Church History and Theology CHT | S1E21: Chalcedon -> Justinian Dynasty
Apr 6, 2022
Dive into the seismic shifts in theology following the Council of Chalcedon, where the Eastern and Western Churches grapple with Christological heresies. Explore the evolution and divisive impact of ecumenical councils post-Great Schism. Discover the complex interplay between church authority and civil governance in ancient Rome. Learn about Emperor Zeno's attempts to unify a divided Eastern Church and Justinian's ambitious restoration of the Roman Empire, while also uncovering the surprising connections between historical pandemics and modern issues like abortion rates.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Theological Debates Shape Church Unity
- The early church councils focused mainly on defining the nature of Jesus' incarnation between divine and human.
- These theological debates often became semantic and culturally driven, affecting church unity.
Leo's Tome Deepens Divisions
- Pope Leo I's Tome at Chalcedon defined orthodox Christology, drawing a hard line against one-nature beliefs.
- Exact theological standards led to division, despite shared faith in core Christian doctrines.
Rise of Bishop's Civil Power
- The bishop of Rome wielded quasi-political power by 452, notably giving peace to Rome from the Huns.
- This blending of church and civil authority is historically powerful but problematic for church-state relations.