159. Q. If we shall find only the “chief truths” in the Apostles’ Creed, where shall we find the remaining truths?

 

Uncovering the Fullness of Faith: Where to Find the Truths Beyond the Apostles' Creed

Life often leaves us searching for truth—whether about the world, our purpose, or how to live in a way that brings peace and fulfillment. The Apostles' Creed, a key teaching of the Catholic Church, offers a clear, concise summary of the chief truths of faith. But, like many, you may wonder: What about the rest? Where do we turn for a fuller understanding of our faith and the deeper truths of life?

In the Baltimore Catechism, this question is directly addressed:

"If we shall find only the 'chief truths' in the Apostles' Creed, where shall we find the remaining truths?"

The answer is simple yet profound:

"We shall find the remaining truths of our Faith in the religious writings and preachings that have been sanctioned by the authority of the Church."

1. What Does This Mean?

The Apostles' Creed is like a foundation—it gives us the essential beliefs that anchor our faith. But as we seek to understand more about God, ourselves, and how to live according to our faith, we need additional guidance. That’s where the religious writings and preachings come in. These are teachings, sermons, books, and other works that have been approved by the Church's authority—namely, the Pope, bishops, and priests.

These writings cover everything from practical advice on living a Christian life to deeper insights into mysteries like the Trinity, the sacraments, and moral teachings. They expand upon the truths in the Apostles' Creed, helping us live out our faith in everyday situations and grow closer to God.

2. Why Are These Writings Important?

Imagine the Apostles' Creed as the backbone of our faith. It's the framework, but we need flesh, muscle, and life to live it out fully. The religious writings and preachings give us that—they provide depth, explanation, and practical application to the chief truths of the Creed.

These additional truths help us answer the "how" and "why" of faith:

• How do we live with integrity, honesty, and kindness in today’s world?
• Why does the Church teach certain moral principles, and how can they guide our decisions?
• How can we build a deeper, personal relationship with God?

For instance, think about the Ten Commandments. They are simple, yet their application in daily life can be challenging. Religious teachings help break these down, showing us how to navigate tough decisions with faith and moral clarity.

3. The Church as a Source of Wisdom

We live in a world filled with countless voices, offering advice on how to live. It can be overwhelming trying to discern what’s true and meaningful. The Church, with its 2,000 years of history, provides a wellspring of wisdom that has stood the test of time.

The Church’s teachings and religious writings help us make sense of complex issues, like:

• Suffering: Why does it exist, and how can we find hope in the midst of it?
• Forgiveness: How can we forgive ourselves and others in difficult situations?
• Love and charity: What does it mean to love as Christ loved us?

These writings aren’t just for priests or theologians; they are for ordinary people who want to live better, more fulfilled lives. They show us how to apply the truths of our faith in the workplace, at home, and in our relationships with others.

4. Finding Inspiration in These Teachings

You don’t need to be a scholar or a theologian to be inspired by the Church’s writings and teachings. Many of these works are written in a way that speaks to the heart, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to people of all walks of life.

For example:

• The writings of saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux offer simple, profound reflections on living a holy life.
• Church documents, like encyclicals from the Pope, provide wisdom on modern challenges such as social justice, human dignity, and family life.

These writings are treasures for anyone seeking to grow in their faith and find meaning in the challenges of life.

5. Where Can We Find These Truths?

The Church provides many ways for us to access these teachings. Here are some of the most accessible resources:

• The Bible: It’s the foundation of our faith and is filled with both the chief and additional truths we need for life. Regular reading of the Bible, accompanied by Church-approved interpretations, opens up endless sources of wisdom.
• Catechisms: Besides the Baltimore Catechism, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a comprehensive guide to everything the Church teaches. It’s like a roadmap for living out the truths of the Apostles’ Creed.
• Church sermons and homilies: Attending Mass and listening to the homilies of priests can provide practical advice and insight into how to live out your faith.
• Spiritual writings: Books by saints, Church Fathers, and contemporary Catholic authors can offer deep insights into your spiritual journey. Many of these books are easily available online or at your local parish.

6. Why Should This Matter to You?

Whether you are deeply religious or just exploring, the teachings of the Church help us to live with purpose, hope, and peace. They provide guidance on how to:

• Navigate challenges and difficulties with faith.
• Build stronger, healthier relationships based on Christian principles.
• Live a life of compassion, love, and service to others.

These teachings aren’t just for Sunday—they apply to every moment of our lives, from how we treat our families to how we respond to life’s difficulties.

7. An Encouraging Path Forward

So, what can we take away from this teaching of the Baltimore Catechism? The chief truths are found in the Apostles' Creed, but the remaining truths—those that help us dive deeper into the faith—are found in the Church’s religious writings and preachings.

It’s an invitation to explore and grow. There is always more to learn about our faith, more to discover about the meaning of life, and more wisdom to guide us as we strive to become better people. The truths found in these religious writings aren’t distant or irrelevant—they are tools for living a life full of purpose, hope, and love.

So, wherever you are in your faith journey, take the time to seek out these teachings. Let them inspire you, guide you, and help you discover the fullness of the truth that can transform your life.

Conclusion: Seeking Truth Beyond the Creed

In summary, while the Apostles' Creed provides the chief truths of our faith, there is a whole wealth of wisdom in the Church’s teachings that helps us understand how to live out these truths fully. These religious writings and preachings offer guidance on the deeper questions of life and faith, giving us the tools we need to live with meaning and purpose.

By exploring these teachings, we find answers, encouragement, and inspiration that lead us closer to God and help us navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and hope. So, don’t be afraid to dive deeper into the faith. There’s always more to discover, and the Church is a reliable and rich source of truth that can lead you to a life full of meaning and joy.