What Really Happened At The Council of Nicea?
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 4:14
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For many years, the council of Nicea has been the subject of much confusion among laypeople. The misapprehensions which have come to be associated with the council of Nicea have, in part, been fuelled by popular fictional novels such as Dan Brown’s notorious The Da Vinci Code. No matter what group you are dealing with in your apologetic exploits (including atheists, Muslims, Jehovah’s witnesses and Unitarians), you are almost guaranteed to encounter some of these misconceptions. For this reason, it is important for Christians to study and learn church history, so that they might correct common myths and falsehoods.
The council of Nicea was famously convened on May 20, 325 AD, at the request of Emperor Constantine (pictured above). What did the council of bishops meet to discuss? Contrary to common misconception (popularised particularly in Muslim circles) that has been widely circulated via the internet, the council of Nicea did not meet to discuss the canon of Scripture — that is, the decision about which books should make up the New Testament. In fact, there is not a shred of evidence that the canon of Scripture was even brought up at Nicea. Another misconception is that the council of Nicea, at the encouraging of Constantine, “invented” the deity of Christ or, at the very least, that the bishops in attendance at Nicea were significantly divided on the issue, the matter being decided with a vote. This too, however, is completely inaccurate. In 325 AD, when the bishops convened at Nicea, the deity of Christ had been affirmed almost unanimously by the Christian movement for close to three hundred years!
The bishops who met at Nicea had just come out of an extremely challenging time of intense persecution by the Romans, having lived through the cruelty of the Emperors Diocletian (ruling 284-305) and Maximian (ruling 286-305). One of the bishops present at Nicea, Paphnutius, had even lost his right eye and been given a limp in his left leg as a consequence of his profession of faith. According to one ancient writer, Theodoret (393-457),
“Paul, bishop of Neo-Cæsarea, a fortress situated on the banks of the Euphrates, had suffered from the frantic rage of Licinius. He had been deprived of the use of both hands by the application of a red-hot iron, by which the nerves which give motion to the muscles had been contracted and rendered dead. Some had had the right eye dug out, others had lost the right arm. Among these was Paphnutius of Egypt. In short, the Council looked like an assembled army of martyrs.”
It strikes me as odd, therefore, that one would suppose that the early Christian movement, having come out of such difficult times as those, would capitulate so easily to the emperor Constantine’s demands with respect to defining the very fundamentals of their faith!
The story of the Nicean council begins in Alexandria in northwest Egypt. The archbishop of Alexandria was a man by the name of Alexander. A member of his senior clergy, called Arius, took issue with Alexander’s view of Jesus’s divine nature, insisting that the Son is, in fact, himself a created being. In similar fashion to modern Jehovah’s Witnesses, Arius maintained that Jesus was like the Father inasmuch as they both existed before creation, played a role in creation and were exalted above it. But the Son, according to the theology of Arius, was the first of God’s creations and was commissioned by the Father to create the world.
On this point, Alexander strongly disagreed, and publically challenged Arius’s heretical teachings. In 318 AD, Alexander called together a hundred or so bishops to talk over the matter and to defrock Arius. Arius, however, went to Nicomedia in Asia Minor and rallied his supporters, including Eusebius of Nicomedia, who was a relative by marriage to Constantine the emperor, and a theologian in the imperial court. Eusebius and Arius wrote to many bishops who had not been involved in the defrocking of Arius. The effect was the creation of divisions among the bishops. Embarassed by such bickering, the emperor Constantine convened the ecumenical council of Nicea in 325.
Constantine’s primary concern was imperial unity rather than theological accuracy, and he desired a decision that would be supported by the greatest number of bishops, regardless of what conclusion was reached. His theological advisor, Hosius, served to get the emperor up to speed before the arrival of the bishops. Since Arius was not a bishop, he was not invited to sit on the council. However, his supporter Eusebius of Nicomedia acted on Arius’s behalf and presented his point of view.
Arius’s position regarding the finite nature of the Son was not popular with the bishops. It became clear, however, that a formal statement concerning the nature of the Son and his relationship to the Father was needed. The real issue at the council of Nicea was thus how, and not if, Jesus was divine.
