A History of the Christian Church. (Part 13) The Council of Constantinople. [382 AD]

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Study Notes:
Introduction
4th Century Context: The Christian church was under significant theological and political turmoil, grappling with the nature of God, the influence of religious cults, and the intersection of imperial power and doctrine.
Arianism: A belief that denied the full divinity of Christ, leading to significant controversy within the church.
Emperor Theodosius I: Ascended in 379, staunchly supported Nicene Christianity, and aimed to unify the church.
Key Figures: Gregory of Nazianzus and the Cappadocian Fathers played crucial roles in shaping the council's outcomes.
Political Intrigue: The council's decisions, especially the controversial third canon, contributed to the long-term discord between the Eastern and Western churches.
Background of the Council
The First Council of Constantinople was convened in 381 by Emperor Theodosius I in Constantinople. The main objective was to address the heresy of Arianism and unify the Christian doctrine under Nicene Christianity.
The Nicene Creed
The council produced the definitive Nicene Creed, which remains a central statement of Christian faith.
The text affirms belief in one God, Jesus Christ as the only Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. It also emphasizes the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and eternal reign of Christ and stresses the unity and co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Geopolitical Context.
Emperor's Role: The emperor held ultimate doctrinal authority, influencing the direction and outcomes of ecclesiastical decisions.
Julian's Reign: Fostered divisions within the church; Julian was a non-Christian emperor.
Valens and Valentinian: Valens was Arian, while Valentinian's death in 378 led to Theodosius's rise.
Theodosius's Decrees: Issued pro-Nicene decrees affirming the Trinity and suppressing heretical assemblies.
Canons Established by the Council
First Canon: Condemned Arianism, Macedonianism, and Apollinarianism.
Second Canon: Reinforced Nicene laws and set patriarchal boundaries.
Third Canon: Elevated the Bishop of Constantinople's status, second only to the Bishop of Rome.
Fourth Canon: Invalidated Maximus's consecration as Bishop of Constantinople.
Fifth Canon: Likely from 382, passed judgment on a literary work attributed to Western bishops.
Sixth Canon: Set limits on accusations against bishops.
Seventh Canon: Detailed procedures for admitting heretics back into the church.
Condemnation of three main heresies
Arianism: The council reinforced the Nicene Creed and condemned Arianism, contributing to its decline.
Macedonianism: The creed implied the deity of the Holy Spirit, though Macedonian bishops walked out.
Apollinarianism: Formally condemned the belief that Jesus lacked a human soul.
Long-term Impact
Ecumenical Status: The council is considered the second great ecumenical council, with its creed still widely used in both Eastern and Western churches.
Filioque Controversy: The addition of "and the Son" to the creed in the West contributed to the East-West Schism.
Hierarchical Struggles: The elevation of Constantinople's status led to conflicts with Alexandria and Rome, foreshadowing future schisms.
Summary and Legacy
Doctrinal Clarification: The council reinforced orthodox Trinitarian doctrine, condemned major heresies, and clarified the nature of the Holy Spirit.
Political Repercussions: The elevation of Constantinople challenged Rome's primacy and contributed to ongoing ecclesiastical power struggles.
Lasting Influence: The council's decisions and the Nicene Creed continue to shape Christian theology and ecclesiastical structure.
Closing Reflection.
Mystery of Christ: The council's aim was to protect the doctrine of the incarnation from heretical attacks, not to eliminate its mystery. The creeds and canons should be viewed as vital historical documents that defended the early church against theological distortions.