the christological controversies and the triumph of the church

The Christological Controversies and the Triumph of the Church

Christology and the Churchs Triumph Lecture Contents Lecture Contents The Arian Controversy The Arian Controversy The Nestorian Controversy The Nestorian Controversy The Monophysite Controversy The Monophysite Controversy The Triumph of the Church The Triumph of the Church

The Arian Controversy Context and Question Context and Question Constantine now a Christian emperor Christianity now tolerated, privileged Constantinople under construction Question Jesus Christ: creature, or God?

The Arian Controversy Arius Arius Libyan Presbyter in Alexandria Preacher at a church near that citys harbor Musician Concerns about his orthodoxy began 318- 20 Thalia

The Arian Controversy Arius vs. Bishop Alexander Arius vs. Bishop Alexander Ariuss belief There was a time when he was not Father and Son not of the same essence Jesus Christ is CREATURE Alexanders belief In the beginning was the Word Father and Son one in essence All things made by Christ Jesus Christ is GOD

The Arian Controversy Arius vs. Alexander Arius vs. Alexander Arius refused to submit to Alexander Arius gained supporters Alexander deposed, excommunicated Arius Empire-wide controversy!

The Arian Controversy Constantines Reaction Constantines Reaction Not pleased! Wanted UNITY Bishops at odds Congregations divided Pagans were mocking the bickering Christians His intervention Sent letter with Ossius of Corduba Agree to disagree! Did not fully grasp opponents concerns Ossiuss mission failed Debating continued

The Arian Controversy Next Step: Ecumenical Council Next Step: Ecumenical Council Bishops from all the Roman world invited Summoned to Nicaea Duration: May to June 325 Held in judgment hall of palace Approximately 300 bishops attended, including confessors Constantine himself attended! Addressed bishops Expressed grief over disagreement Demanded peaceful resolution

The Arian Controversy The Council of Nicaea The Council of Nicaea Ossius presided Alexander of Alexandria vs. Eusebius of Nicomedia Debates dragged on Key debated term for Council Homoousios: of the same substance To refer to Christs relationship to Father Major question: is this term acceptable? For most, yes Some had questions, reservations

The Arian Controversy The Nicene Creed The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only- begotten of his Father, of the substance of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten (), not made, being of one substance () with the Father. By whom all things were made, both which be in heaven and in earth. Who for us men and for our salvation came down [from heaven] and was incarnate and was made man. He suffered and the third day he rose again, and ascended into heaven. And he shall come again to judge both the quick and the dead. And [we believe] in the Holy Ghost. And whosoever shall say that there was a time when the Son of God was not, or that before he was begotten he was not, or that he was made of things that were not, or that he is of a different substance or essence [from the Father] or that he is a creature, or subject to change or conversion all that so say, the Catholic and Apostolic Church anathematizes them.

The Arian Controversy Conclusion of Council Conclusion of Council Ariuss views were anathematized Constantine expected all to subscribe to creed Very few refused exiled! Arius 2 Libyan bishops Eusebius of Nicomedia Seemed like unity had been achieved

The Arian Controversy Questions? Questions?

The Arian Controversy Aftermath of Nicaea Aftermath of Nicaea True unity still not achieved Bishops felt free to interpret creed in their own way Not everyone was satisfied with homoousios

The Arian Controversy The Arians Strike Back! The Arians Strike Back! Arius requested to be readmitted to Church Constantine interviewed him (327), demanded proof of orthodoxy satisfied Arius was reconciled, Eusebius reinstated Constantine demanded Arius be readmitted to Alexandrian church Bishop Alexander refused, died shortly thereafter Athanasius consecrated June 328

The Arian Controversy Athanasius vs. Arianism Athanasius vs. Arianism Soteriology God only can save humanity from its path of sin and destruction savior therefore must be God Arianism is polytheism! Salvation cannot come from a creature What to do with Arius? Refused to reinstate him, having been condemned at Nicaea Constantine intervened, threatened exile Athanasius persisted issue dropped

The Arian Controversy Constantines Successors Constantines Successors Constantine died 337 Three sons inherited imperial rule Constantine II governed Western provinces Killed in battle (340) Constans governed Italy and North Africa Assassinated! (350) Constantius II governed Eastern provinces Absorbed brothers territories Arian, supporter of Eusebius of Nicomedia Despised Athanasius exile!

