Early Church History: Class 6 – Ecumenical Councils

CLASS FIVE – VIDEO, NOTES

The Council of Nicaea (AD 325)

1. Context: Christianity transitioned from a persecuted faith to a state religion after Constantine’s conversion.
2. Key Issue: The Arian Controversy—debate over Christ’s divinity.
3. Positions on Christ’s Nature:
   • Homoousia: Same substance as the Father (Orthodox view).
   • Homoiousia: Similar substance as the Father.
   • Heteroousia: Different substance, Christ as a created being (Arian view).
4. Outcome:
   • Affirmed Christ’s full deity and co-eternality with the Father.
   • Adopted the Nicene Creed to clarify Trinitarian doctrine.
   • Only 2 bishops, along with Arius, refused to sign and were exiled.
5. Other Issues Addressed:
   • Dating of Resurrection Sunday.
   • Suppression of the Meletian Schism.
   • Establishment of 20 new Canon Laws.

The Arian Resurgence

1. Despite the council’s decision, Arianism persisted and gained imperial support under Constantius II.
2. Athanasius, a staunch defender of Nicene orthodoxy, faced multiple exiles and intense opposition but remained a key figure in combating heresy.
3. Athanasius’ legacy: “Athanasius Contra Mundum” (Against the World), exemplifying unwavering commitment to truth.

The Ecumenical Councils

1. First Council of Nicaea (325): Addressed Arianism, affirmed Christ’s divinity.
2. First Council of Constantinople (381): Expanded Nicene Creed; affirmed the Holy Spirit’s divinity.
3. Council of Ephesus (431): Condemned Nestorianism; affirmed Mary as Theotokos.
4. Council of Chalcedon (451): Defined Christ as one person with two natures (hypostatic union).

Key Theological Contributions

• Nicene Creed: Affirms Christ as “begotten, not made” and “of one Being with the Father.”
• Trinitarian Theology: Solidified the doctrine of one God in three persons.
• Hypostatic Union: Christ’s full humanity and full divinity affirmed at Chalcedon.