Comments on: First Things’ New Video: The Creed

By: John Venlet

John Venlet — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:27:51 +0000

I find it interesting, in a rather disturbing way, that the very first comment in this thread immediately brings to the forefront of the discussion a schismatic complaint (Filioque) in response to the production of Kelleher's film. In considering Christ's message, who He was sharing the message with, and His method of delivery of the message during His time on earth, I contend the Filioque, and the schism resulting from this bit of bickering, is simply a manmade esoteric construct which the Pantocrator looks down on with a sad smile and a slightly bitter chuckle, while "learned" men browbeat each other because they are on one side of the Filioque altar or the other. Does anyone really believe that these three little words, "and the Son," dealing with the emanating source of the Holy Spirit, are going to have a bearing on any individual's salvation? "I and my Father are one." It is men who have thrown up the barricades to one wholly catholic church, not God, and the Filioque is just one piece of scrap material with which the barricades are constructed. God can tear down these manmade barricades, and He has from the moment of the utterance of "I Am," following that declaration up by then sending His Son to tear down what man had built up in defiance to His "I Am." Unfortunately, men continue to re-construct or reinforce the barricades which He has cast asunder.

By: Janet Adams

Janet Adams — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:10:26 +0000

This looks really interesting. I agree with Steve W., there’s a great need for parishes and other groups to study The Creed. This film looks like it might be ideal for that. I like that phrase: “A treasure hidden in plain sight.”

By: tim kelleher

tim kelleher — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:35:00 +0000

Hi, AAJD
Thanks for your questions.
From the start, the commission was to produce a film that would engage the readers of First Things. However, a concerted effort was made to ensure it be capable of speaking to a wide range of age groups and education levels, without watering things down. Generally speaking, that would be from high school on up. I’m grateful to say that, so far, the feedback suggests those goals have been met. The film runs approximately 40 minutes.

By: AAJD

AAJD — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:18:49 +0000

Can we have some more details please? This looks very much like something I could and would buy to use in my courses, but I need to know, inter alia, how long the whole thing is (an hour? more? less?) and at what level it is presented–elementary school kids? highschoolers? well catechized adults?

By: SteveW

SteveW — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:20:44 +0000

I can’t wait to see it — filioque or no (I’m in the no camp, by the way). Sometime ago I told my priest that he should lead a study for the parish on the creed. We say it every Sunday and I doubt many of us really understand what we are actually attesting to. But it’s one of my favorite parts of the liturgy. Sometimes I am too moved by it to get through it myself, then I’ll just close my eyes and let the voices of my brothers and sisters saying it wash over me. This will be a great kickoff to our study.

By: jb

jb — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:37:52 +0000

I will venture forth, not from having seen anything but the trailer . . . The Credo is beyond radical (roots); it is at once world-denying, and life-affirming. I do not recite it, I pray it. One cannot speak of nor confess Christ without a huge self-investment. The Filioque is settled by Jesus . . . John 10:30, if Genesis 1 does not. John . . . read this.

By: tim kelleher

tim kelleher — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 03:49:18 +0000

Hello, Stuart and Charles. Among the contributors to this film, I expect you’ll find some familiar – and if the Filioque is of genuine concern – reassuring names. Truly do hope you like it.

By: Charles Bell

Charles Bell — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:03:24 +0000

Ha! Good idea.

By: Stuart Koehl

Stuart Koehl — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:27:44 +0000

With that huge Pantocrator staring down at us, I hope you remembered to omit the Filioque.