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The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed . 9 th Grade Confirmation Class St. James’s Episcopal Church By: The Rev. Alex Riffee. Basics of the Council. Began in 325 A.D. Emperor Constantine Bishops, priests, and deacons were the decision makers in the debates and formulation of the creed.

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The Nicene Creed

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  1. The Nicene Creed 9th Grade Confirmation Class St. James’s Episcopal Church By: The Rev. Alex Riffee

  2. Basics of the Council • Began in 325 A.D. • Emperor Constantine • Bishops, priests, and deacons were the decision makers in the debates and formulation of the creed. • It was considered ecumenical because Constantine asked for bishops from every land in the empire to come. (invited 1800) • There was over-representation from the East…closer to site of council and Constantinople (the new Roman Capital). (approx. 300 came to the council) • Resulted with a creedal statement and other church matters that will not be focused upon in this class

  3. Our Focus Today • To understand what was going on in the Roman Empire to warrant the need for a council. • To understand the intentions of the emperor and various parties. • What the Creed actually intends to do. • What it does not do. • Why it is important even today.

  4. Key Players in Political Controversy • Arius of Alexandria – Wanted to protect the perfect nature of God and thought the humanity of Jesus would threaten that belief. He believed Christ must be subordinate to the Father, making them two separate entities (2 Gods?). • WANTS SON to be SUBORDINATE to INCOMPREHENSIBLE FATHER. • Eusebius of Nicomedia – Heavy influence with emperor and a follower of Arius’ teaching. • Athanasius of Alexandria – Viewed that there was one God and that Christ could not be God if not equal with the Father…nor could he be free from sin (purpose of his death) if he was a creature from God as opposed to being of God. • WANTS EQUALITY for the Son and the Father.

  5. More on Arius’ Position • saying • "he is from things that are not", and • "before he was begotten he was not", and • "there once was when he was not", • If true then must be inferior (thought process) • saying too that • by his own power the Son of God is capable of • evil and • goodness, • and calling him • a creature and a work.

  6. Political Situation • Fighting in Alexandria • Rumor of Grain Strike from Athanasius (Started by Eusebius…cannot tell if any truth or falsehood to it) • Emperor cannot tolerate possible riots and mass starvation. • Previous censures from differing church powers. • Churches in Alexandria are fracturing, riots, work stopping, etc. • Makes sense – The seemingly easy theological issues for us were considered life and death decisions to early Christians…better get it right mentality. • Constantine must put a stop to turmoil • Calls for a Council • 324 just solidified self as sole emperor…now this…council called in 325…things were hairy and he needed to hold it together.

  7. Map of Eastern Empire • Alexandria, Constantinople, Nicomedia

  8. What Happened? • Council called to Nicaea, which is a land very close to new Roman Capital in Constantinople (Turkey)… • Favored Arian priests at the beginning. • Would take months for representatives across empire to meet. (First letters go out and then traveling) • Poor health among other issues. • Uncertainties • Traveling over sea and mountains…still often treacherous. • Old age…may not survive journey home. • Over-representation from East.

  9. How Was the Role of Religion Linked? • Whether religion/politics should be linked is not the question. What we have is the reality of the historical situation. • Bishops in that area of the world had influence on guilds (many persons in them were Christian). They were also typically best educated. • When one theological view became prominent over another, the influence and ability to manage the empire would be stronger for one land and weaker for another. • Religion used to gain favor and to see who deserved precious resources (orthodox versus heresy)

  10. What is Orthodoxy/Heresy? • Orthodox - sound or correct in opinion or doctrine, especially theological or religiousdoctrine. • (debates went on for centuries to try to define what was Orthodox). • Heterodox - notinaccordance with established or accepted doctrines or opinions,especially in theology • (at council, many believed Arius’ argument to be convincing, but new teaching) • Heresy - opinion or doctrineatvariance with the orthodox or accepted doctrine • (synonym for heterodox)

  11. The Original Intent of the Council • Constantine was no theologian or a saint (did some bad stuff). • He was, however, a great manager of humanity and he knew what was required to reestablish unity in the empire. • By getting disagreeing parties together, Constantine hoped to reach consensus. • Mission – make a statement of the basic theological points we all can agree on about God; primarily Christ’s role with God.

  12. Diagram of Trinity • Diagrams are never perfect, but it shows what the council of Nicaea was trying to figure out. • How are there differences, but one God? • Can there be differences and equality. • Modes of being? Responsibilities?

  13. What Is Not In The Creed? • Answers to other theological questions like suffering, etc. • Claims of hierarchy or exclusivity. • Recently, Christians have taken exception to the recitation of the creed, because they see it as binding and close-minded. • ‘One catholic and apostolic church’ means the desire for everyone to continue in how they were taught and for the universal church to work together, not spar like they were doing before the council. • There is no mention of this is the only way. • The context for which it was written. • The claim that the role of Christ is being elevated. • (some argue that the role of Christ was not viewed as the Son of God before the council…countless fragments show that this is not the case).

  14. What Is In The Creed? • Earliest complete statement of the faith. • Answers to Questions of Who Christ was as divine. • Biblical understanding of various roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. • A biblical desire to maintain unity amid differences. • A basic formula to say what they can about God…nothing more.

  15. Why Is It Important to Us? • The Creed marks a time when serious Christians tried to understand God in a heartfelt manner. • They tried to articulate the basics of what was taught to them by generations of church leaders and the biblical texts/gospels known to them. • It is just as relevant today as it was in the 4th century. • The Creed helps us to understand the early faith of the church and to know the basics of who Christ was revealed to them and us now. • It is still okay to look elsewhere to broaden that answer, but even though the Creed doesn’t say everything, it does not make it any less important/good/essential. • If this is how God is revealed to us in scripture and we hold scripture to hold truth about God, then we should look to the creed without cynicism or fear of ulterior motives.

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