@prism
In classical theology, we speak of
norma normans and
norma normata. Two Latin phrases (unfortunately, theology is done in Latin!); the first means "the norm which norms" and the second, "the norm which has been normed." "Norm" has to do which a rule or canon that measures the correctness of a teaching.
In Protestant theology, Scripture (the words on the page) are the only
norma normans (this is sometimes called "Sola Scripture" - Scripture alone is the
norma normans), but other things can be normed BY that, and thus are
norma normata. The Ecumenical Creeds are often considered norma normata. Sometimes the 7 Ecumenical Councils are considered norma normata. Each faith community usually considers it's own Confessions to be such.
I hope that helps...
- Josiah
.