Profession of Christian Faith
THE PROFESSION OF CHRISTIAN FAITH (excerpted from The Catechism of the Catholic Church nos. 232-267)
INTRODUCTION
The profession of the Christian faith encompasses a diverse and widespread belief system rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christianity, one of the world's major religions, is centered on the belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Christians follow the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments, as their sacred scripture. For those wishing to deepen their understanding, a well-crafted study Bible such as the Catholic Study Bible can greatly enrich personal reflection. The Christian faith is marked by various denominations and traditions, each interpreting and expressing their beliefs in unique ways. Practices such as prayer, worship, and community involvement are integral to the Christian experience, fostering a sense of spiritual growth and connection with God. Many Christians also keep a spiritual journal to reflect on God’s action in their lives—something as simple as a Christian prayer journal can support this journey. The profession of the Christian faith often emphasizes values such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice, guiding adherents in their individual and collective journeys of faith. Christians are baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Before receiving the sacrament, they respond to a three-part question when asked to confess the Father, the Son and the Spirit: "I do." "The faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity" (no. 232). If one wishes to go deeper into this central mystery, the Catechism of the Catholic Church remains an essential reference for understanding doctrine. Christians are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: not in their names, for there is only one God, the almighty Father, his only Son and the Holy Spirit: the Most Holy Trinity (no. 233). The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. A helpful guide for those studying this profound teaching is a theological text such as The Trinity by Karl Rahner, which offers deeper insight into how this mystery has shaped Church doctrine. The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin" (no. 234). This paragraph expounds briefly (I) how the mystery of the Blessed Trinity was revealed, (II) how the Church has articulated the doctrine of the faith regarding this mystery, and (III) how, by the divine missions of the Son and the Holy Spirit, God the Father fulfills the "plan of his loving goodness" of creation, redemption and sanctification (no. 235). The Fathers of the Church distinguish between theology (theologia) and economy (oikonomia)...
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