A formal statement was eventually put together and signed by the bishops. Those who declined to sign the statement were stripped of their rank of bishop. The few who supported Arius insisted that only language found in Scripture should feature in the statement, whereas Arius’s critics insisted that only non-Biblical language was adequate to fully unpack the implications of the language found in the Bible. It was Constantine who eventually suggested that the Father and Son be said to be of the “same substance” (homoousios in Greek). Although Constantine hoped that this statement would keep all parties happy (implying the complete deity of Jesus without going much further), the supporters of Arius insisted that this language suggested that the Father and Son were equal but didn’t explain how this was compatible with the central tenet of monotheism (i.e. the belief in only one deity).
Nonetheless, the Nicean creed did indeed incorporate this language. It stated,
“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, begotten from the Father, only-begotten, that is, from the substance of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father, through Whom all things came into being, things in heaven and things on earth, Who because of us men and because of our salvation came down and became incarnate, becoming man, suffered and rose again on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and will come to judge the living and the dead; And in the Holy Spirit. But as for those who say, ‘There was when He was not, and, Before being born He was not, and that He came into existence out of nothing, or who assert that the Son of God is from a different hypostasis or substance, or is created, ir is subject to alteration or change — these the Catholic Church anathematizes.”
With the exception of two (Secundus of Ptolemais and Theonas of Marmarcia), the creed was signed by all the bishops, numbering more than 300. Arius’s supporters had been overwhelmingly defeated.
Arius’s supporters, however, managed to find some wiggle room. A single letter iota changes the meaning of homo (“same”) to “like” (homoi). The latter could be exploited by Arius and his followers to describe a created Christ. Moreover, it was argued, the creed could be interpreted as supporting Sabellianism, an ancient heresy which fails to discriminate between persons of the godhead. It was this in-house squabbling between bishops that ultimately led to the council of Constantinople in 381.
A company of bishops started to campaign for the formal re-instatement of Arius as a presbyter in Alexandria. Constantine yielded to their petition and, in 332, re-instated Arius as a presbyter. Athenasius, who had recently succeeded his mentor Alexander as bishop of Alexandria, was instructed to accept Arius into the church once again. Needless to say, Athenasius did not comply with this order. The consequence was exile. Constantine had little interest in the precision of his theology — rather, it was the struggle for imperial unity that was his motivation.
In conclusion, although popular misconceptions about the council of Nicea are rampant, the idea that the council of Nicea determined which books comprised the new testament or that it invented the deity of Christ to comply with the demands of Constantine are myths. Indeed, correct theology was of little concern to Constantine, who cared much more about imperial unity. Christians must make a serious effort to study and learn church history, so that when we encounter such claims in the media and in our personal evangelism, we may know how to present an accurate account of our history.
Source: http://www.answeringmuslims.com/2015/12/what-really-happened-at-council-of-nicea.html
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http://www.bible-researcher.com/laodicea.html
There was a counsel that decided canon and it was nearly 40 years later in 363. There was great influence on what the common man was to know about biblical history. So while Constantine may not have influenced it in Nicea, it is possible that the same people influenced these decisions in Laodicea.
Where you said “It was Constantine who eventually suggested that the Father and Son be said to be of the “same substance” (homoousios in Greek)” You’re right however not enough emphasis is placed on the fact that this “trinity doctrine” is false doctrine that is universally consumed within Christendom. This blasphemous doctrine reduces God Almighty, the CREATOR OF ALL THINGS to the level of His creation, His Son Jesus Christ. That is precisely what it is designed to accomplish by you know who. Constantine also brought elements of Baal or sun worship into the harlot or impostor church that eventually morphed into the Catholic religion.
The sun religion’s “Winter Solace” on the 25th of December was adopted as Christ’s birthday in spite of his birthday being at the end of harvest not the middle of winter. Not to mention Christ’s explicit instruction not to celebrate his birthday but instead to celebrate the Passover for it is the beginning of life. The mockery of God in this one yearly tradition is astounding. Depicting God through fictional characterization of a little fat man who knows when you’ve been sleeping and knows when you’re awake, he knows if you been bad or good…….etc. The sheer audacity of this tantalizing and so commercialized defiance of scripture is mind staggering.
