Athanasian Creed

Athanasian Creed, one of the most widely used professions of faith in Western Christendom. It is named after the Alexandrian theologian Saint Athanasius; sometimes called the Quicumque vult (Latin, “Whoever wishes”) from the first words of the Latin form. Erroneously ascribed to Athanasius, the creed may have been the work of a number of authors and may have been compiled from the decrees of several synods. Scholars place its composition in the late 4th century or first half of the 5th century. The creed reflects the state of theological development corresponding to the time of the Council of Chalcedon (451). It was first mentioned as a creed around 542 by the theologian Caesarius of Arles.

The creed is a theological exposition of the doctrines of the Trinity and the incarnation, with brief statements of the other doctrines found also in the Apostles' and Nicene creeds concerning the important events in the life of Jesus Christ (see Apostles' Creed; Nicene Creed). The beginning and ending of the creed stress the necessity of believing the articles of faith in order to be saved.

During the 13th century, the Athanasian Creed was placed on a par with the Apostles' and Nicene creeds. It is accepted as authoritative by Roman Catholics and Anglicans. Although it was approved by the leaders of the Reformation, many Protestant churches do not use this creed today, and some of them do not accept it at all. The Athanasian Creed has been part of the Russian Orthodox liturgy since the 17th century, but other Eastern churches do not generally consider it a standard of faith.