Episode Summary:

What does it truly mean to be a Christian? In this foundational episode, I tackle one of the most basic questions of Christianity: What must you believe to rightly call yourself a Christian?

We'll explore the necessity of creeds, the limits of individual interpretation, and how the Nicene Creed stands as a time-tested rule of faith—a guide that helps distinguish Christian orthodoxy from heresy. We'll survey the concept of Church consensus, walk through the biblical and historical basis for a "rule of faith," and see why creeds still matter in a modern world flooded with theological confusion.

Topics Covered:

- Why every Christian already has a creed (even if unspoken)

- The difference between personal creeds and Church-wide creeds

- Why doctrine does matter—even though salvation is by grace

- The limits of private interpretation and the need for boundaries

- What the “Rule of Faith” is and how the Church historically used it

- Vincent of Lérins and the threefold test: "everywhere, always, and by all"

- How the Nicene Creed emerged as the most universally accepted expression of Christian belief

- How the Creed protects believers from heresy—even today

- Why knowing the Creed is a form of discipleship, not dead tradition

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- Website: saintsandsociety.com

- Youtube: youtube.com/@SaintsandSociety

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