tackling the da vinci code 3 how and when did the early church understand jesus was both human and...

Tackling theTackling theDa Vinci CodeDa Vinci Code 3 3

How and When Did the Early How and When Did the Early Church Understand Jesus Was Church Understand Jesus Was

Both Human and Divine?Both Human and Divine?

The Da Vinci Code The Da Vinci Code says…says…


““[Jesus was] a moral prophet… a great [Jesus was] a moral prophet… a great and powerful man, but and powerful man, but a mana man

nonetheless. A mortal”nonetheless. A mortal”

- Leigh Teabing, fictional historian- Leigh Teabing, fictional historian


The notion that Jesus was The notion that Jesus was divinedivine was first was first proposed by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD proposed by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD at the Council of Nicene to:at the Council of Nicene to: Solidify his powerSolidify his power Solidify the power of the “new Vatican power Solidify the power of the “new Vatican power

base” of the Catholic Churchbase” of the Catholic Church ““until until thatthat moment in history, Jesus moment in history, Jesus

was viewed by His followers as a was viewed by His followers as a mortal prophet”mortal prophet” (Teabing, p. 233) (Teabing, p. 233)


Emperor Constantine’s proposal that Jesus was God Emperor Constantine’s proposal that Jesus was God passed by a passed by a “relatively close vote”“relatively close vote” at the Council at the Council of Niceneof Nicene

Constantine then Constantine then “commissioned and financed “commissioned and financed a new Bible, which omitted those gospels a new Bible, which omitted those gospels that spoke of Christ’s human traits and that spoke of Christ’s human traits and embellished those gospels that made him embellished those gospels that made him godlike. The earlier gospels were outlawed, godlike. The earlier gospels were outlawed, gathered up, and burned”gathered up, and burned” (p. 234) (p. 234)


““Fortunately for historians… some of the Fortunately for historians… some of the gospels that Constantine attempted to gospels that Constantine attempted to eradicate managed to survive. The Dead Sea eradicate managed to survive. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the 1950s in a cave Scrolls were found in the 1950s in a cave near Qumran in the Judea desert. And, of near Qumran in the Judea desert. And, of course, the Coptic Scrolls in 1945 at Nag course, the Coptic Scrolls in 1945 at Nag Hammadi. Hammadi. In addition to telling the true Grail In addition to telling the true Grail story, these documents speak of Christ’s story, these documents speak of Christ’s ministry in very human termsministry in very human terms…”…”


Henceforth, Christians could “redeem Henceforth, Christians could “redeem themselves” only through the “established themselves” only through the “established sacred channel” of the Catholic Churchsacred channel” of the Catholic Church

The Early Church’s The Early Church’s View of JesusView of Jesus

IntroductionIntroduction

Early Church’s View of JesusEarly Church’s View of JesusWho was Jesus of Nazareth?Who was Jesus of Nazareth?

ChristologyChristology: the study of:: the study of: Who was Jesus?Who was Jesus? What role, what purpose did he play in God’s divine plan?What role, what purpose did he play in God’s divine plan?

There is unanimity among serious scholars and There is unanimity among serious scholars and historians, that from the earliest days of Church, the historians, that from the earliest days of Church, the followers of Jesus believed:followers of Jesus believed: Jesus was GodJesus was God Jesus’ was the Messiah (= the Christ, the “anointed one”), Jesus’ was the Messiah (= the Christ, the “anointed one”),

the Redeemer, the bringer of salvationthe Redeemer, the bringer of salvation


““The problem of Christology, in the narrow The problem of Christology, in the narrow sense of the word, is to define the relation of sense of the word, is to define the relation of the divine and the human in Christ. For a full-the divine and the human in Christ. For a full-dress attack on the issues involved, we must dress attack on the issues involved, we must wait until the fourth century… Nevertheless, wait until the fourth century… Nevertheless, the all but universal Christian conviction in the all but universal Christian conviction in the preceding centuries had been that Jesus the preceding centuries had been that Jesus Christ was divine as well as human.”Christ was divine as well as human.”

- J.N.D. Kelly, - J.N.D. Kelly, Early Christian DoctrinesEarly Christian Doctrines, p. 138, p. 138


““Amid the varieties of metaphor in which Amid the varieties of metaphor in which they conceived the meaning of salvation, all they conceived the meaning of salvation, all Christians shared the conviction that Christians shared the conviction that salvation was the work of no being less than salvation was the work of no being less than the Lord of heaven and earth… Christians the Lord of heaven and earth… Christians were sure that the Redeemer did not belong were sure that the Redeemer did not belong to some lower order of divine reality, but was to some lower order of divine reality, but was God himself.”God himself.”

- Jaroslav Pelikan. - Jaroslav Pelikan. The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600),(100-600), p 173 p 173


New Testament PeriodNew Testament Period

30 to 95 AD30 to 95 AD

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodMessiah or ChristMessiah or Christ

MessiahMessiah = “the anointed one” (Greek: = “the anointed one” (Greek: Christos;Christos; Christ) Christ) Jewish expectations: the anointed king of the Jewish expectations: the anointed king of the

House of David who would:House of David who would: defeat Israel’s enemiesdefeat Israel’s enemies inaugurate a kingdom (Egypt to Mesopotamia) of inaugurate a kingdom (Egypt to Mesopotamia) of

prosperity, peace, justiceprosperity, peace, justice not necessarily divinenot necessarily divine

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodMessiah or ChristMessiah or Christ

MessiahMessiah Christian View of Jesus as the Messiah (= the Christian View of Jesus as the Messiah (= the

Christ):Christ): defeated Satan and the forces of evildefeated Satan and the forces of evil inaugurated a Kingdom of God, without borders, over inaugurated a Kingdom of God, without borders, over

all of creationall of creation Christian: one who accepted Jesus as Christ (= the Christian: one who accepted Jesus as Christ (= the

Messiah)Messiah)

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodLord or AdonaiLord or Adonai

LordLord AdonaiAdonai Greek Greek kyrioskyrios Whenever the holy name of God (YHWH) Whenever the holy name of God (YHWH)

encountered in the scriptures, devout Jews encountered in the scriptures, devout Jews substituted “Adonai” instead.substituted “Adonai” instead.

