A
prayer is a
request. Some prayers include assertions. Some contain political and social change statements (and not requests).
A creed is a statement of faith as to what is believed.
An oath is a promise to do or not do something.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says not to make
oaths (or
creeds). Aristotle explains why.
It is possible for leaders to have their followers (i.e., congregation) recite
oaths disguised as a
creed. It is worse when those
oaths appear to be the
opposite of what is stated by Jesus in the Bible. Such deception is similar in spirit to mixing
leaven into the
bread as in the fourth kingdom parable.
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]
5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? [kjv]
οτι α κατηρτισω καθειλον ο δε δικαιος τι εποιησεν [lxx]
Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? [kjv]
οτι α κατηρτισω καθειλον ο δε δικαιος τι εποιησεν [lxx]
