Humans are wired with a need for creed, a need to have a summary of our personal beliefs. Even those who eschew the taking of a creed like the Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed, often still have personal creeds… usually in the form of a musical anthem.

For example, here is a famous creed that you might recognize from a group called Journey or a show by the name of Glee [full video]:

For many people, “Don’t Stop Believin'” isn’t just an anthem, it is a creed. In hard times, don’t stop believing!

Truth be told, our most deeply held creeds are most often found in the lyrics of our favorite songs.

Creeds are the soundtracks of our lives. This may be the reason why we resist the likes of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. Quite literally, they do not resonate with us.

Music is the language of God.

Take, for example, Hillsong’s “This, I Believe.” It is powerful. And, it is a creed.

The lyrics of Hillsong’s “This, I Believe” are not just powerful, but they are also a mirror of the Apostles’ Creed. Listen to the song, and dwell on the words of the Apostles’ Creed, likely written before the ink was dry on the New Testament:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRACTICE:  Reflect on your favorite song. What is creedal about it? Does it make a statement about life that deeply resonates with you?