Understanding the Difference Between Credo and Fidei
Only one of those makes a saint!
Today, I want to talk to you about Credo versus Fidei. I know, I get it…some people don’t want to listen to/watch a podcast. So this little write-up is basically a summary of the what’s in the episode. I go a lot deeper in the episode, and I hope you’ll give it a watch/listen. If you're a frequent listener, you've probably heard me touch upon these themes before. If you’re new to the podcast, you’re in for a smoker! Here’s a 2-minute crash course to start you off, then the blog post continues below.
The Heart of Belief
When we talk about beliefs, especially in the Catholic faith, there's a tendency to focus on Credo—the belief rooted in our minds; things we come to know and accept intellectually. This intellectual belief is often what we express at mass when we recite the Nicene Creed. However, the risk is that these words become mere routine, lacking depth and personal meaning. Reciting the Creed without understanding or sincere belief is like speaking another language without knowing the words' meaning. And in fact there are those in the pews who may not actually believe what they’re professing, and may not even realize that they’re professing it!
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It's not hard to understand that many of the faithful can recite the Creed easily without understanding the truths each statement and phrase declares. But what’s more distressing is many Catholics unknowingly detach themselves from these beliefs. They may not know what it means to ‘believe in the One, Holy Catholic and apostolic faith’ or why we say it in the Creed. It represents what I think is a serious issue in the Church—a prevalence of Credo without Fidei. A belief without understanding, and without faith.
Fidei: Belief of the Heart
Fidei, takes belief to another level. It embodies the confidence and heartfelt belief that compels our actions. We don’t strictly according to what we know (credo) but what we believe (fidei) which is rooted in credo. This kind of faith is not only about acknowledging the truths we understand intellectually but also about internalizing them in our hearts. It's the driving force that transforms knowledge into a lived experience.
Credo is not enough. It alone doesn’t bring us to holiness or even wholeness. Keep in mind that even the devil has Credo. He knows and understands what we profess in the Creed better than we do. Yet, he is devoid of Fidei—a deep belief that aligns actions with convictions.
Addressing the Crisis
How do we address this issue? First, we must realize that fostering deep faith within ourselves takes more than mere understanding. It's about moving from Credo to Fidei. To truly follow Christ means constantly challenging ourselves, swimming against the tide, as it were.
In my three decades of evangelizing, whether through retreats, classrooms, or conferences, I've seen how knowledge fails to carry us if it doesn't transform into Fidei. The Church must focus on nurturing both aspects—informing and inspiring believers to live out their faith authentically.
“Stagnation in the faith life is very tempting…”
Overcoming Stagnation and Seeking Growth
Another part of the solution is a mindfulness of one’s own development, or lack of development. Stagnation in the faith life is very tempting. It’s tempting to believe that we’ve developed enough. But avoiding stagnation is crucial. Believe me, even in the most faithful and the most experienced, there lurks a temptation to settle for less. Never assume you've learned enough or that your faith journey is complete. There's always room for growth.
Identify areas in your life where your Credo has not yet transitioned into Fidei. What's holding you back? This realization can often lead to substantial spiritual growth, as in my personal experiences.
Introducing the Saint Foundry
To help you in this journey, I created the Saint Foundry. It's a space for those who are serious about their development and growth—a place to gain knowledge, strengthen your spiritual muscles, and foster a community. Membership is free.
Your Path Forward
In your pursuit of ‘wholeness and holiness’ the progression from Credo to Fidei is vital. The Holy Spirit is the one who makes that happen, because we’re powerless to do it ourselves. But we have to cooperate with Him, even collaborate with him. A healthy spiritual life and a commitment to understanding our faith are the keys to becoming saints. Our faith has to move from our minds, down to our hearts because that’s where it’s supposed to live.
God bless and be with you all!
