Chapter Three: We Believe in One God

Vocabulary flashcards defining key theological concepts, terms, and descriptions from Chapter Three on the creedal affirmation of one God.

Language of the creed

Language described as exceptionally compressed and even cryptic, requiring each statement to be examined by itself and in combination with every other.

"We believe in one God"

The creed's most radical and important profession that stands as the root out of which all the rest grows, and without which nothing more can be said.

God (in the creed)

The God learned of in Scripture, designated as the Living God of Israel and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Biblical and creedal language about God

Language that speaks truly but not fully, reaching into a divine mystery it cannot grasp or comprehend.

Saying "we" instead of "I"

A practice in the creed that enables individuals to subscribe to the faith of a church that believes more and better than any single member does.

Belief

The indispensable beginning of all faith.

Profession of faith

An individual or communal act that entrusts the mind and heart to a truth that cannot be proven but can be lived.

The creed's first statement

The declaration that most sharply distinguishes the inhabitants of the earth by answering whether or not we are alone.