Issues, Etc. Early Christian Creeds, Part 4 – Dr. Ken Schurb, 11/7/25 (3111)
Nov 7, 2025
Dr. Ken Schurb, a church historian and Evangelism Executive with a Ph.D. from Ohio State, dives into the critical debates surrounding early Christian creeds. He explains the threats posed by Arianism to the Trinity and how the Nicene Creed responded with groundbreaking language. The discussion includes Athanasius' courageous defense, the political landscape of post-Nicaea, and how the Cappadocian Fathers clarified Trinitarian terminology. Dr. Schurb also delves into the 381 Constantinople Creed and the complexities of the Filioque controversy.
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Arianism Undermines Christ's Divinity
- Arianism subordinated the Son, claiming 'there was a time when he was not,' making Jesus a creature rather than the Creator.
- That denial of the Son's full divinity undermined the classical Christian Trinity and salvation itself.
Nicene Creed Is A 381 Product
- The Nicene Creed (as used today) is actually the 381 Constantinople revision, not the original 325 text.
- That expanded second article explicitly rejects Arianism by calling the Son 'begotten, not made' and 'of the same substance' with the Father.
Athanasius's Long Exile
- Athanasius became bishop of Alexandria at a young age and spent 17 of his 46 years as bishop in exile defending Nicene orthodoxy.
- His repeated exiles show the intense political and theological conflict after Nicaea.
