athanasian creed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious, Liturgical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “athanasian creed” mean?
A Christian statement of belief focusing on the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ, traditionally attributed to Athanasius of Alexandria.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian statement of belief focusing on the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ, traditionally attributed to Athanasius of Alexandria.
A formal, detailed creed used primarily in Western Christianity (especially in Anglican, Lutheran, and some Roman Catholic traditions) that systematically articulates the doctrines of the Trinity and the dual nature of Christ. It is often recited liturgically on certain feast days.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The text itself is identical. Usage frequency may be slightly higher in British contexts due to its place in the Book of Common Prayer.
Connotations
Connotes tradition, doctrinal precision, and historical Christianity in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK religious/liturgical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “athanasian creed” in a Sentence
[Subject] + recite/study/quote + the Athanasian CreedThe Athanasian Creed + verb (states/affirms/teaches) + [doctrine]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “athanasian creed” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Athanasian Creed theology is complex.
- An Athanasian Creed perspective on the Trinity.
American English
- The Athanasian Creed doctrine is precise.
- An Athanasian Creed formulation of Christology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, and church history to refer to this specific creed and its doctrinal content.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific religious communities.
Technical
Used as a technical term in liturgics, systematic theology, and patristics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “athanasian creed”
- Misspelling as 'Athanasian Creed' (missing 'i').
- Using it as a common noun without capitals (e.g., 'an athanasian creed').
- Confusing it with the Apostles' Creed or Nicene Creed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its authorship is uncertain. It is traditionally attributed to Athanasius of Alexandria (4th century), but most modern scholars believe it was composed in Latin in Gaul (modern France) in the 5th or 6th century.
Yes, but its use is limited. It is found in the liturgies of some Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic churches, typically recited on Trinity Sunday or other major feasts.
The opening line in Latin is 'Quicunque vult salvus esse' which translates to 'Whosoever will be saved'.
The Apostles' Creed is simpler, shorter, and used in baptismal rites. The Athanasian Creed is much longer, more theologically detailed and precise, specifically focusing on defending orthodox Trinitarian and Christological doctrine against heresies.
A Christian statement of belief focusing on the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ, traditionally attributed to Athanasius of Alexandria.
Athanasian creed is usually formal, religious, liturgical, academic in register.
Athanasian creed: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæθ.əˈneɪ.ʒən ˈkriːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæθ.əˈneɪ.ʒən ˈkrid/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ATHAnaSius wrote a STATEMENT about the Trinity' -> ATHANA-sian CREED.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CREED IS A FOUNDATION (for belief); A CREED IS A MAP (of doctrine).
Practice
Quiz
The Athanasian Creed is primarily concerned with which doctrines?