HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA CATOLICA - 7 - EL CONCILIO DE NICEA
Controversy of Arianism and the Council of Nicaea
The Nature of God in Christianity
- The discussion begins with the implications of recognizing both God the Father and Jesus as separate deities, which would lead Christianity to be classified as polytheistic.
The Council of Nicaea
- In 325 AD, Emperor Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea, marking a significant event in church history. Approximately 300 bishops attended, despite a formal invitation extended to all Christian bishops in the empire.
- The bishops at the council were responsible for drafting the Nicene Creed, which encapsulated fundamental principles of Christian faith in a straightforward manner intended for memorization and proclamation among believers.
- The Nicene Creed remains largely unchanged over centuries and is still recited during mass today. Its creation aimed not only to define dogmas but also to unify Christian belief.
Linguistic and Cultural Context
- Greek played a crucial role during this period due to its philosophical heritage, influencing ecclesiastical leaders who integrated ancient Greek thought into Christian revelation.
- Initially, early Christians spoke Hebrew; however, Greek became prevalent within the church before transitioning to Latin. This linguistic evolution reflects broader cultural shifts within early Christianity.
Significance of Easter's Date