ASK THE PASTOR: Question about Church creeds & councils

ASK THE PASTOR: In the past you have referred to several different church councils and creeds, as well as the early church "fathers". Do you consider these to be authoritative like the Bible?

The key phrase in the above question is "like the Bible". No, the decisions of church councils (most notably seen in the creedal statements they produced) are not authoritative like the Bible. However, they are an authority nonetheless.

We should also define our terms. While there have been church councils throughout history (most recently the Vatican II council), the only councils legitimately seen as authoritative for the entire Christian world are the councils of the Early Church period. These are sometimes referred to as the Ecumenical Councils (e.g. "embraced by all"). In addition to these, there are several confessional statements of the Reformation and post-Reformation period that are also very important (though these are more sectarian in nature).

Scripture clearly demonstrates the position of "teacher" within the church. Even though all are called to "study to show [themselves] approved unto God", the Lord understands that His Church needs groups of individuals who will lead and shepherd His flock. Creeds, Confessions, and Councils are the teachings of these prior shepherds from past ages. The documents from the Early Church period are especially important because in many cases they serve as the first record of how Christian teachers understood the teachings of the Apostles. In some cases, the Early Church Fathers had a direct connection with the Apostles (for example, Clement of Rome). The Church Councils are particularly important because the pastors and church leaders of these periods met together for the chief purpose of deciding scriptural teaching on a particular issue.

Creeds and confessions do not rule our interpretations, but they should guide them. They should never be considered inspired (though Luther considered the Apostle's Creed so). These documents are only authoritative insofar as they accurately express Scripture--the source of their authority. However, because they do accurately summarize scripture, they are therefore authoritative.

They serve an important and necessary teaching function within the Church. Only a fool would ignore good, solid teaching.

Questions for Pastor Josh can be submitted via Email. "Ask the Pastor" is a feature in the monthly newsletter of Indian River Baptist Church. This blog republishes those Questions, along with others not selected for print publication.