Running head: NICENE CHRISTIANITY 1 Nicene Christianity Brandon Vera BIBL 111-02 February 5, 2014 Prof. Robert Hill
NICENE CHRISTIANITY 2 Nicene Christianity To deem that the ecumenical councils were merely events of history is an understatement. The Councils of Nicea, Constantinople, and Chalcedon all discussed and theologically examined concepts of Church doctrine, impacting the very foundation upon which Christianity is built. Furthermore, these meetings enabled questions and issues of religion, specifically the spirit of Christ, to be confronted by religious leaders seeking a unified Christendom. By thoroughly investigating the controversies, the outcomes, and applying and analyzing these councils, it becomes evident that their significance is both transcendent and essential for an in-depth comprehension of Christianity. The Controversy of the Councils The Council of Nicea Despite reunification of the Roman Empire, the church still endured bitter debate over the true divinity of Jesus Christ. In the year 325, Emperor Constantine, forced to mediate, called the Council of Nicea in response to the teachings of Arius, which were similar to Origen. However, he believed in more of a radical monotheism and concluded that the Father alone is God (Lane, 2006, p. 28). With his teachings, Arius was able to draw support from bishops in the East and other likeminded Origenists. Hence, there was a theological battle between monarchianism and trinitarianism. The Council of Constantinople Because Arianism continued to linger, eastern emperor, Theodosius, called the Council of Constantinople in the year 381. His efforts aimed to unify the empire by bringing the Eastern Church back to Nicene Christianity. At this ecumenical meeting, the aim was to fill out what the Council of Nicea had left unsaid about the Holy Spirit,
NICENE CHRISTIANITY 3 especially Trinitarian clarification sought by the Cappadocian Fathers (Bingham, 2002, p. 49). Moreover, the council disputed Apollonarian teachings, which proclaimed that Christ lacked a human soul. The Council of Chalcedon Called by emperor Marcian in 451, the Council of Chalcedon set forth to undertake and resolve the affair of Eutyches, who had already been condemned by Leo (Lane, 2006, p. 60). Because he was a loyal follower of Cyril of Alexandria, the errors in his Christology were apparent. Eutyches affirmed that, preceding the Incarnation, there were two natures of Christ; however, following the union, Christ possessed only one nature (Davis, 1990, p. 172-176). Overall, Jesus Christ s humanity was not of the same quintessence compared to human beings. The Outcome of the Councils The Creed of Nicea In regard to Arius, his concept of Arianism affirmed that Jesus Christ was created out of nothing, or ex nihilo, and that he was wholly human but not completely divine. Nevertheless, the Creed of Nicea excluded this idea by utilizing the explanatory clause that is, from the substance of the Father (Lane, 2006, p. 29). Strategically but controversially, the creed used the Greek term homoousios to highlight that Jesus Christ is of one substance as opposed to Arius interpretation. Seeking clarity on Christ, the explanation of the Trinity also established that all three parts are co-eternal and equivalent (Davis, 1990, p. 48-50). Nevertheless, Arianism would continue to remain until the Council of Constantinople. The Nicene Creed
NICENE CHRISTIANITY 4 The bishops of Constantinople settled any notions against the subordination of the Son or Spirit to the Father and ratified, with minor alterations, a creed that removed problematic terminology (Bingham, 2002, p. 49). As a result, the Nicene Creed was formulated, condemning three heresies: Arianism, Apollinarianism, and Macedonianism. Unfortunately, Macedonian bishops refused to accept the changes. On the other hand, controversy arose within the third canon, which asserts: the bishop of Constantinople is to be honored next after the bishop of Rome, because Constantinople is the new Rome" (Lane, 2006, p. 41). Proclaiming such authority for the bishop of Constantinople was a threat to both Rome and Alexandria, which caused more issues. The Chalcedonian Defintion Due to emperor Marcian s persistence, he pushed for unity and the establishment of orthodoxy, tackling the teachings of Nestorius and Eutyches. With the Chalcedonian Definition, it affirms: In Jesus Christ, true deity (against Arius) and full humanity (against Apollinaris) are indivisibly united in one person (against Nestorius), without being confused (against Eutyches). It s teaching can be summarized in the phrase one person in two natures. (Lane, 2006, p. 61) Despite the emperor s intentions, increased tensions occurred. Ultimately, the result of the Chalcedonian Definition was outright schism between Eastern and Western churches (Davis, 1990, p. 204). Application and Analysis First and foremost, I attend two churches: one in Virginia Beach and one in Ecuador (which I attend during the summer). Both are Christian-driven; however, their
NICENE CHRISTIANITY 5 perspectives vary based upon divergent interpretations. Both believe that there is one God who is continually present in three persons. Contrastingly, my church in Virginia Beach believes that by fully accepting Christ as our savior and asking for forgiveness of our sins, salvation is achieved and is forever. In Ecuador, salvation is attained through good works and baptism, focusing on a sacramental process. Puzzled by this tug-of-war about the message of salvation, researching the journey of establishing the Nicene orthodoxy revealed an application. Through the ecumenical councils and Nicene Christianity, the importance of discourse was made apparent. As a contemporary Christian, I think it is significant to remain cognizant of how bishops convened to discuss hermeneutical matters. It is through this type of questioning and discourse that we can only come to learn of God both spiritually and intellectually. Ultimately, my experiences compel me to constantly read the Holy Bible and interact with other Christians, understanding that God encourages curiosity to acquire an in-depth comprehension. Conclusion Through the ecumenical councils controversies, outcomes, and a personal application, one can see the relevance and significance they still hold today. Examining the controversies and outcomes, one can see the lasting effects and impacts decisions had on the establishment of Nicene Christianity. Even more so, these councils have proven that, through discourse, disparities can be confronted and dissected to seek a solution or, at least, delve deeper into the understanding of God. It must be stated, though, that there is more to learn and to encounter; however, with God s guidance, one can receive clarity and attain reassurance.
NICENE CHRISTIANITY 6 References Bingham, D. J. (2002). Pocket history of the church. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. Davis, L. D. (1990). The first seven ecumenical councils (325-787): Their history and theology. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical. Lane, T. (2006). A concise history of christian thought. Great Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.