Theology in the Raw The Real Story Behind the Nicene Creed. Dr. Bryan Litfin
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Oct 27, 2025 Dr. Bryan Litfin, a Bible & Theology professor at Liberty University and church history scholar, dives deep into the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed. He discusses the significance of Trinitarian debates and how Constantine aimed to unify the empire through Christian consensus. The podcast covers the Arian controversy, the political influences at the council, and why the term 'homoousios' was crucial. Litfin also emphasizes the relevance of creeds today and the need for rigorous catechesis in churches, encouraging a return to ancient practices.
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Monotheism Spurs Trinitarian Debate
- Early Christians had to reconcile strict monotheism with worship of Father, Son, and Spirit.
- That tension drove theological reflection leading toward a formal Trinitarian doctrine.
Constantine Calls Nicaea For Unity
- Constantine sought unity and called the Council of Nicaea to settle divisions.
- He hoped for consensus so the empire could have one faith under one emperor.
Arianism Threatened The Gospel
- The central split was over whether the Son is a created being or truly co-eternal with the Father.
- Arius argued the Son was a created, exalted being, which threatened gospel claims about salvation.
