Century
POPULARITY
In this lesson, Bishop Barron explains what led Newman to enter the Roman Catholic Church. Newman's study of Church history was part of it, giving a personal tinge to his famous quote: "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant." Topics Covered: Newman's study of the Fourth Century theological controversies Newman's suspicion of the Via Media Newman's conversion to Catholicism Attempts at reviving Catholic intellectual life Links: Article: Newman on Conversion Video: Newman, Vatican II, and the Hermeneutic of Continuity Read: Arians of the Fourth Century NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.
Constantine and Helen. Basil and Gregory. Milan and Constantinople. Jerome and Augustine. Monumental people, places, and events came together in the fourth century to form the great Christian faith and civilization that have shaped our world. Scott and Kevin provide a brief tour of this epic period.
PREVIEW SYRACUSE: Professor James Romm, author, "Plato and the Tyrant," comments on the significance of the city-state of Syracuse, more potent than any other, including Carthage and Rome in the fourth century BCE. More TONIGHT.
Londinium 90 AD Gaius & Germanicus compare the fourth century acclamatory Roman Senate to the twenty-first century acclamatory US Congress. Michael Vlahos Friends of History Debating Society @michalis_vlahos 1750 ROME
In May 325, the Emperor Constantine convened a meeting of Christian leaders in the town of Nicaea, in modern Turkey. At that meeting, church leaders crafted a statement known as the “Nicaean Creed” that is still recited by many Christians today. In this podcast episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains what happened at the Council of Nicaea and why it still matters 1,700 years later.See Dr. Bernard's book The Trinitarian Controversy in the Fourth Century for further reading. Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works is available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter Saint of the Day: St. Tarbula; Fourth-Century virgin and martyr, the sister of St. Simeon, the Persian bishop and martyr; she was a consecrated virgin, and met her own martyrdom soon after the death of her brother; accused of practicing witchcraft and of causing sickness to befall the wife of the ardently anti-Christian Persian king Shapur, she was condemned and executed by being sawed in half Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 4/22/25 Gospel: John 20:11-18
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. John of Egypt; Fourth Century hermit. a noted prophet of his era; he became a hermit at the age of twenty, and was walled up in a hermitage near Assiut, with a single window opening onto the public;from there, he preached to crowds each weekend; he predicted two military victories for Emperor Theodosius I, and they were proven accurate in 388 and 392; John died in 394 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/27/25 Gospel: Luke 11:14-23
"The Peloponnesian War had ripped up the existing alliances in Greece — over the next decades, the main city-states looked for ways to regain money, power, and win battles." The team discuss the latest issue of the magazine City-States in an Arms Race: Greek innovation in the fourth century BC, issue 101. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast
Dr. James Bushur of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN The post Fourth Century Missionary to Ireland St. Patrick – Dr. James Bushur, 3/13/25 (0724, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Peter of Nicomedia; Third- and early Fourth-Century chamberlain to emperor Diocletian in Nicomedia; arrested for being a Christian at the beginning of the last great persecution by the Roman Empire; Peter was tortured and roasted to death over a fire in 303 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/12/25 Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
In this episode of G220 Radio, a Christian education podcast, we take a deep dive into Church History, focusing on an overview of the Fourth Century. This pivotal century in Christian history marked significant theological developments, the rise of key church councils, and the transformation of Christianity from a persecuted religion to the official faith of the Roman Empire. We'll explore the Council of Nicaea, the Arian controversy, and the impact of Emperor Constantine on the early church. Learn about the Nicene Creed, the role of early Christian thinkers like Athanasius and Augustine, and how theological debates shaped the trajectory of Christian doctrine for centuries to come. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in church history, Christian theology, or how the early church laid the foundation for modern Christianity. Whether you're new to studying Church history or have a deep interest in Christian doctrine, this overview of the Fourth Century will equip you with a clearer understanding of the historical events that helped shape the church today. Don't forget to subscribe to G220 Radio for more biblical teaching, church history studies, and Christian education content to deepen your faith and knowledge. SUBSCRIBE TO G220 RADIO! https://www.youtube.com/@g220radio WEBSITE: https://www.g220ministries.com/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/G220Radio
Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr; Blaise was a good Fourth Century bishop in Armenia, but was forced to flee to the back country due to persecution; when hunters encountered him and began to carry him off to prison, he was approached by a woman whose son had a fishbone caught in his throat; at Blaise's command, the boy coughed up the bone, leading to the ongoing custom of the blessing of throats on St. Blaise Day; Blaise was eventually beheaded in in 316 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/3/25 Gospel: Mark 5:1-20
This episode explores the extraordinary life of Ambrose of Milan, a Roman governor turned bishop who became a pivotal figure in early […]
What did it mean for ordinary believers to live a Christian life in late antiquity? In Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth-Century Antioch (Penn State University Press, 2024), Blake Leyerle explores this question through the writings, teachings, and reception of John Chrysostom—a priest of Antioch who went on to become the bishop of Constantinople in AD 397. Through elaborate spatial and ritual recommendations, Chrysostom advised listeners to turn their houses into churches. Influenced by New Testament descriptions of the Pauline communities, he preached that prayer and chant, scriptural discussion and hospitality, and even domestic furnishings would have a transformational effect on a home's inhabitants. But as Leyerle shows, Chrysostom's lay listeners had different views. They were focused not on personal ethical change or on the afterlife but on the immediate, tangible needs of their households. They were committed to Christianity and defended the legitimacy of their views, even citing precedents from scripture in support of their practices By reading these perspectives on early Christian life through one another, Leyerle clarifies the points of disagreement between Chrysostom and his lay listeners and, at the same time, highlights their shared understanding. For both the preacher and his congregations, the household formed a vital ritual arena, and lived religion was necessarily rooted in practice. Elegantly written and convincingly argued, this study will appeal to scholars of theology, classics, and the history of Christianity in particular. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
What did it mean for ordinary believers to live a Christian life in late antiquity? In Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth-Century Antioch (Penn State University Press, 2024), Blake Leyerle explores this question through the writings, teachings, and reception of John Chrysostom—a priest of Antioch who went on to become the bishop of Constantinople in AD 397. Through elaborate spatial and ritual recommendations, Chrysostom advised listeners to turn their houses into churches. Influenced by New Testament descriptions of the Pauline communities, he preached that prayer and chant, scriptural discussion and hospitality, and even domestic furnishings would have a transformational effect on a home's inhabitants. But as Leyerle shows, Chrysostom's lay listeners had different views. They were focused not on personal ethical change or on the afterlife but on the immediate, tangible needs of their households. They were committed to Christianity and defended the legitimacy of their views, even citing precedents from scripture in support of their practices By reading these perspectives on early Christian life through one another, Leyerle clarifies the points of disagreement between Chrysostom and his lay listeners and, at the same time, highlights their shared understanding. For both the preacher and his congregations, the household formed a vital ritual arena, and lived religion was necessarily rooted in practice. Elegantly written and convincingly argued, this study will appeal to scholars of theology, classics, and the history of Christianity in particular. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
What did it mean for ordinary believers to live a Christian life in late antiquity? In Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth-Century Antioch (Penn State University Press, 2024), Blake Leyerle explores this question through the writings, teachings, and reception of John Chrysostom—a priest of Antioch who went on to become the bishop of Constantinople in AD 397. Through elaborate spatial and ritual recommendations, Chrysostom advised listeners to turn their houses into churches. Influenced by New Testament descriptions of the Pauline communities, he preached that prayer and chant, scriptural discussion and hospitality, and even domestic furnishings would have a transformational effect on a home's inhabitants. But as Leyerle shows, Chrysostom's lay listeners had different views. They were focused not on personal ethical change or on the afterlife but on the immediate, tangible needs of their households. They were committed to Christianity and defended the legitimacy of their views, even citing precedents from scripture in support of their practices By reading these perspectives on early Christian life through one another, Leyerle clarifies the points of disagreement between Chrysostom and his lay listeners and, at the same time, highlights their shared understanding. For both the preacher and his congregations, the household formed a vital ritual arena, and lived religion was necessarily rooted in practice. Elegantly written and convincingly argued, this study will appeal to scholars of theology, classics, and the history of Christianity in particular. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What did it mean for ordinary believers to live a Christian life in late antiquity? In Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth-Century Antioch (Penn State University Press, 2024), Blake Leyerle explores this question through the writings, teachings, and reception of John Chrysostom—a priest of Antioch who went on to become the bishop of Constantinople in AD 397. Through elaborate spatial and ritual recommendations, Chrysostom advised listeners to turn their houses into churches. Influenced by New Testament descriptions of the Pauline communities, he preached that prayer and chant, scriptural discussion and hospitality, and even domestic furnishings would have a transformational effect on a home's inhabitants. But as Leyerle shows, Chrysostom's lay listeners had different views. They were focused not on personal ethical change or on the afterlife but on the immediate, tangible needs of their households. They were committed to Christianity and defended the legitimacy of their views, even citing precedents from scripture in support of their practices By reading these perspectives on early Christian life through one another, Leyerle clarifies the points of disagreement between Chrysostom and his lay listeners and, at the same time, highlights their shared understanding. For both the preacher and his congregations, the household formed a vital ritual arena, and lived religion was necessarily rooted in practice. Elegantly written and convincingly argued, this study will appeal to scholars of theology, classics, and the history of Christianity in particular. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion
What did it mean for ordinary believers to live a Christian life in late antiquity? In Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth-Century Antioch (Penn State University Press, 2024), Blake Leyerle explores this question through the writings, teachings, and reception of John Chrysostom—a priest of Antioch who went on to become the bishop of Constantinople in AD 397. Through elaborate spatial and ritual recommendations, Chrysostom advised listeners to turn their houses into churches. Influenced by New Testament descriptions of the Pauline communities, he preached that prayer and chant, scriptural discussion and hospitality, and even domestic furnishings would have a transformational effect on a home's inhabitants. But as Leyerle shows, Chrysostom's lay listeners had different views. They were focused not on personal ethical change or on the afterlife but on the immediate, tangible needs of their households. They were committed to Christianity and defended the legitimacy of their views, even citing precedents from scripture in support of their practices By reading these perspectives on early Christian life through one another, Leyerle clarifies the points of disagreement between Chrysostom and his lay listeners and, at the same time, highlights their shared understanding. For both the preacher and his congregations, the household formed a vital ritual arena, and lived religion was necessarily rooted in practice. Elegantly written and convincingly argued, this study will appeal to scholars of theology, classics, and the history of Christianity in particular. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/spiritual-practice-and-mindfulness
What did it mean for ordinary believers to live a Christian life in late antiquity? In Christians at Home: John Chrysostom and Domestic Rituals in Fourth-Century Antioch (Penn State University Press, 2024), Blake Leyerle explores this question through the writings, teachings, and reception of John Chrysostom—a priest of Antioch who went on to become the bishop of Constantinople in AD 397. Through elaborate spatial and ritual recommendations, Chrysostom advised listeners to turn their houses into churches. Influenced by New Testament descriptions of the Pauline communities, he preached that prayer and chant, scriptural discussion and hospitality, and even domestic furnishings would have a transformational effect on a home's inhabitants. But as Leyerle shows, Chrysostom's lay listeners had different views. They were focused not on personal ethical change or on the afterlife but on the immediate, tangible needs of their households. They were committed to Christianity and defended the legitimacy of their views, even citing precedents from scripture in support of their practices By reading these perspectives on early Christian life through one another, Leyerle clarifies the points of disagreement between Chrysostom and his lay listeners and, at the same time, highlights their shared understanding. For both the preacher and his congregations, the household formed a vital ritual arena, and lived religion was necessarily rooted in practice. Elegantly written and convincingly argued, this study will appeal to scholars of theology, classics, and the history of Christianity in particular. New Books in Late Antiquity is presented by Ancient Jew Review Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame Michael Motia teaches in Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies
