The Christological Controversies and the Triumph of the
Church
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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The Arian Controversy Questions? Questions?
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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?
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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!
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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
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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
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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.
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The Arian Controversy Questions? Questions?
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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The Nestorian Controversy Questions? Questions?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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The Monophysite Controversy Questions? Questions?
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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The Triumph of the Church The Reality The Reality People no
longer excited about paganism Julian fatally wounded in Persia
(363) Julian the Apostate
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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
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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)
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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)
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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
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The Triumph of the Church Questions? Questions?
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The Triumph of the Church Questions? Questions?
Slide 60
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?
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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?