The Arian Controversy Constantius and the West Constantius and the West Many in West still not aware of Arian controversy Those who were tended to support Athanasius Constantius demanded western condemnation of Athanasius Ossius of Corduba caved Council of Arles (353) and Milan (355) Some bishops complied Others did not exiled Nicene cause doomed?

The Arian Controversy More Theological Division in the East More Theological Division in the East Apollinarianism Apollinaris of Laodicea (ca. 310-90) Ardent supporter of Athanasius Taught Jesus did not have a natural human mind/soul Logos had replaced it Macedonianism Holy Spirit not divine! Not called divine at Nicaea!

The Arian Controversy The Great Cappadocians The Great Cappadocians Athanasius died (373) leaders of Nicene cause Clarified Nicene position God is one ousia, three hypostases Ousia: essence common to members of species Hypostasis: individual subsistence of a being Holy Spirit is divine, to be worshipped with Father and Son Trinity Jesus had human mind He did not redeem what he did not take upon himself

The Arian Controversy Council of Constantinople (381) Council of Constantinople (381) Summoned by Theodosius I (r. 379-395) Nicene! Proceedings Reaffirmed Nicene Creed Condemned Arianism, Macedonianism, Apollinarianism Triumph for Nicene party due to theological majority and imperial support Constantinople now second see of Empire Offensive to Alexandria

The Arian Controversy Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (381) Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (381) We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost and the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the Right Hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead. Whose kingdom shall have no end. And [we believe] in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver-of-Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And [we believe] in one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, [and] we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Arian Controversy Questions? Questions?

The Nestorian Controversy Context and Question Context and Question Nicaea I and Constantinople I had affirmed Divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ Divinity of Holy Spirit Trinity Next question: how do divinity and humanity in Jesus Christ interact? Councils of Ephesus (431) and Chalcedon (451) provided answer

The Nestorian Controversy Cyril of Alexandria Cyril of Alexandria Pillar of the Church Patriarch of Alexandria (r. 412-444) Ambitious for see Wealthy Would resort to violence, if necessary Egyptian monks appealed to Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople, against him Nestorius promised to act Cyril not pleased!

The Nestorian Controversy Cyril vs. Nestorius Cyril vs. Nestorius Cyril found way to disgrace Nestorius theologically Alexandrian Christology Cyrils perspective One incarnate nature of the God-Logos Antiochene Christology Nestoriuss perspective Sharp distinction between divine and human natures of Jesus

The Nestorian Controversy Cyril vs. Nestorius Cyril vs. Nestorius Theotokos God-bearing one Nestorius rejected this term God not capable of being born! Mary gave birth to human Jesus Suggested Christotokos Cyril accepted Theotokos For him, touchstone of orthodoxy What is said of Christ refers to both divine and human attributes

The Nestorian Controversy Cyril vs. Nestorius Cyril vs. Nestorius Cyril played upon popular devotion to Mary Dignity of Mother of God is attacked by new heresy! People were furious Appealed to Pope Celestine I Reported Nestorius believed Christ was two persons! Celestine appointed Cyril his deputy

The Nestorian Controversy The Council of Ephesus The Council of Ephesus Convened June and July 431 Antiochene delegates arrived late Pro-Nestorius Council started without them Nestorius excommunicated

The Nestorian Controversy The Council of Ephesus The Council of Ephesus After Antiochenes arrived, convened separate synod Cyril was condemned Imperial response: Cyril and Nestorius imprisoned Cyril bribed officials gained support Nestorius resigned monastery at Antioch Cyril escaped Alexandria Victory!

The Nestorian Controversy Aftermath of Ephesus Aftermath of Ephesus Antiochenes not pleased, kept controversy going gained imperial support Cyril caved in compromise (433) Antiochenes must accept resignation and excommunication of Nestorius Cyril and Alexandrians must accept Christ is union in two natures The Fate of Nestorius (d. ca. 459) Removed from Antioch, deported to Egyptian desert Reputation blackened

The Nestorian Controversy Questions? Questions?

