Maker vs Creator

I have been thinking a lot about words lately…words that are used and words that are not. Words that mean one thing based on where we are in life and our spiritual journey and what they meant earlier on. I realized that I could write a series of posts regarding my contemplation on this topic. If the Lord leads me to do so, I will. But for this post, I want to concentrate on my latest contemplation – Maker vs Creator

I am not sure what triggered the thought of maker vs creator, but, it has been on my mind the last couple of days. In the Nicene Creed (professed on Sundays, Holy Days, and Solemnities) the verbiage is Maker vs Creator. In the Apostle’s Creed (professed in devotions like the Rosary and Divine Mercy and sometimes in some Parishes during Lent) the verbiage is Creator vs Maker.

As I contemplated these words, I discerned if there really was a difference. To me, there is. Maker calls to mind just that – someone has made something ..they constructed it. They had a “plan”, they gathered their “resources”, and “made” whatever it was they set out to make.

Creator calls to mind – forethought, care, intention, art, purpose, etc.. To me this is a much fitting word to use when describing God and His “Plan”.

So, then I struggled with why, when so many prayers of Holy Mass were revisited in their translation, why was Maker left instead of changing to Creator. Then I thought about the purpose of both. This is what I ascertained. I do not know if it is right, but it gave me peace:

The Nicene Creed was formulated to combat the heresies of the time. It was written as a matter of fact statement as to our Christian believes – kind of like a legal document. We profess it at Holy Mass as an all encompassing statement of our Faith.

The Apostles’ Creed was formulated out of evangelization. It was spreading the Good News and basic Faith of the Apostles. The Apostles who walked with Jesus, who talked with Jesus, whose sentiments and fervor were for the love of God. It was not a profession of what we believe, but rather a profession of Faith in a world that knew not of the complete Truth of God.

Both are being used appropriately as designated by the Magisterium, but in my heart, even when professing the Nicene Creed, I will still refer to Him as my Creator!