Debbie Swindell

This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, one of the most significant events in church history. In 325, around 300 bishops from across the Roman Empire gathered in the city of Nicaea (present-day Iznik, Turkey) at the invitation of Emperor Constantine. This council holds great importance for Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox Christians, yet its significance is often neglected or forgotten. In this blog post, I want to take a closer look at what happened during this pivotal gathering and why it deserves our remembrance and gratitude.

The story begins with a man named Arius, who became an elder in the Church of Alexandria around 313. Known for his intelligence and dedication, he soon stirred controversy by teaching that Jesus was inferior to God the Father and was, in fact, a created being rather than the Creator. Arius claimed that Jesus had a beginning and came into existence, directly challenging the teachings of Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria. Alexander maintained that Jesus was eternally begotten and of the same essence as the Father, asserting their equality. 

This theological debate was not a trivial matter; Arius’s teachings gained popularity, partially because he expressed them through song, leading to widespread confusion within the community. In response, Alexander convened a council of local bishops to address the issue. The majority sided with Alexander and expelled Arius from both his church position and the city of Alexandria. However, this decision did not end the dispute, as Arius continued to spread his teachings to other regions and gained notable supporters within the church.

As the controversy spread, Constantine, who had embraced Christianity in 312 and unified the Roman Empire in 324, recognized that division within the church could threaten the stability of the empire. He invited church leaders from across the empire to meet in Nicaea for deliberation. Most of the bishops present were from the eastern part of the empire, with only six representing the Latin-speaking west. Notably, the bishop of Rome was absent, which meant he did not directly participate in the discussions. Many of these leaders had endured persecution due to their faith, enduring physical scars that served as reminders of their suffering. Therefore, it is crucial to view these figures not as detached academics, but as individuals for whom faith represented a matter of life and death.

During the council, opinions were deeply divided. Some bishops supported Arius’s views, while others staunchly opposed them. Others might have sought compromise. However, discussions did not lead to a middle ground. Instead, there was a nearly unanimous rejection of Arius’s perspective, and a consensus emerged in support of Alexander’s assertion that Jesus is of the same essence as the Father. Only two bishops dissented from this stance. 

As Arius attempted to justify his teachings using specific biblical texts, the council formulated a statement that clarified the correct interpretation of Scripture. This declaration became known as the “Nicene Creed,” which has since served as a fundamental statement of Christian faith.

In remembering the Council of Nicaea, we recognize its lasting impact on Christianity and church doctrine. This gathering not only addressed a significant theological dispute but also laid the foundation for a unified Christian belief system that would endure for centuries. Understanding and appreciating this history allows us to better grasp the complexities of our faith today. Let us honor this momentous event and reflect on its significance in shaping the Christianity we know now.

THE NICENE CREED 

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.