Monday of the First Week of Advent Saint of the Day: St. Bibiana; the daughter of Christians, who were martyred by Apronianus, the governor of Rome; Bibiana and her sister Demetria were left to live in poverty in their home, where they prayed and fasted; Apronianus summoned them, and after confessing her faith, Demetria fell dead at his feet; Bibiana was sentenced to be scourged until her death in the Fourth Century. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/2/24 Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11
Among the highlights of the fourth century was a group of theologians, two brothers and a close friend. These were the Cappadocian […]
The Fourth Century was, theologically speaking, a century of conflict and clarification. Heretical teachings concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Persons of the Trinity were widespread and backed by powerful churchmen. Faithful, biblically-rooted theologians contended for the truth, and two church councils (in 325 and 381) helped to clarify orthodox doctrine in the face of these onslaughts. This week's episode introduces one of the theologians who, from the mid to late 4th century, gave eloquent expression to orthodox Christology and Trinitarian theology: Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329–390). As well as introducing this quiet, pensive man, we read a section from William Cunningham's newly republished Historical Theology on the question of how the Persons of the Holy Trinity are properly to be distinguished. Featured Content: – 'Shapers of Christianity: Gregory of Nazianzus', Nick Needham, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 706, July 2022. – Excerpt from William Cunningham, Historical Theology (Banner of Truth rep. 2024), pages 309–312. Purchase: https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/historical-theology-3/ Explore the work of the Banner: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast
One of the greatest defenders of what would be known as orthodox Christianity was Athanasius the Great, bishop of Alexandria. He was […]
A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: # 30 Christianity in the Fourth Century (pt 5) Subtitle: Church History Speaker: Michael Baker Broadcaster: Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth Event: Midweek Service Date: 5/22/2024 Length: 34 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: # 30 Christianity in the Fourth Century (pt 5) Subtitle: Church History Speaker: Michael Baker Broadcaster: Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth Event: Midweek Service Date: 5/22/2024 Length: 34 min.
This week Dr. Jenkins looks at the question of the "atonement" (an English word from the 16th century) in the minds of our Fathers among the Saints, Gregory the Theologian and Gregory of Nyssa."
This week Dr. Jenkins looks at the question of the "atonement" (an English word from the 16th century) in the minds of our Fathers among the Saints, Gregory the Theologian and Gregory of Nyssa."
A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: # 28 Christianity in the Fourth Century (pt 3) Subtitle: Church History Speaker: Michael Baker Broadcaster: Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth Event: Midweek Service Date: 5/1/2024 Length: 32 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: # 27 Christianity in the Fourth Century (pt 2) Subtitle: Church History Speaker: Michael Baker Broadcaster: Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth Event: Midweek Service Date: 4/24/2024 Length: 34 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: # 26 Christianity in the Fourth Century (pt 1) Subtitle: Church History Speaker: Michael Baker Broadcaster: Reformed Baptist Church of Fort Worth Event: Midweek Service Date: 4/17/2024 Length: 34 min.
Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Julian the Hospitaller; according to legend, in the Fourth Century, he killed his parents in a case of mistaken identity; Julian and his wife went to Rome to receive absolution; when they returned, he built an inn and a hospital for the poor; he even gave a leper his own bed. the leper was an angel Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/12/24 Gospel: Mark 8:11-13
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Blaise; Fourth Century bishop of Sebastea, in Armenia; persecution raged in Armenia, and Blaise was forced to flee to the back country, where he lived as a hermit, and made friends with the wild animals; a group of hunters stumbled upon his cave, and found him kneeling in prayer surrounded by patiently waiting wolves, lions and bears; as they hauled him off to prison, a mother came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At Blaise's command the child was able to cough up the bone--thus, the blessing of throats on this day; Blaise was eventually beheaded Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/3/24 Gospel: Mark 6:30-34
Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent Memorial of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr; lived in Syracuse, and was martyred in the persecution of Christians in the early Fourth Century; legend has it that her mother arranged for her to marry a pagan, after she had promised her life to Christ; Lucy prayed to St. Agatha, who appeared to Lucy in a dream, said that Lucy's mother would be cured of her illness, and Lucy used this to convince her mother to give the dowry money to the poor; but the rejected bridegroom betrayed Lucy's faith to the governor, and she was executed Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/13/23 Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday of the First Week of Advent Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas, 270-343; Fourth-Century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor; the best known legend of St. Nicholas has him secretly helping a poor man to provide dowries for his marriage-age daughters; by a twist of the tongue, St. Nicholas, in legend, became Santa Claus Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/6/23 Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37
Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Bibiana, virgin and martyr; Bibiana and her sister Demetria suffered under the persecution of the Roman governor, Apronianus in the latter half of the Fourth Century; they were stripped of possessions, but remained in their house, praying and fasting; Apronianus summoned them, and Demetria professed her faith and fell dead at his feet; Bibiana was sent to a wicked woman, Rufina, who tried, unsuccessfully, to seduce her, Apronianus ordered Bibiana to be tied to a pillar and beaten with scourges, laden with lead plummets, until she expired Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/2/23 Gospel: Luke 21:34-36
News items read by Laura Kennedy include: Ukrainian skull fragments produce genomic links to modern Europeans (details) Mass burial of headless skeletons chronicles violent end to Chinese Neolithic village (details) Stunning find of over 30,000 Fourth Century bronze coins hints at Mediterranean shipwreck (details) Maya architecture at Edzná and Chichén Itzá shows long distance links (details)
Marcellus on Ancyra was a very important and influential Bishop who played a large and influential role in the Fourth Century Arian Crisis. However, he is largely forgotten. His theology is unique and doesn't really fit in any category. We mention Eusebius of Caesarea, Eusebius of Nicomedia, Constantine, Athanasius of Alexandria, Origen of Alexandria, Ambrose of Milan, Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Arius of Alexandria, Hillary of Poitiers, Photinus of Galatia, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, and more.
Many are concerned about troubling signs in the Church today. How does the crisis of today fit into the larger scope of the Church's history? Is this the worst it has ever been? Ralph digs into these questions in this week's video. For a copy of Ralph's primary resource, "The Arians of the Fourth Century" by John Henry Newman visit https://a.co/d/9olH37N. Sign up for Renewal Ministries' FREE monthly newsletter: https://www.renewalministries.net/GetTheNewsletter. Partner with Renewal Ministries: https://www.renewalministries.net/partners. For more resources, follow us on social media: https://www.Facebook.com/catholicrenewalministries https://www.instagram.com/renewalministries/ Get our latest FREE booklet, "Receiving Fire," visit https://www.renewalministries.net/RFFREE.
Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Fear, loathing, violence, and persecution. How does the philosopher operate under such circumstances? We look at the case-studies of Hypatia of Alexandria and her student Synesius of Cyrene, for some pointers.
This is Part 7 of the overarching series on Christian History. The podcast covers Augustine and his contributions to Western Christendom and Western CivilizationsI primarily used "Classic Christian Thinkers, an Introduction." by Kenneth Samples to bring you this episode.Feel free to email me at soulanchorpodcast@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
This is Part 6 of the overarching series on Christian History. The podcast covers Athanasius and most of the Christian Thinkers of the Fourth Century. Here are the books that I am using to bring you these podcasts"In the Year of Our Lord" By Sinclair Ferguson"Turning Points" by Mark A Noll"The Apostolic Fathers" Rick Brannan"A Concise History Of Christian Thought" By Tony Lane"Church History for Modern Ministry" by Dayton Hartman"Classic Christian Thinkers, an Introduction." by Kenneth SamplesFeel free to email me at soulanchorpodcast@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
This is Part 6 of the overarching series on Christian History. The podcast covers the historical context of the Fourth Century. Here are the books that I am using to bring you these podcasts"In the Year of Our Lord" By Sinclair Ferguson"Turning Points" by Mark A Noll"The Apostolic Fathers" Rick Brannan"A Concise History Of Christian Thought" By Tony Lane"Church History for Modern Ministry" by Dayton Hartman"Classic Christian Thinkers, an Introduction." by Kenneth SamplesFeel free to email me at soulanchorpodcast@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
