WARD RADIO The Creeds Were NOT an Abomination!? What!
Mar 18, 2026
A lively debate about the Nicene Creed and how it fits with Mormon thought. They probe claims that Greco-Roman philosophy shaped early Christian doctrine. The conversation unpacks terms like homoousios and the monarchy of the Father. They examine creed clauses on incarnation, the Spirit, baptism, and resurrection while urging careful historical reading rather than quick rejection.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Nicene Creed Was Intentionally Ambiguous
- The Nicene Creed is not inherently an abomination for Latter-day Saints and was intentionally less dogmatic than later creeds.
- Michael argues the Nicene Creed was left ambiguous at Nicaea because delegates held diverse views, so it needn't conflict with LDS belief.
Creeds In Joseph Smith's Language Meant Denominations
- In 1830s American English, 'creed' meant any system of professed principles, not necessarily the ecumenical creeds.
- Cardin Ellis (quoting John Welch) says Joseph Smith likely meant sectarian denominational systems when told 'creeds were an abomination.'
Nicene Language Supports Subordination Reading
- The opening line 'I believe in one God, the Father Almighty' reflects a monarchy of the Father and indicates historical subordination theology.
- Michael uses this to show the creed's language doesn't require modern co-equality or divine simplicity interpretations.
