Why do we make an affirmation of faith on some Sundays? An affirmation is an expression of agreement, support, and solidarity. Making an affirmation of faith is one of the ways that we respond to the truth of the sermon. Having been addressed as the People of God, we identify ourselves as God's people by stating what we believe and what we intend to do. We may loosely compare an affirmation of faith to making a pledge of allegiance. The most common affirmations of faith are the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed, both of which are traced back to the earliest centuries of the church. Every major tradition of Christianity around the world recognizes these two creeds. The Apostle's Creed is spoken in the context of the baptismal liturgy, while the Nicene Creed is traditionally associated with the Lord's Supper. Affirmations of faith can also be drawn from sentences of Scripture or from the creeds, confessions, and catechisms in our Book of Confessions. In addition to clarifying and strengthening our communal and historic identity, affirmations of faith also equip us to share our faith with the world. Creeds, catechisms, and confessions may be employed as evangelistic tools. Affirmations of faith can help us fulfill the Biblical injunction, "Be always ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (I Peter 3:15) Now you know Why We Do That.
#14:Why do we make an affirmation of faith?
Why do we make an affirmation of faith on some Sundays? An affirmation is an expression of agreement, support, and solidarity. Making an affirmation of faith is one of the ways that we respond to the truth of the sermon. Having been addressed as the People of God, we identify ourselves as God's people by stating what we believe and what we intend to do. We may loosely compare an affirmation of faith to making a pledge of allegiance. The most common affirmations of faith are the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed, both of which are traced back to the earliest centuries of the church. Every major tradition of Christianity around the world recognizes these two creeds. The Apostle's Creed is spoken in the context of the baptismal liturgy, while the Nicene Creed is traditionally associated with the Lord's Supper. Affirmations of faith can also be drawn from sentences of Scripture or from the creeds, confessions, and catechisms in our Book of Confessions. In addition to clarifying and strengthening our communal and historic identity, affirmations of faith also equip us to share our faith with the world. Creeds, catechisms, and confessions may be employed as evangelistic tools. Affirmations of faith can help us fulfill the Biblical injunction, "Be always ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (I Peter 3:15) Now you know Why We Do That.