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| The Arch of Constantine |
Here are the notes from the impending class on Constantine and the Council of Nicaea and the beginnings of Imperial Christianity. It is not a bad idea to read up as much as possible on this beforehand as this is, arguably, one of the most important developments in the history of the Christian Church.
CH1A03-CHRISTIAN HISTORY I
4 OCTOBER 2010
CONQUER Constantine, Arians, Nicaea & Imperial Christianity
I. Setting the Stage: Diocletian
A. Political Unrest
B. Fiercest Christian Persecutions
II. Constantine
A. In the beginning…
B. “By this sign, Conquer!”
C. Edict of Milan
III. Consolidation A. Eastern Christianity & Political Practicality
B. Consolidation & Constantinople
IV. Christianity in the Empire
A. Benefits
B. Change of Roles
C. A Blessing or a curse?
D. So…was he?
![Text Box: 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 the Father, that is, of the same substance [ousias] of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one substance [homoousion] with the Father, through whom all things came to be, those things that are in heaven and those things that are on the earth, who for us men and for our salvation came down and was made flesh, and was made man, suffered, rose the third day, ascended into the heavens, and will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe also in the Holy Spirit.
~The Creed of Nicaea (NOT the Nicene Creed yet)~](file://localhost/Users/Jamie/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image007.png)
A. The Rise of Arianism B. Constantine Intercedes
C. The Nicene Creed…Take 1!
D. Other Decisions
VI. In the Wake of Nicaea
A. Resurgence of Arianism
B. Athanasius: The Black Dwarf
C. The Fall of Nicene Christianity
VII. The 4, 5,6 7
4 terms
Great Cappadocians: Eastern Christians who argued against Arianism and helped the church see its flaws. They garnered this name because all were born in the Cappodocia. (Also see Names section)
Ecumenical council: Leaders from the entire church were invited to attend. Not ecumenical in the way commonly thought today where members of various denominations work together. Another word to define it would be general council.
Donatism: Belief that, if a leader faltered under persecution, everything he did for the church was rendered invalid. This would have profound consequences for North African churches in the time of Augustine.
Arianism: The belief that Jesus was the first-born of creation and that there was a time when Jesus did not exist. It was named after its proponent and leader, Arius.
5 events
Era of Martyrs (A.D. 303-305): Under Diocletian’s edicts the Christian church endured some of the most vicious persecution, arguably, in its history
Edict of Milan (A.D. 312-313): Ordered by Constantine and Licinius to affirm Gallerius’ decision to legalize Christianity.
Athanasius’ Easter Letter (A.D. 367): A list of the canonical writings for his congregants and churches. It affirms the 27 NT books we have today and it was affirmed by the Synod of Carthage in A.D. 397.
Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325): Considered the first general council of the church. Constantine invited leaders from every region to discuss the Arian Controversy. The Council decided (among other things) in the Deity of Christ, that Arianism was wrong, & belief in the Trinity.
Milvian Bridge (A.D. 312): Constantine’s famous victory over his rival Maxentius took place at this bridge outside of Rome. It was before that battle the Constantine is reported to have seen the chi rho in the sign and heard, “By this sign, conquer.” The ensuing victory made him the supreme leader of the western empire & is credited with inspiring him to convert to Christianity.
7 names
Eusebius of Caesarea (A.D. 226-339): The father of Christian history. He wrote the first history of the early church up to and including the time of Constantine.
Constantine (A.D. 272-337): The First Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity and ushered in the era of Imperial Christianity.
Athanasius of Alexandria (A.D. 293-373): Nicknamed “Black Dwarf” by his critics, he became one of the greatest champions of Nicene Christianity. His teachings were well respected but he paid for his beliefs and was exiled on, at least, five separate occasions.
Arius (A.D. 250 or 256-336): Presbyter from Alexandria who, in combating modalism, argued that Jesus was the firstborn of God’s creations. He was a charismatic leader and his teachings were popular for many years.
Basil of Caesarea (A.D. 329-379): One of the Great Cappodocians; opposed Arianism and helped develop foundational Christian theology.
Gregory Nazianzus (A.D. 329-389): One of the Great Cappodocians; opposed Arianism and helped develop foundational Christian theology.
Gregory Nyssa (A.D. 330-394): One of the Great Cappodocians; opposed Arianism and helped develop foundational Christian theology. Basil’s brother.
Quotes:
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 the Father, that is, of the same substance [ousias] of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one substance [homoousion] with the Father, through whom all things came to be, those things that are in heaven and those things that are on the earth, who for us men and for our salvation came down and was made flesh, and was made man, suffered, rose the third day, ascended into the heavens, and will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe also in the Holy Spirit.
~The Creed of Nicaea (NOT the Nicene Creed yet)~
“in conference concering the security of the realm, we decided…the worship of God ought rightly be our first and chiefest care, and that it was right that Christians and all others should have freedom to follow the right kind of religion they favoured; so that the God who dwells in heaven might be propitious to us and to all under our rule.”
~Excerpt from the Edict of Milan~
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