Normans and Normata

I have been reflecting this week on the impact creeds have within our church. With the inclusion of creeds in the Restrictive Rules at the General Conference in Costa Rica, and the potential development of a new expression of a confession of faith, what does this mean for us, and how should we respond? Each week at St. Marys, we recite the Apostles’ Creed together. Why?

Traditionally, in any expression of the Protestant Church, the authority of symbols—including creeds—is both limited and relative. By "relative," I mean that creeds do not hold the same level of authority as the Bible. Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation, making the value of creeds dependent on their alignment with the Bible.

The theological terms for this relationship are norma normans and norma normata:

1.    Norma Normans ("the norming norm"): This term refers to the ultimate, unchangeable standard that norms or guides all other norms. In Christian theology, Scripture (the Bible) is often considered the norma normans because it is the foundational and ultimate authority against which all other teachings, practices, and beliefs are measured. It "norms" or guides but is not "normed" by anything else.

2.    Norma Normata ("the normed norm"): This refers to a secondary or derived standard that itself is subject to the higher authority of the norma normans. In Christian tradition, creeds, doctrines, and church traditions are often considered norma normata because they are authoritative yet still subordinate to Scripture. These norms are shaped by, and must remain consistent with, the ultimate norm of the Bible.

In essence, norma normans is the ultimate, independent standard (like Scripture), while norma normata is a dependent standard (like a creed), deriving its authority from the norma normans and aligning with it.

Thus, the Bible serves as the rule of faith, while the creeds serve as the rule of doctrine. The Bible is a divine and absolute authority, while creeds hold an ecclesiastical and relative authority. The Bible guides the general religious belief and practice of both clergy and laity, whereas creeds, confessions, and symbols guide the public teaching of church leaders. Similarly, the church’s constitution and canons (such as the Book of Doctrine and Discipline) govern church order, and liturgies and hymnals guide church worship.

In short, the Bible is God’s word to us, and the creeds are our human response to that word. As the Global Methodist Church considers drafting a new creed, articles of religion, or confessions of faith, it is essential that we remember this theological principle of norma normans and norma normata.

May we remain ever faithful.

Until next time… Grace and Peace