This is part 13 of the Early Church History class. Between the year 325 and 381 titanic shifts occurred that changed Christianity forever. Rather than ending conflict and ushering in a golden era of lasting peace, Constantine's Council of Nicea ignited a theological civil war within Christianity that raged for six more decades. In today's episode you'll learn about the struggle over Christology that eventually ended with the emperor Theodosius endorsing the trinitarian creed of Constantinople in 381. Rather than sugarcoating this tumultuous period, my hope is to relentlessly tell the truth in hopes that you can draw your own conclusions. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXXcufcuis —— Links —— See other episodes and posts about the Trinity here More Restitutio resources on Christian history See other classes here Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan? Read his bio here —— Notes —— 325 Council of Nicaea Constantine invited many bishops to his lake summer palace at Nicaea. Between 250 and 300 bishops attended, but only 5 from the West. Constantine suggested adding the word homoousios to the creed that Eusebius of Caesarea presented. The Creed of Nicaea declares the Son to be “begotten of the Father…that is, from the essence (ousia) of the Father…begotten not made, one in essence (homoousia) with the Father”. Decades of Controversy The Council of Nicaea did not pacify the controversy but instead fueled it. Everyday people were informed and argued about the various positions in the streets, baths, and marketplaces. Three Main Parties Homoousions (Athanasius) Anomoeans (Eunomius) Homoians (Acacius) Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373) 326 - Became bishop of Alexandria Took up mantle of Alexander and fought tirelessly for the eternal Son position and homoousios Repeatedly deposed and exiled from Alexandria Spent at least 15 years in exile of his 45 year bishopric Used violent speech and physical violence to defeat his enemies Anomoeans Believed the Son was not like the Father Most famous representative was Eunomius. Strong subordinationists 357 - Second Creed of Sirmium Homoians Believed the Son was like the Father but not the same substance Constantinople was a homoian stronghold for decades prior to 381. 360 - Council of Constantinople produced a homoian Three Cappadocians Basil of Caesarea (330-379), Gregory of Nyssa (335-395), Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390) Added in the Holy Spirit as worthy of worship and honor with the Father and Son Used terminology of three persons (hypostases) in one substance (ousia) 381 Council of Constantinople Attended by only 150, none from the West (thus not ecumenical) Not considered a definitive council in its time Produced the language recited in churches even to this day The Constantinopolitan Creed is often wrongly called the Nicene Creed today. The State Church Emperor Theodosius decreed that all “Catholic Christians” had to accept the Trinity as defined at Constantinople in 381. 384 - Removed Altar of Victor from Senate in Rome Outlawed pagan sacrifices Widespread destruction of temples 388 - Marriage of Christians and Jews prohibited 399 - Country temples were destroyed. 408 - Only Catholic Christians can serve in the palace. 415 - Pagans barred from military and civil service The Constantinian shift was now complete. Review At the Council of Nicaea in 325, emperor Constantine introduced the theologically problematic word "homoousios" into the controversy over the Son's origin and substance. The original Nicene Creed did not mention three persons in one God, nor did it define the Holy Spirit. The theological civil war that Nicaea caused raged on for another 56 years (at least), as council after council favored different positions. The three main parties in the battle were homoousions (Nicenes), anomoeans (Arians), and homoians (Semi-Arians). Athanasius of Alexandria led the charge for the homoousions, attacking his theological enemies with viscous words, malicious politicking, and physical violence. Successive emperors supported different theological factions throughout the fourth century, swinging imperial favor back and forth. Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus (the three Cappadocians) developed the full-blown Trinity theory, including the Holy Spirit as worthy of equal worship and honor. Although it was not ecumenical nor well-attended, the 381 Council of Constantinople defined the doctrine of the Trinity many are familiar with today. Emperor Theodosius enforced the Constantinopolitan Creed for all "Catholic Christians" in his domain, limiting religious freedom for non-Trinitarians, pagans, and Jews. Theodosius completed the Constantinian shift by officially merging one brand of Christianity with the state.
With Valentine's Day coming up, it seems like the perfect time for Emma, Trinity, and Linus to discuss friendships in the early church with historian Dr. Michael Haykin, professor of church history and biblical spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. How did Christians in the early centuries maintain their friendships? How long did it take for a letter to travel from one friend to another? And most importantly, what is a true friend, and why is friendship so precious, both in the past and today?
The controversies about the Trinity continue into the fourth century as our persecuted Christians take up, with renewed vigor, the question of just exactly what Jesus is.
Dr. Bill Weinrich of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN John 1:1-7:1 – Concordia Commentary