Athanasian Creed (Quicunque Vult)
Rhythmic Latin confession of the Holy Trinity and the Incarnation
The Athanasian Creed (named for its opening words *Quicunque vult salvus esse*, 'Whosoever will be saved') is a precise, rhythmic Latin theological canticle traditionally attributed to Athanasius but composed in 5th-century southern Gaul (likely by Caesarius of Arles or Vincent of Lerins), confessing that 'we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance'.
Historical Context & Significance
Characterized by its solemn warning clauses and meticulous balancing of the relations of origin (the Father is uncreated, the Son is begotten, the Holy Spirit is proceeding), it is recognized alongside the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds as the third ecumenical creed in Lutheran and Catholic liturgies.
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
This movement or council is an early root foundation with no preceding parent split in the dataset.
Theological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Universal confession across Chalcedonian and Non-Chalcedonian communions that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary, without sin.
Universal Christian confession that God Almighty is the sole Creator of all things visible and invisible out of nothing (*creatio ex nihilo*).
Universal Christian confession that Holy Scripture is divinely inspired, supremely authoritative, and completely trustworthy for knowing God and receiving salvation.
Universal confession that Gentiles are grafted into the covenant promises through faith in Jesus Christ, the true Seed of Abraham.
Universal confession that adult converts from paganism or unbelief must make a conscious profession of repentance and faith before receiving baptism.