Then there is Easter which has replaced the annual Holy Day of Passover with pagan celebration. One that rather then to honor Christ’s sacrifice in our behalf denies and strips from history the only proof Jesus offered the Pharisees that he was in fact God’s Son. When asked for proof the only evidence Jesus would provide that he was the Messiah was a proclamation that after his death he would remain in the tomb for three days and nights just as Jonah had done in the belly of the wale.
Now pay close attention to what is said next. The harlot’s doctrine standis in opposition to the Bible’s book of Genesis where God provides His true definition of a day, that being from eve to evening. If Christ was crucified on Friday afternoon and was resurrected early Sunday morning as this false doctrine suggests then according to God’s definition this period falls far short of the required three days and nights. This purposeful manipulation of fact cunningly nullifies the only proof Christ gave. Satan is the master of deception!
Sunday worship replaced God’s “Appointed Time” His weekly Sabbath to be held sacred from generation to generation until time indefinite. Ironically Sunday worship as the name implies is the day set aside for the praise of the sun god. The day is now used by those accepting it to worship Yahweh. It stands in total defiance of God’s instruction and is purposely timed to be exactly opposite of God’s required weekly Sabbath. People readily accept nine of the Ten Commandments, but claim the required Appointed Time, the Forth Commandment is no longer valid. Jesus himself said he did not come to remove or alter the Law.
Mat 5:18 “For truly I say to you, Till the heaven and the earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the law until all is fulfilled. Therefore whoever shall break one of these commandments, the least, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven. But whoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.”
As you all are aware these three abominations are universally accepted doctrine, false doctrine that has emerged from the devils impostor of God’s Church. Time is short. If you agree by the signs that we have entered into the final three and one half years of man’s self rule this crucial realization suggests that the 1260 day countdown to Christ’s second coming is under way. That which has been purposely withheld until this very time has been revealed to His Church. Amos 3:7 says ” For the Lord Yahweh will do nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” Just as God’s Church was established in 31AD on Pentecost, Jesus Christ the Body will be returning on Pentecost 2019. Be prepared, fill your lamps with oil, the coming of groom is not that far off. You don’t want to miss the miraculous opportunity to be part of God’s plan for mankind.
Find out more by visiting God’s only truth Church, the Church of God PKG (Preparing for the Kingdom of God)http://www.cog-pkg.org/
Just-My-Opinion
I agree with what you wrote and it is accurate except for the explanation of the Sabbath that you gave. We have been deceived into practicing the Pagan calendar instead of “God’s”. God’s calendar commands us to count six days work and then rest on the seventh day.I think you will agree with that. The problem stems from when the Pagans count the beginning of the month (1st day & week in a set 7 day cycle) and the Biblical sighting of the first sliver of the moon to begin the count. (1st day of the month and week ) THE ROMAN EMPIRE INSTITUTES THE JULIAN CALENDAR.
The lunar calendar was used by Semitic peoples and many others from ancient times. It was the Romans who in their iron-fisted way decided that they would make an improvement. They would make their calendar fully predictive into the future by ignoring the lunar cycles altogether. They would name and set forth the so-called “months” of the year with the names of their Caesars and other luminaries, and assigning a certain number of days to each. Then, since the year was close to being a quarter of a day over the 365 days they would decree a leap year every four years and add an extra day beyond February 28 to make February 29 the last day of the month that “leap” year. Of course by doing this they would be totally ignoring the actual cycles of the moon. Saturday (Saturnday is Satans day) and it is not even the seventh day of the ( Biblical ) month very often. http://endtimepilgrim.org/70wks5.htm http://www.karaite-korner.org/new_moon.shtml
Actually God placed the responsibility of keeping time with the Hebrews. Your reading way too much into this bro. All these details are cool but they don’t amount to a hill of beans. On the Hebrew calendar like any other calendar the week begins on one evening and ends six evenings later. In a seven day week the first day of the week and the last do not suddenly transpose or switch places. Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t the seven day calendar week pretty much universal? Whatever the first day of the week is called on any calendar it’s chronological position doesn’t change. The first day of the week is still the first day and the last day remains the last day no matter what name you give to them, right? The last or the seventh day of each week is God’s appointed time or Sabbath day. It’s really that simple. God tells us how to count time, when to begin the count to his annual Holy Days so the rest interjected by man really doesn’t matter. I hope this helps.
