[[Biblical Theology]] / Athanasian Creed > [!note] New - 2026-03-26 ![[assets/covers/athanasian-creed.jpg]] The Athanasian Creed is a detailed statement of two doctrines central to Christian faith: the Trinity and the Incarnation. Though associated with Athanasius of Alexandria for his celebrated defence of Trinitarian theology, the creed was likely composed in Gaul during the sixth century. It remains a significant doctrinal standard within Christian tradition, particularly in liturgical contexts. ## Historical Origins and Attribution Despite its name, the Athanasian Creed was not actually written by Athanasius.[^bray-common-prayer-p54] Its association with the fourth-century theologian stems from his stalwart defence of the Trinity against Arian heresy. The creed probably dates to the 500s and appears to have been composed in Gaul (modern-day France).[^bray-common-prayer-p54b] ## Central Doctrines The creed provides a detailed and careful statement of two doctrines that are central to the Christian faith.[^bray-common-prayer-p53] These are the Trinity: the doctrine of God’s threefold nature: and the Incarnation, the affirmation that God became flesh in Christ. Together, these doctrines form the theological heart of Christian orthodoxy. ## Knowledge and Salvation The Athanasian Creed does not function as a precondition for salvation. A person need not memorise all its technicalities in order to be saved.[^bray-common-prayer-p55] This principle is illustrated in the Gospel narrative: the thief crucified alongside Jesus did not require knowledge of the creed before hearing the promise of paradise. > [!quote] > ‘A person doesn’t have to know all the technicalities of the Athanasian Creed in order to be saved: the thief on the cross did not have to memorise this creed before Jesus could say to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43 RSV).’ > > *How to Use the [[Book of Common Prayer]]*, p. 55 ## Selected passages > ![[assets/covers/bray-common-prayer.jpg|28]] ‘To be sure, ==a person doesn’t have to know all the technicalities of the Athanasian Creed in order to be saved-== the thief on the cross did not have to memorize this creed before Jesus could say to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43 RSV).’ > > *How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - A Guide to the Anglican Liturgy*, p. 55 ([[sources/scans/bray-common-prayer/How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - 65.jpg|🖼️]]) ## Appearances - *How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - A Guide to the Anglican Liturgy*, Samuel L. Bray and Drew Nathaniel Keane - 4 Further Up and Further In, pp. 53–55 ## Related [[Trinity]] . [[Incarnation]] . [[Ecclesiastical Formularies and Doctrinal Standards]] [^bray-common-prayer-p54]: [[How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - A Guide to the Anglican Liturgy]], p. 54 ([[sources/scans/bray-common-prayer/How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - 64.jpg|🖼️]]) . ‘It’s associated with him because of his stalwart defense of the Trinity, but it **probably dates to the 500s and seems to have been written in Gaul (modern- day France).**’ [^bray-common-prayer-p54b]: Ibid. ([[sources/scans/bray-common-prayer/How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - 64.jpg|🖼️]]) . ‘**Despite the name, the Athanasian Creed wasn’t actually written by Athanasius.**’ [^bray-common-prayer-p53]: Ibid., p. 53 ([[sources/scans/bray-common-prayer/How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - 63.jpg|🖼️]]) . ‘The Athanasan Crecd” → a detailed and carcful statement of **two doctrines** that arc central to the Christian faith.’ [^bray-common-prayer-p55]: Ibid., p. 55 ([[sources/scans/bray-common-prayer/How to Use the Book of Common Prayer - 65.jpg|🖼️]]) . ‘To be sure, **a person doesn’t have to know all the technicalities of the Athanasian Creed in order to be saved-** the thief on the cross did not have to memorize this creed before Jesus could say to him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43 RSV).’