The Trinity: Unpacking the Nicene Creed

4th Century Christianity

The Council of Nicaea

Document # TX001187

Big Changes in the 4th Century• Christianity is growing, and becoming more influential.

– Emperor Constantine who controlled the western part of the Roman Empire, and Licinius, who controlled the Balkans, met in Milan and agreed to treat the Christians benevolently.

• THE EDICT OF MILAN 313: an agreement by the Emporer(s) of the Rome that legitimatized Christianity – ie made it a authorized religion.

Constantine Helps the Chruch

• After the Edict of Milan, Constantine continues to help Christianity grow:– He gives back all property stolen from Christians during

the great persecutions. – Under the influence of Helena, his mother, he builds a

huge basilica over the tomb of St. Peter. – He declared Sunday, the Lord’s Day, a Roman Holiday– Banned some forms of “Pagan Worship”

• Within 50 years, Christianity becomes the official religion of the Roman Empire.

The Canonization of the Bible. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARdwIWDnE90

• Canon = a measuring stick or official list.

• Criteria:– Were these texts in use?– Were they written by Apostle or in line with

Apostles Teaching. • Did they contain accurate information?

The Council of Nicaea

• In 325 the Leaders of the Church met to talk about the Arian Heresy. – Over one hundred bishops met to discuss the growing

Arian movement. – Ultimately the Arian Heresy was condemned. But it

continued on until the end of the 4th Century. • It was put to rest by another Council at Constantinople in 381.

• Read page 91 and notice that councils become an important part of maintaining the Truth of Christian Teaching.

What Is a Creed?

• a summary statement of beliefs• a profession of faith

Adoption of the Nicene Creed

What Is the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed is the summary statement of Christian belief that was originally formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325. It was revised and promulgated at the Council of Constantinople in AD 381.

Image in public domain

The Nicene Creed

In the next slides, the lines of the Nicene Creed are displayed one at a time.

 

Take a moment to reflect on what image of the Trinity is being expressed in each slide: God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit.

Each slide has a question or questions for reflection.

The Nicene Creed (cont.)

The Nicene Creed (cont.)

The Nicene Creed (cont.)

The Nicene Creed (cont.)

The Nicene Creed (cont.)

The Nicene Creed (cont.)

How Does the Nicene Creed Explain the Trinity?

• emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and humanity• describes the relationship of the Son as “one in

being with” the Father

The Trinity: Unpacking the Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed is an expression of the Trinity, an expression of faith.