Arianism, First & Second Ecumenical Councils

Seven “Ecumenical” Councils 325 - 787 Main issues in all dealt with “who Christ is” - incarnation Dealt with things most Christians had assumed until someone questioned them - “The word was God” - John 1

Arius, priest of Alexandria, said the Word was a creature - Most exalted but still created “there was a time when He was not” This would by implication deny the Trinity as well

Appeal of Arianism - “one God” neater philosophically, more rational Fit in better with gnostic ideas of deity as well Fit in better with cult of emperor Most ancient kings were also gods - Israel different Much American liberal Christianity and civil religion is Arian-flavored

Constantine wanted Christianity to be his religious support, just as paganism had been C. certainly wanted no division in church He called a council

Councils were already a tradition of church life But not on this worldwide scale and not with emperors involved Scene - Constantine and others kissing wounds of Confessors Nicholas of Myra and Spyridon of Cyprus were there Athanasius was there as a deacon

Council is not a debate or political meeting, no “majority vote” Each is witness to what was already taught in his area In this case Arian bishops gave in to majority but later reneged Councils do not make doctrine - witness to what was already taught For Orthodox a council is not authoritative until accepted by whole church It is authoritative for issues it is called for

Council condemned Arius and excommunicated him for not accepting rebuke of council Should have known better Constantine died 337, successors appointed Arian bishops and Arianism remained a struggle until 381

Main defender of Nicene doctrine was Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria He was exiled from his see on false charges three times Feisty - grabbed emperor’s bridle to lecture him Wrote On the Incarnation and Life of Anthony Athanasius On the Incarnation - Full doctrine of incarnation necessary to salvation

Ordinary people and monks supported Nicene faith Although emperors often chose heretic bishops It is not the case that they forced teaching on the church In every doctrinal dispute, the emperors’ courts and high clergy were usually on other side from what we now consider the Orthodox teaching

Three other great bishops during 4 th cent: Basil, Greg of Nyssa, Greg Theologian (Cappadocians) Basil - “Kingly” bishop - died age 49 - many accomplishments - subject for another lesson He is main reason we consider the Holy Spirit divine - On the Holy Spirit

Emperor Theodosius took throne in 379 - he was Orthodox St Gregory (Theologian) preached in a house in Constantinople - all other churches Arian So crowded people listened at windows Theodosius called another Council at Constantinople (new Rome) 381 Affirmed Nicene doctrine and Theodosius supported it Affirmed divinity of Holy Spirit - added third paragraph of creed Gregory made Abp of Constantinople but soon retired