Athanasian Creed

Quicunque vult

Anonymous · 5th c. (probably southern Gaul) · Latin

Notable
Creeds, confessions & rules
Early Church (shared)
Augustinian
Theology & doctrine

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What it is

A Latin creed named after Athanasius but composed in the fifth century, probably in southern Gaul, setting out the Trinity and the Incarnation in balanced, repetitive clauses. It opens and closes by warning that holding this faith is necessary for salvation.

Why it matters

The most precise creedal statement of Western Trinitarian doctrine. It was used in Western worship and endorsed by the Lutheran, Anglican, and Reformed confessions, though its condemning clauses have long made it controversial.

Reading it

About 2 pages.

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Influenced by2

Built on
Nicene Creed · Anonymous · 325; expanded 381
The Athanasian Creed restates the Nicene Creed's faith in the Trinity at greater length and with anathemas, to set Nicene Christianity apart from Arianism.
Quicunque vult, on the Trinity
Built on
On the Trinity · Augustine of Hippo · c. 400–420s
The Athanasian Creed's statements on the Trinity closely follow the terms of Augustine's On the Trinity.
J. N. D. Kelly, The Athanasian Creed (1964)

Influenced2

Built on it
Book of Common Prayer · Thomas Cranmer · 1549; revised 1552, 1559, 1662
The Book of Common Prayer appoints the Athanasian Creed (Quicunque vult) at Morning Prayer on the great feasts, bringing the Latin creed into English worship.
Book of Common Prayer (1549), Matins, rubric after the Benedictus
Built on it
Thirty-nine Articles · Anonymous · 1563; final form 1571
Article VIII of the Thirty-nine Articles commends the Athanasian Creed, with the Nicene and Apostles' creeds.
Thirty-nine Articles VIII

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