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The Purpose of Early Creeds

Front

Why did the early church use oral creeds before the New Testament was completed?

Back

Creeds provided a standardized, easily memorized summary of the Gospel for an largely illiterate society and ensured theological consistency across different regions. They served as 'boundary markers' for Christian identity.

Explanation

Oral transmission was a highly developed skill in the first century, and rhythmic creeds were the primary tools for discipleship.

Source or basis: C.H. Dodd

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