As Catholics, we learn the Nicene Creed as a child and, in some cases, as an adult. But how many of us know exactly, and correctly, what’s meant by “I Believe in One Lord Jesus Christ”?
The third session of “I Believe” catechesis series, on April 24 7 p.m. at St. Theresa church, can provide some context under the guidance of Dr. Lorne Zelyck.
“I will discuss how the creed uses Scripture to affirm the divinity of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Zelyck, an associate professor of Biblical Studies at St. Joseph’s College on the University of Alberta campus. “I will examine the terminology used in each statement, and attempt to show how this corrects errant views that would make Him a created God, or a second God, or a man who became a God.
“While Christians believe in the Trinity, it is hard to understand, and even more difficult to explain. I hope to provide some clarity on the personhood of Jesus the Son, and His relationship to God the Father.”
This 2025 Jubilee Year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council in Nicea, which developed the creed. To mark the occasion, the Archdiocese of Edmonton has launched “I Believe”, a catechesis series in partnership with Newman Theological College and St. Joseph’s College.
“The creed is important for the unity of all Christians,” Dr. Zelyck said. “It is drawn from Scripture, and is foundational to the faith of all Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians.”
Dr. Zelyck received a PhD in Divinity from the University of Cambridge, and has taught courses on the Bible at St. Joseph’s College for the past 13 years. His research is focused on ancient bible manuscripts, the interpretation of the gospels, and the reception of these texts in early Christian theology.
“I wrote my dissertation on the Gospel of John, and looked at how it was interpreted in the second and third centuries by people inside and outside the Church. Much of the language in this section of the creed is drawn from the Gospel of John, so I am interested in how the creed uses the Gospel of John to make affirmations about Jesus Christ, as well as correct errant views about Him.”
Dr. Zelyck’s presentation, as others, in the series is part of the Formation for Confident Witnesses to the Gospel. It is one of three pastoral priorities of the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
“Confident Witnesses are able to grasp the truths of their faith, and I hope that this presentation will help people understand, and be able to articulate, the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Zelyck, who attends St. Agnes parish with his wife Kristin and children Zoe, Selah, Edmund and James.
“Although this talk will be focused on thinking about God correctly, I hope that it would compel people to worship God with their mind and heart, and that they would be encouraged to keep living out their faith.”
View the playlist for the Nicene Creed series