RCIA The Creed: The Divine Faith We Profess and Believe

Chapter 2

“For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice” (John 18:37).

I want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth …. 

You owe it to yourself to learn all about Christ’s life and teaching and what the Church believes. The goal is exposure to the entire content of the faith—not just a few things sprinkled willy-nilly. It ultimately boils down to truth, and truth matters!

The Catholic Online School RCIA program is carefully designed to provide you with a systematic, comprehensive education in the divine faith of the Church. The goal is to make you “of the truth” by exposing you to the voice of Christ.

We begin with “The Creed: The Divine Faith We Profess and Believe.”

The Creed—the faith we profess as Christians—is the first of the four main pillars of the faith we’ll be exploring. Here are some of the topics you’ll learn about in this section:

  • The longing for God and why happiness is found in God alone
  • Creation, the human person, reason, and the Church as paths to knowledge of God
  • God’s plan to share his blessed life with you
  • Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the saving Gospel
  • The gift of faith and living as a Christian
  • The mystery of God, the Holy Trinity, and creation
  • Man and woman, original sin, angels, and the devil
  • God sends his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world
  • The saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
  • The Holy Spirit
  • The mystery of the Church
  • The Christian faithful of the Church: hierarchy, religious, and laity
  • The communion of the saints and praying to the saints
  • The Virgin Mary, Mother of God
  • Life everlasting: death, judgement, purgatory, heaven, and hell
  • The resurrection of the dead
  • The new heaven and the new earth


From all of us at Catholic Online School: May Christ bless you on your journey of faith.

“The Creed: The Divine Faith We Profess and Believe" is broken up into 8 different chapters. 

In this course, students will work through Chapter 2.

Students will cover - 

  • Course 4 - Transmission of Divine Revelation 
  • Course 5 - The Gospel
  • Course 6 - The Interpretation of Sacred Scripture


Earning a certificate of completion in this online course is not a substitute for completing a parish-based RCIA program. The Sacraments of Initiation can only be conferred by a bishop or priest. This certificate means you have successfully completed a course of study that is intended to supplement your parish RCIA program.

For free. For everyone. Forever.

With God, you can learn anything

Course curriculum

  • 01

    Introduction to RCIA - For Adults - The Creed - Chapter 2 with 'Certificate of Completion'

    • How to get your 'Certificate of Completion'
  • 02

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 4 - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • INTRODUCTION - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • OPENING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • SCRIPTURE READING -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • VIDEO - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • QUIZ - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 1 - Exploring Divine Revelation, Oral Tradition and The Development of The Old Testament

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 03

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 4 - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • INTRODUCTION - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • OPENING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • VIDEO - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • QUIZ - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 2 - Sacred Tradition

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 04

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 4 - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • INTRODUCTION - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • OPENING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • SCRIPTURE READING -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • VIDEO - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • QUIZ - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 3 - Sacred Scripture

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 05

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 4 - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • INTRODUCTION - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • OPENING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • VIDEO - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • QUIZ - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 4 - What Is the Origin of The Bible?

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 06

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 4 - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • INTRODUCTION - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • OPENING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • SCRIPTURE READING -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • VIDEO - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • QUIZ - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 5 - The Relationship Between Apostolic Succession, Tradition, and Scripture

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 07

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 4 - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • INTRODUCTION - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • OPENING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • SCRIPTURE READING -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • VIDEO - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • QUIZ - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Transmission of Divine Revelation - Lesson 6 - The Magisterium of The Church as Interpreter of Scripture

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 08

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 5 - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • INTRODUCTION - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • VIDEO - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • QUIZ - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Gospel - Lesson 1 - The Gospel and Its Message

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 09

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 5 - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • INTRODUCTION - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • VIDEO - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • QUIZ - Transmission of Divine Revelation - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Gospel - Lesson 2 - The Development of the Gospels

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 10

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 5 - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • INTRODUCTION - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • VIDEO - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • QUIZ - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Gospel - Lesson 3 - Are The Gospels Authentic and Trustworthy?

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 11

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 6 - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • INTRODUCTION - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • OPENING PRAYER - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • VIDEO - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • QUIZ - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 1 - The Basics of Interpreting Sacred Scripture

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 12

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 6 - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • INTRODUCTION - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • OPENING PRAYER - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • VIDEO - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • QUIZ - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 2 - The Senses of Scripture

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 13

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 6 - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • INTRODUCTION - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • OPENING PRAYER - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • VIDEO - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • QUIZ - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 3 - The Problems of Biblical Literalism and Historical Reductionism

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 14

    The Creed - Chapter 2 - Course 6 - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • INTRODUCTION - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • OPENING PRAYER - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • VIDEO - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • QUIZ - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Interpretation of Sacred Scripture - Lesson 4 - The Problem of Sola Scriptura

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

Reviews; See what others are saying about this course

Sarah Mauricio

5 star rating

“Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I love these RCIA classes.”

“Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I love these RCIA classes.”

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HALEY ALLEMAN

5 star rating

“This is an awesome introduction to RCIA, I can hardly wait to continue all the rest of the program. Very well presented.”

“This is an awesome introduction to RCIA, I can hardly wait to continue all the rest of the program. Very well presented.”

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Ellen Masuret

5 star rating

“Much clearer now, my step to take. Praise be to God.”

“Much clearer now, my step to take. Praise be to God.”

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Crystal Lynne dawn Day chief

5 star rating

“Excellent, and very well done. I love the teachings.”

“Excellent, and very well done. I love the teachings.”

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Sarah Mauricio

5 star rating

“Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I love these RCIA classes.”

“Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I love these RCIA classes.”

→Read Less

Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo, CO. He received an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic Distance University, where he is currently employed as an adjunct professor of theology. He is founder and editor of Joy In Truth (joyintruth.com), an online magazine dedicated to the New Evangelization. As a Catholic educator, public speaker and evangelist, Deacon Bartels strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Shelly, and the youngest two of their six children. Professor Bartels is Chairman of the Theology Department.

Deacon Frederick Bartels

Professor of Theology, Department Chair