Just-My-Opinion
Like it or not, the Roman Empire took over Christianty. It was one of the most brilliant political moves ever orchestrated, and ensured the continued survival of the empire as the Roman Catholic Church. One could say that after the takeover was complete Rome wielded more power than ever before.
LIKE IT OR NOT Einsteins theory of relativity was taken in by the Welsh.
WASP ZIONIST Christians who actually accept ‘UNEVIL’ Christianity came to take their societies and families and throw them into a melting pot slave castrati pit really should go and see a doctor as soon as they can.
From Christianity’s beginnings, the Church has been attacked by those introducing false teachings, or heresies.
The Bible warned us this would happen. Paul told his young protégé, Timothy, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths” (2 Tim. 4:3–4).
Arianism (4th Century)
Arius taught that Christ was a creature made by God. By disguising his heresy using orthodox or near-orthodox terminology, he was able to sow great confusion in the Church. He was able to muster the support of many bishops, while others excommunicated him.
Arianism was solemnly condemned in 325 at the First Council of Nicaea, which defined the divinity of Christ, and in 381 at the First Council of Constantinople, which defined the divinity of the Holy Spirit. These two councils gave us the Nicene creed, which Catholics recite at Mass every Sunday.
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/the-great-heresies
Good job! Well researched and well written.
So many misconceptions, so little time, so few people willing to investigate and think for themselves.
How can such a major piece of religious history be submitted anonymously. Especially when it presents issues in a way to get people arguing over something completely unrelated to the most major import of that event. The great sea change was that now not only was Christianity legal, but in name it was used as an umbrella over all the religions officially in Rome and therefore members of other religions helped craft it (ie. we worship a mysterious God on the Sun God’s day) – with Emperor Constantine taking power for himself as the first pope – without ever believing himself. He convened the meeting, in the first place, in envy of the religious power he didn’t have. This never should have been published in the first place.
All the scriptures are clear on this – Yeshua (Jesus to the Greeks) was and is Messiah having come in flesh, the man from heaven, chosen and sent by God to save Israel from their enemies. The only way Christians can try to prove Yeshua is “God incarnate” is by mistranslating the Greek texts and twisting words beyond recognition. Shame to those deceitful worker!!! Wolves in sheep skins!!!
mica,
you know that israel is a man, right? not a place.
israel/jacob refers to god’s true chosen- those with truth and love in their hearts.
those are god’s chosen.
YOU SEE !!!! eye twitching!!
The Council of 869 set the table for materialistic thinking; one of the worst diseases in the history of humanity. The jesuits went on to found the “modern” education system void of spirit.
Theoretical materialism consists in the fact that one devotes one’s self to a conscientious and exact investigation of the external materialistic facts, and in a certain sense loses one’s self in this world of facts. Then, proceeding from this investigation, one attains to a view of life that tends to the conclusion that there is no other reality except the world of facts; that everything pertaining to soul and spirit is merely a product of the material course of events. yes, this indicates that most people- in their thinking are materialists.
“The fact that millions of people share the same vices does not make them virtuous, the fact that they share so many errors does not make the errors to be truths, and the fact that millions of people share the same forms of mental pathology does not make them sane” (Erich Fromm).
Modern intellectual thinking must become an instrument for comprehending the SPIRIT. Do not remain stuck in merely external facts. Nay, rise up to the spiritual impulses that lie behind them!
Does anyone have the minutes to any of the meetings? I have read or watched documentaries ‘declaring’ exactly what happened and non tell the same story. There must be 100 different varies bible translations used today that came from several other bible translation,… with many accepted ancient writing left out over time, many gospels left out…, and a self proclaimed ‘apostle’ – Paul – getting most of the ‘glory’ in a new testament. I guess it really is a responsibility of each to decide for themselves how to understand creation, God (?) and a proper life of love.
There sure is a lot of evidence these days that show your explanation of this event and the history surrounding it, was “written by the victor”.