Scripture, Tradition, and Creeds

Abstract

This chapter will consider Scripture, tradition, and the creeds sequentially, with a focus on historical and theological description, and with a view towards some deep commonalities among the three branches of Christianity. There is a variety of ways to explore each element of the triad of Scripture, tradition, and the creeds and their interrelationship. One could conduct this exploration sociologically, historically, or theologically, and with the inevitable Protestant, Roman Catholic, or Orthodox tendencies and emphases which will inevitably surface. The structure presented here would likely be most familiar to Protestants, but one could also generate arguments for this heuristic arrangement from the other two major Christian communions. Initially, however, some remarks on a Christian account of revelation will be offered as a necessary and salutary orientation for understanding the place and role of Scripture, tradition, and the creeds in terms of God’s presence among and self-communication to humanity, and humanity’s response to this presence and communication.