When Augustine uttered them he thought that he was gaining a degree of understanding that went beyond mere belief on the basis of authority. Augustine did not suppose, however, that he was formulating statements that could be a substitute for growth in faith and understanding. He still called for an ongoing process of personal initiation. In the later books of On the Trinity, therefore, he keeps relativizing and de-stabilizing his own discoveries. While he affirms that faith is the beginning of certitude, he also reminds himself that knowledge cannot be complete until God is seen face to face.
Religious language remains metaphorical, constantly demanding further insight.
In the next generation, Origen understood the creed in the same way, as a summary of the basics of the apostolic proclamation which left many items open, inviting further, more diligent inquiry. To top 2001 by The Witherspoon Society. All material on this site is the responsibility of the WebWeaver unless other sources are acknowledged. Unless otherwise noted, material on this site may be copied for personal use and sharing in small groups. For permission to reproduce material for wider publication, please contact the WebWeaver , Doug King.