A Historical Bridge…

As you may know, I love history, so I’m naturally drawn to milestone events and their anniversaries—moments that invite us to reflect on the course of humanity.

The years 2025 and 2026 mark two such world-changing events.

On May 30th, in the year 325AD—1700 years ago—more than 300 bishops from across the Roman Empire gathered in the city of Nicaea (modern day Turkey). One month later they emerged with a unified statement of Christian belief—the original Nicene Creed—that has had profound and lasting impact on Christianity and the broader religious landscape.

And on July 4th, 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday, a milestone that invites reflection on our nation’s history, the ideals of liberty and democracy, and the ongoing work of shaping a more just and united society. I’ll have a lot to reflect upon in future Stacks leading up to this July 4—

(which, by the way, will be my 75th birthday.)

But for now, I’ll focus on the Nicene Creed, and tease it with some parallels between the Creed and the nation’s founding.

Stay with me here.

(Spoiler alert: I am a Christian, and the words of the Creed hold a deep, distinct meaning for me. But for the purposes of this Substack, I submit them because of the enormity of their influence on the human race—on Christians and non-Christians alike.)

First the Creed, and then a little background:

I believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds;
Light of Light, very God of very God;
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation,
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary,
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried;
and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;
and ascended into heaven,
and sits on the right hand of the Father;
and He shall come again, with glory,
to judge the living and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son];
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified;
who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.
And I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The First Council of Nicaea was convened by Emperor Constantine to address the Arian controversy about Christ’s divinity. Arius, a priest from Alexandria (c. 256–336 AD), argued that Jesus (the Son) was created by God the Father and therefore not co-eternal or fully divine. His opponents, like Athanasius of Alexandria, insisted that the Son is of the same substance (homoousios) as the Father, fully divine and eternal.

The controversy divided the early church, causing intense theological debates, political involvement, and even exiles of bishops. It was the main reason Emperor Constantine called the Council in 325, which resulted in the formulation of the Nicene Creed to affirm Christ’s full divinity.

Eventually, Nicene Christianity became dominant, shaping orthodox doctrine and defining the Trinity for future generations. It is recited in worship by many Christian denominations, including the:

  • Eastern Orthodox Church
  • Roman Catholic Church
  • Anglican Communion
  • Lutheran Church
  • Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)

WOW…for 1700 years, adherents to Christianity have recited these words to express their faith. The Creed is a clear and unifying statement of faith that shaped Christian belief and moral understanding for centuries.

Similarly, America’s founding documents articulate core principles—liberty, justice, and human dignity—that continue to guide the nation. Both emerged out of a time of conflict and division, providing a framework for unity.

Just as the Nicene Creed provided a clear and unifying statement of faith that shaped Christian belief and moral understanding for generations, the founding documents of the United States articulated core principles—liberty, justice, and human dignity—that continue to guide the nation.

Both emerged from times of conflict and division, offering clarity and a framework for unity. It occurs to me that the Creed’s enduring influence on spiritual life parallels the lasting impact of America’s founding ideals.

On this 250th celebration of America, may we be reminded that shared convictions—whether of faith or civic principle—can shape communities, inspire reflection, and guide future generations.

In 325 AD, there were around 1.5 million Christians around the globe. Today, there are 2.6 billion.

This dramatic growth over nearly 1,700 years highlights not only the enduring influence of the Christian faith but also its ability to inspire, unify, and shape communities across every corner of the world.