article of faith

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Articles of faith are sets of beliefs usually found in creeds, sometimes numbered, and often beginning with "We believe...", which attempt to more or less define the fundamental theology of a given religion, and especially in the Christian Church.

Articles of the apostles

The earliest articles of faith were said to have been composed in the first century by the apostles themselves and sung publicly while on mission (see Old Roman Symbol).

Articles of Nicea

The Nicene Creed and the shorter Apostles' Creed are articles, or professions of Faith said by members of the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

The Nicene Creed is predominantly recited during the mass while the Apostles' is typically used for other occasions, healings, etc. It strongly asserts belief in the Holy Trinity, the incarnation, the nativity, the passion of Christ, the resurrection, the atonement, the judgement of the living.

Articles of Chalcedon

The articles of the Chalcedonian Creed reaffirm belief in the dyophysitism of Christ : two natures, one co-substantial person.

Other articles and creeds

The confession of faith of Westminster is one of many evangelical creeds that give articles of faith based on sola scriptura rather than on the living experience of the Church. Many evangelical creeds will restate traditional Calvinist or Armenian theology, such as belief in biblical inerrancy and creation.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (and related churches), the Articles of Faith are a list composed by Joseph Smith, Jr. as part of an 1842 letter sent to "Long" John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat.

Islam

Traditionally, six articles of faith among Muslims:

1. One God
2. Angels
3. Prophets
4. Scriptures
5. The Day of Judgment and the Akhirah or afterlife
6. Predestination

In Sahih Al-Muslim and Al-Bukhari, Muhammad explains, "It (Al-Iman/faith) is to affirm your faith in God, His angels, His Books His Messengers and the Last Day, and to believe in the Divine Destiny whether it be good or bad."

Prophets in here refer to previous prophets such as Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jacob, David, Solomon and so on all the way until Jesus and Muhammed.

The word "scriptures" refers to the original scriptures that were given to certain prophets. Moses received the Torah (Tawrat), David received the Psalms (Zabur), Jesus inspired the Gospels (Injil), and Muhammed received the Qur'an.

Sikh

The Sikh articles of faith are the Five K's:

1. K'esh: Unshorn hair
2. Kan'ga: Wooden comb
3. Kir'pan: Sword for protection
4. Ka'ra: Iron bangle
5. Kashe'ra: Underwear/breeches

Notes