My project’s core question explores how Christians can more deeply engage the Nicene Creed. In what ways can the creed be a spiritual exercise for us?  In my work across the Diocese of Kentucky, I often participate in discussions of the relevance of the Nicene Creed for today’s Christian. It is regularly described as outdated, or unnecessary, and many find it a stumbling block to authentic worship. Faithful Christians often describe a lack of connection between their place in God’s story and the description of God’s story as told in the Creed. Because the Church understands the creed as the essential and unifying statement of orthodox Christian faith (and its recitation is often required of worshippers), it is profoundly important to the Church in North America that Christians engage this foundational text—and each other—regarding its meaning and value. The creed has withstood nearly two millennia of change in the world and church. Such endurance must surely hold insights that will benefit the Church as it experiences rapid change and this makes it vital for the Church to find ways to meaningfully explore the use, language, and ideas of the Creed.

I will investigate this question by reviewing the historical record and literature to better understand the creed’s place throughout history; I will employ various spiritual disciplines to deepen my own experience of the creed—lectio divina, praying with icons, meditative walks/pilgrimages, responding through artistic projects, as well as other creative exercises; and I will engaging others in those same experiences. Together we will ask how vital the creed is to our Christian identity and test whether engaging the creed in new ways bring heightened vitality. I plan to use my findings to produce a curriculum for others to use, along with sharing the various artistic responses produced throughout the study.