The Preface to the Augsburg Confession, Part 1

            The preface of the Augsburg Confession is addressed to Emperor Charles V who ruled the Holy Roman Empire. While the Holy Roman Empire was not particularly holy or even remotely Roman it consisted of parts or most of the following modern countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland. It also included small parts of Croatia, France, Italy, and Poland. While this sounds impressive, in reality Charles V could only rule if the majority of local nobility supported him. This is where the Augsburg Confession comes in. The Holy Roman Empire was engaged in a long running on again off again war with the Muslim rulers of Turkey. In order to carry on this war Charles V needed the support of all his local rulers. The problem was a sizable number of people in his empire had joined with or were at least sympathetic to Martin Luther in his protest against the abuses of the Roman church.
            In hopes of putting aside what he saw as petty differences and getting on with the really important work of killing the Turks, Charles called a meeting to be held in the City of Augsburg during the summer of 1530. At this meeting the supporters of Luther and the supporters of Rome were each to present their theological positions and find a way to restore the unity of the empire. In reality it turned into a trial of Luther’s teachings.

The Three Chief Symbols, Part 2

           The Apostle’s Creed was not actually written by the Apostle’s. It was given this name because what it teaches is traced back to the teachings of the Apostle’s and was used in one form or another from the very beginnings of Christianity.

            Over time, places developed creeds for local use, while most these creeds expressed the same faith they differed in how that faith was expressed and some contained things that were contrary to Scripture. In the year 325 to address these issues and especially the question of who and what Jesus Christ is theologians gathered in a place called Nicaea. The result was the Nicene Creed.

The Athanasian Creed isn’t as well known as the other two in part because it is rather awkward to read. This creed was named for, but most likely not written by, a man named Athanasius. Athanasius was all about the Trinity and so is this creed. It lays out for us our basic understanding of the nature of God as God has revealed himself to us in the form of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

So the Apostle’s Creed offers us a simple overview of the basics of what we believe. The Nicene Creed expands this with a special focus on the nature of Christ. And the Athanasian Creed makes sure we stay firmly grounded in a Trinitarian understanding of God.