confession of faith: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency in general discourse; medium frequency in religious contexts.Formal, liturgical, theological.
Quick answer
What does “confession of faith” mean?
A formal statement or declaration of religious beliefs, particularly in Christianity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal statement or declaration of religious beliefs, particularly in Christianity.
Any public or formal avowal of one's principles or convictions, not necessarily religious.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The phrase is equally used in theological contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations of solemnity and commitment in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater prevalence of public evangelical practices.
Grammar
How to Use “confession of faith” in a Sentence
to make a confession of faitha confession of faith in [something]the confession of faith of [a group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “confession of faith” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He will confess his faith before the congregation.
American English
- She confessed her faith during the baptism service.
adverb
British English
- He spoke confessionally about his beliefs.
American English
- She answered confessionally when asked about her creed.
adjective
British English
- The confessional statement was read aloud.
American English
- They studied confessional documents from the Reformation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and theology.
Everyday
Rare, used only in specific religious conversations.
Technical
A key term in systematic theology and church history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “confession of faith”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “confession of faith”
- Using 'confession of faith' to mean 'admission of having faith' rather than a formal declaration.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most common in Christian contexts but can be applied analogously to other religions when referring to a formal declaration of beliefs.
A creed is a specific, often concise, formula of belief (like the Nicene Creed). A confession of faith is typically a longer, more detailed document explaining a church's doctrine.
While the core meaning implies a formal or public declaration, it can be used to describe a personal, internal affirmation of belief, though this is a more figurative use.
No, it is a specialised term. In everyday talk, people are more likely to say 'statement of belief' or simply 'what I believe'.
A formal statement or declaration of religious beliefs, particularly in Christianity.
Confession of faith is usually formal, liturgical, theological. in register.
Confession of faith: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈfɛʃən əv feɪθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈfɛʃən əv feɪθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stand up and be counted (with a confession of faith).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONFESSIONal booth where you CONFESS your FAITH.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAITH IS A DOCUMENT (to be written and signed).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a famous historical 'confession of faith'?