The Monophysite Controversy Eutyches (b. ca. 378) Eutyches (b. ca. 378) Old archimandrite at Monastery of Job, outside Constantinople Controversial belief: after incarnation Christs two natures one (monophysite) Christs humanity absorbed by deity Belief concerned Flavian, patriarch of Constantinople Eutyches asked to come to synod at Constantinople (448) Went reluctantly Presented confession of faith, claiming it was harmonious with Nicaea and Ephesus Ordered to profess Christ had two natures, not one Refused excommunicated and deprived of priesthood, abbacy

The Monophysite Controversy Eutyches Strikes Back! Eutyches Strikes Back! Set up placards in public To gain support of Emperor Theodosius II, contacted the grand chamberlain Chrysaphius Eutychess godson and nephew Appealed to Eastern bishops Jerusalem Thessalonika Alexandria Dioscorus (r. 444-451) Staunch supporter Agenda against Constantinople

The Monophysite Controversy Appeals to Latin West (449) Appeals to Latin West (449) Letter sent to Peter Chrysologus Grieved to hear of more trouble in the East Christians should be honoring Christ, not debating his nature! Submit to Roman see on these matters Letter sent to Pope Leo I (r. 440-461) Did not respond to Eutyches

The Monophysite Controversy Leo On the Case Leo On the Case Flavian sent letter to pope soon after Eutyches Leo requested more information (February) Flavian responded (May) Doctrinal statement from Rome may alleviate trouble! Leo promised a fuller response Did find Eutychess position heretical Sent Tome (Epistle 28) in June Accompanied by four legates

The Monophysite Controversy Synod at Ephesus (August 449) Synod at Ephesus (August 449) Convoked by Theodosius II Proceedings Dioscorus presided Roman legates were not allowed to read Tome Anti-Eutychian attendees were not allowed to vote Those in favor of Flavian were forced to vote against him Results Eutyches was reinstated Flavian was deposed, imprisoned died Dioscorus installed Anatolius as patriarch of Constantinople Monophysites were victorious! Leo was outraged: synod a robbers council!

The Monophysite Controversy Pulcheria Affairs in Constantinople Affairs in Constantinople Influence of Pulcheria Sister of Theodosius II Allied with Leo Had Chrysaphius executed Exiled Eutyches Anatolius Turned on Dioscorus Defended authority of Constantinople Marcian (r. 450-57) Called for ecumenical council

The Monophysite Controversy The Council of Chalcedon (October 453) The Council of Chalcedon (October 453) Leos legate presided Tome was read Repealed acts of Synod of Ephesus Dioscorus was deposed Nestorianism and Eutychianism were condemned Doctrinal results Jesus is fully human, fully divine Jesus is consubstantial with the Father (deity) and humankind (humanity) TWO NATURES no confusion! Each nature is preserved after their union Jesus is ONE PERSON

The Monophysite Controversy Questions? Questions?

The Triumph of the Church Recap of Religion in the Roman Empire Recap of Religion in the Roman Empire Paganism Options: gods, philosophy, mystery religions Temples, cults Honored, protected, and funded by state Christianity Exclusive and intolerant of false gods Persecuted under pagan emperors Constantine converted launched Christianization of Empire

The Triumph of the Church Constantine and Paganism Constantine and Paganism Recognized majority of population was still pagan act against it slowly, prudently Liberties permitted No forced conversion No official suppression Could still own, construct new temples Actions against Withheld state funds, except for cults in Rome State officials may no longer sacrifice before official business Cult statues, oracles, private divination forbidden

The Triumph of the Church Constantines Sons Constantines Sons Harsher measures taken Those caught sacrificing sword! Really enforced? Temples to be closed everywhere Only carried out in certain locations Unimportant temples destroyed Constantius and Altar of Victory (Rome) Ordered it removed from Senate (357)

The Triumph of the Church Julian (r. 361-63) and the Pagan Revival Julian (r. 361-63) and the Pagan Revival Constantines nephew Educated by Christians Baptized Curious about paganism, studied it Publicly abandoned Christianity 361

The Triumph of the Church Julians Attempted Restoration of Paganism Julians Attempted Restoration of Paganism Reopened, repaired temples Restored Altar of Victory Preached about paganism in Greek East Systematized paganism Priestly hierarchy Catechesis

The Triumph of the Church Julian and the Christians Julian and the Christians Sought to ridicule them! Wrote Against the Galileans Did not choose them for civil appointments Banned them from preaching classics Considered reconstructing Jewish Temple

The Triumph of the Church The Reality The Reality People no longer excited about paganism Julian fatally wounded in Persia (363) Julian the Apostate

