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<p> This history of early Christian creeds contains an up-to-date account of their origin and development from the credal texts in the New Testament to the fully fledged classical formulae of the 4^th century. It includes the creeds’ use and alteration in subsequent periods until the time of Charlemagne and the beginnings of the <em>filioque</em> controversy. In addition, the author provides a scholarly commentary on the most common ancient confessions: the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed. </p>
<p> Going beyond previous studies, the book contains chapters dedicated to the use of creeds in law, art, music, everyday life and even magic. Recently discovered source texts, such as a new Ethiopic version of the Roman Creed and a short recension of the Creed of Nicaea-Constantinople, receive extensive treatment. Credal developments in the eastern churches beyond the borders of the Roman Empire complete this comprehensive overview. </p>
<p> This volume is intended both as a textbook for advanced students of theology and cognate disciplines and as a reference book on the creeds in a wide range of contexts. All source texts are accompanied by modern English translations. </p>
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<p> Winner of the Alberigo Award 2024 awarded by the European Academy of Religion. </p>
<p> "This will be the defining work on the subject for at least a generation: authoritative, clear and comprehensive, but also innovative, it provides a unique overview of the evolution not only of credal texts but of the very idea of creeds and their function." <em>Rowan Williams, Magdalene College, Cambridge, UK</em> </p>