Скачать или смотреть The Dark Side of the Apostle's Creed You Won't Believe

In this captivating exploration of history and theology, our video delves into the origins and profound significance of the Apostles' Creed, a statement of faith that has shaped Christianity for centuries. We begin with a unique comparison to Plato’s *Symposium*, where Aristophanes tells a tale of human unity shattered by divine power, and the longing for wholeness symbolized by the Greek word *symbolon*. This powerful metaphor sets the stage for understanding why the early Christian community needed a unifying symbol—a creed that bound believers in shared truth.

The Apostles' Creed evolved from an earlier declaration known as the Old Roman Symbol, a 2nd-century testament of core Christian convictions used during baptism. This initial set of baptismal questions ensured that all members of the faith community aligned in their beliefs, especially during a time when the New Testament canon was still being debated and heresies threatened church unity.

We journey through the historical and theological challenges that led to the formalization of the Old Roman Symbol, exploring the specific heresies it aimed to counter:

**Gnosticism**: This heresy claimed salvation through secret knowledge and portrayed the material world as the creation of a flawed, lesser deity. The creed's affirmation of God as the Almighty Creator directly opposed this belief, asserting the goodness of creation.

**Adoptionism**: Proposed by Theodotus of Byzantium, this view held that Jesus was born a mere human and became divine only after His baptism. The response in the creed, "I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord," reinforced the eternal divinity of Christ.

**Docetism and Marcionism**: These teachings denied Christ’s true humanity and physical suffering. By including the phrases about Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, and resurrection, the early creed countered these claims, affirming His full humanity and divine mission.

**Subordinationism**: This view suggested that the Son and the Holy Spirit were inferior in nature to the Father. The creed’s assertion of Jesus "sitting at the right hand of the Father" affirmed His co-equal status within the Trinity.

**Montanism and Modalism**: Montanism, with its emphasis on new prophecies, and Modalism, which denied the distinct persons of the Trinity, both threatened church unity. The creed’s clear declaration of belief in the Holy Spirit safeguarded orthodox doctrine against these movements.

**Novatianism**: During the persecution under Emperor Decius, Novatian led a movement that denied readmission to lapsed Christians. The creed’s question about the "forgiveness of sins" underscored the early church’s commitment to grace and reconciliation.

As theological disputes continued to challenge the young church, the Old Roman Symbol was expanded to form what we now know as the Apostles' Creed. By the 4th century, it had evolved into a comprehensive declaration that reinforced essential Christian beliefs. By the 8th century, it took its final form, enshrining core doctrines that defined orthodoxy and provided a foundation for faith amidst a world of shifting beliefs.

Join us as we uncover the fascinating history behind each line of the Apostles' Creed, revealing how this ancient symbol of unity arose from centuries of conflict and commitment to truth.