The Triumph of the Church Altar of Victory Controversy (384) Altar of Victory Controversy (384) Altar again removed from Senate (382) by Gratian I (r. 375-383) Symmachus petitioned Valentinian II (r. 375-392) for its restoration Cultural value Who is so friendly with the barbarians as not to require an Altar of Victory? It is just that all worship should be considered as one. We look on the same stars, the sky is common, the same world surrounds us. What difference does it make by what pains each seeks the truth? Ambroses reply Dont let them take advantage of your youth Your duty: honor one true God, not heathen superstition Honor memory of your brother Altar never restored

The Triumph of the Church Theodosius I (379-395) Theodosius I (379-395) Laws of 391-92 All pagan sacrifice is TREASON Fines imposed on temple worshippers or shrines Acts of pagan religion confiscation of property where performed Christianity now state religion (380)

The Triumph of the Church The Fading of Paganism The Fading of Paganism Alexandrian temples Temple to citys genius tavern! Temple to Serapis dismantled Last oracle at Delphi given to Julian Olympian games discontinued (393) Image of Zeus removed from Olympia The Parthenon, Athens Became church to Virgin Mary Image of Athena carried off Athena Parthenos (438 BC)

The Triumph of the Church Last Bastions of Paganism Last Bastions of Paganism By fifth century, many commoners converted to Christianity Cultured pagans were last resistance Symmachus, et al., in Rome Platonic Academy, Athens Neo-Platonists, Alexandria By Early Middle Ages, paganism lost battle against Christianity

The Triumph of the Church Questions? Questions?

The Triumph of the Church Christianity and the Roman State Christianity and the Roman State State now guardian and protector of true religion Emperors called councils Emperor was petitioned in ecclesiastical crises State punished heresy, etc.

The Triumph of the Church Church and State in the Greek East Church and State in the Greek East Churchs belief: emperor should be orthodox If not resistance Greek society: Church and state were unified and harmonious Emperor was earthly counterpart of Divine Monarch Relationship between Greek emperor and bishops Left bishops to their own affairs But involved with ecclesiastical affairs in Constantinople

The Triumph of the Church Church and State in the Latin West Church and State in the Latin West State and Church cooperated Became more dualistic State had its own sphere Church had its own sphere Ambrose of Milan Sought to protect Churchs independence Held emperors accountable

The Triumph of the Church Ambrose and the Churchs Independence Ambrose and the Churchs Independence Arian Controversy in Milan (385-86) Empress Justina was Arian Valentinian II was pro-Arian Ambrose was Nicene Emperor requested Portian Basilica for Arian worship Ambrose refused Imperial troops besieged Ambroses church

The Triumph of the Church Ambroses Response Ambroses Response It is neither lawful for me to hand [the basilica] over nor proper for you, O Emperor, to accept it. Under no law may you violate the house of a private person. Do you think that you may seize the house of God? It is alleged that everything is permitted to the emperor and that all things are his. I reply: Do not so burden yourself, O Emperor, as to believe that you have any imperial right to those things that are divineThe palaces belong to the emperor, the churches to the bishop (Letter 20.19) Emperor is a son of the Church In the Church, not above it! Arians never got their church

The Triumph of the Church Episode at Callinicum (388) Episode at Callinicum (388) Monks set fire to synagogue Theodosius was enraged Breach of public peace! Guilty party must rebuild at its own expense! Ambrose was disgusted Those people are cursed by God! Obligations of faith go before the law! Revoke order for restitution! Would not perform sacraments until Theodosius submitted Theodosius yielded

The Triumph of the Church Massacre at Thessalonika (390) Massacre at Thessalonika (390) Thessalonians rioted Theodosius sought justice Lured thousands into public theater slaughtered Ambrose threatened excommunication Demanded Theodosius do penance Theodosius willingly consented

The Triumph of the Church Questions? Questions?

Primary Source Athanasiuss First Discourse against the Arians Athanasiuss First Discourse against the Arians Initial reactions? What is the tone of this writing? According to Athanasius, what had Arius taught that was heretical? How did Athanasius argue against Arianism?

Primary Source Leo the Greats Tome Leo the Greats Tome Initial reactions? What did Leo think of Eutyches, according to this document? For Leo, what sources could be considered authoritative for Christians, doctrinally speaking? How do we know? What were some of the ways Leo argued for Christs two natures being preserved after the Incarnation?

the christological controversies and the triumph of the church

Documents

arian controversy context

god of god

nestorian controversy

monophysite controversy

church slide

son of god

thalia slide

christ jesus christ