LibGuides: Library Gallery: We Believe (Fall 2025)

WE BELIEVE . . .

The year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 325 AD. Attended by bishops across the Roman Empire, this first ecumenical council addressed, among other points of doctrine, the Arian controversy concerning the divinity of Jesus Christ. The resultant Nicene Creed has become the foundational statement of Christian orthodoxy, used by Christians worldwide to define and declare their faith in the triune God: Almighty Father, divine and saving Son, and life-giving Holy Spirit. In so doing, believers also recognize God's holy and universal Church and declare their hope in Christ's eternal reign.

See the library's guide to the Council of Nicaea & the Nicene Creed, including books & e-books, here.

Art Inspired by the Trinity, Which Was Affirmed by the Nicene Creed

Separately and together, the three members of the Trinity have been depicted in countless works of art, highlighting, celebrating, and advancing the truth of God in Three Persons. Religious art can be seen as an act of worship by artists and patrons, as a method of instruction and evangelism, and as a way to document important events and figures in the timeline of the Church. This gathering of works, representing a wide range of nationalities, eras, and styles, encourages us to consider anew the timeless and universal truths expressed in the Creed, reaffirm them, and offer praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord,
Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified
under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at
the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

(per the Book of Common Prayer,
Anglican Church of North America, 2019)