal (copyright 1989) on page 881. In the links below you will find short posts on bite-sized sections of the creed. But before clicking on the links, read through the full creed.

The Apostles’ Creed – Ecumenical Version

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth;

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.