495 Early Church History 13: Trinity Controversy in the Fourth Century

May 11, 2023

Explore the intense theological battles of the fourth century that shaped Christianity. Discover how the Council of Nicaea ignited conflicts rather than resolving them. Delve into Athanasius's complex legacy and his fierce opposition to Arianism. Unpack the debates over the Trinity, influenced by ecclesiastical councils and imperial power. Witness the evolution of military Christianity as it intertwined with faith and doctrine, all leading to pivotal changes in the understanding of Christology.

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Intro

00:00 • 21min

Athanasius: Saint or Slanderer?

21:15 • 5min

The Evolution of the Trinity: Councils and Controversies in Early Christianity

26:06 • 18min

The Evolution of Military Christianity and Theological Debates in the Fourth and Fifth Centuries

43:54 • 2min

The Trinity Controversy of the Fourth Century

46:12 • 10min

This is part 13 of the Early Church History class.

Between the year 325 and 381 titanic shifts occurred that changed Christianity forever. Rather than ending conflict and ushering in a golden era of lasting peace, Constantine's Council of Nicea ignited a theological civil war within Christianity that raged for six more decades. In today's episode you'll learn about the struggle over Christology that eventually ended with the emperor Theodosius endorsing the trinitarian creed of Constantinople in 381. Rather than sugarcoating this tumultuous period, my hope is to relentlessly tell the truth in hopes that you can draw your own conclusions.

Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXXcufcuis

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—— Notes ——

325 Council of Nicaea

Constantine invited many bishops to his lake summer palace at Nicaea.
Between 250 and 300 bishops attended, but only 5 from the West.
Constantine suggested adding the word homoousios to the creed that Eusebius of Caesarea presented.
The Creed of Nicaea declares the Son to be “begotten of the Father…that is, from the essence (ousia) of the Father…begotten not made, one in essence (homoousia) with the Father”.

Decades of Controversy

The Council of Nicaea did not pacify the controversy but instead fueled it.
Everyday people were informed and argued about the various positions in the streets, baths, and marketplaces.

Three Main Parties

Homoousions (Athanasius)
Anomoeans (Eunomius)
Homoians (Acacius)

Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373)

326 - Became bishop of Alexandria
Took up mantle of Alexander and fought tirelessly for the eternal Son position and homoousios
Repeatedly deposed and exiled from Alexandria
Spent at least 15 years in exile of his 45 year bishopric
Used violent speech and physical violence to defeat his enemies

Anomoeans

Believed the Son was not like the Father
Most famous representative was Eunomius.
Strong subordinationists
357 - Second Creed of Sirmium

Homoians

Believed the Son was like the Father but not the same substance
Constantinople was a homoian stronghold for decades prior to 381.