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodSon of GodSon of God

Son of GodSon of God In the Old Testament, implied a special In the Old Testament, implied a special

relationship to God:relationship to God: Angels in the Old Testament: “sons of God”Angels in the Old Testament: “sons of God” Davidic king: treated as God’s sonDavidic king: treated as God’s son Nation of Israel referred to as God’s son in Hosea 11:1Nation of Israel referred to as God’s son in Hosea 11:1

For Christians, “Son of God” implied a For Christians, “Son of God” implied a unique unique relationship to Godrelationship to God

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodNew Testament Period (30-95 AD)New Testament Period (30-95 AD)

Letters of Paul (~50 to 65 AD)Letters of Paul (~50 to 65 AD) GospelsGospels

Mark, Matthew, Luke (70 to 80’s AD)Mark, Matthew, Luke (70 to 80’s AD) John (90’s AD)John (90’s AD)

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodOldest Liturgical PrayerOldest Liturgical Prayer

Oldest surviving liturgical prayer of the Oldest surviving liturgical prayer of the Church: Church: The Maranatha Prayer:The Maranatha Prayer:

““Our Lord, come!”Our Lord, come!” Preserved in:Preserved in:

Transliterated Aramaic (1 Corinthians 16:22)Transliterated Aramaic (1 Corinthians 16:22) Greek translation (Revelation 22:20)Greek translation (Revelation 22:20) Plausibly dates back to Paul’s first experiences Plausibly dates back to Paul’s first experiences

with Christians in the 30’swith Christians in the 30’s

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodHymn in Philippians 2:6-11Hymn in Philippians 2:6-11

Possible early hymn found in Paul’s letter to Possible early hymn found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians 2:6-11 (~52 – 62 AD) the Philippians 2:6-11 (~52 – 62 AD) Some scholars suggest Paul did not write this Some scholars suggest Paul did not write this

hymn, but that it originally was composed in hymn, but that it originally was composed in Aramaic, and dated to Palestine of the late 30’sAramaic, and dated to Palestine of the late 30’s

Christ JesusChrist Jesus

who, though he was in the form of Godwho, though he was in the form of God

did not regard equality with Goddid not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,as something to be exploited,

but emptied himselfbut emptied himself

taking the form of a slave,taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,And being found in human form,

he humbled himselfhe humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross.— even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted himTherefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the nameand gave him the name that is above every name,that is above every name,so that at the name of Jesusso that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend,every knee should bend, in heaven and on earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth,and under the earth,and every tongue should confessand every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”to the glory of God the Father.”

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodHymn in Colossians 1:15-20Hymn in Colossians 1:15-20

Colossians 1:15-20: Colossians 1:15-20: Another hymn that some scholars feel was part of the Another hymn that some scholars feel was part of the

liturgy of the very early Church and included by the author liturgy of the very early Church and included by the author of Colossians (perhaps Paul)of Colossians (perhaps Paul)

He is the image of the invisible God, the He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominations or rulers or powers – all things dominations or rulers or powers – all things have been created through him and for him. have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. things hold together.

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodHymn in Colossians 1:15-20Hymn in Colossians 1:15-20

He is the head of the body, the church; he is He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead, so the beginning, the firstborn of the dead, so that he might come to have first place in that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his making peace through the blood of his cross.” cross.” (NRSV)(NRSV)

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodView of the Church in Rome, 40’s ADView of the Church in Rome, 40’s AD

Romans 1:3-4: Paul quotes a gospel formulation he Romans 1:3-4: Paul quotes a gospel formulation he expects the Roman to recognize, thought to date from expects the Roman to recognize, thought to date from the 40’s, when the Roman church was founded by the 40’s, when the Roman church was founded by missionaries from Jerusalem:missionaries from Jerusalem:

[God’s] Son, who was descended from David [God’s] Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh, and was declared to according to the flesh, and was declared to the Son of God with power according to the the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lorddead, Jesus Christ our Lord (NRSV) (NRSV)

New New Testament Testament

PeriodPeriodFour GospelsFour Gospels

An Introduction to New Testament Christology.

Raymond Edward Brown, Paulist Press,

New York, 1994.

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodFour GospelsFour Gospels

All four gospel writers agree that Jesus during All four gospel writers agree that Jesus during his ministry was the Messiah and the Son of his ministry was the Messiah and the Son of GodGod

Each gospel gives a different emphasis in the Each gospel gives a different emphasis in the tension between Jesus as fully human versus tension between Jesus as fully human versus Jesus as fully GodJesus as fully God Emphasis on Jesus’ servanthood and humanity: Emphasis on Jesus’ servanthood and humanity:

Mark > Luke > Matthew > JohnMark > Luke > Matthew > John Jesus’ divinity is the most important message of Jesus’ divinity is the most important message of

JohnJohn

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodFour GospelsFour Gospels

““No one gospel would enable us to see No one gospel would enable us to see the whole picture, and only when the the whole picture, and only when the four are kept in tension among four are kept in tension among themselves has the church come to themselves has the church come to appreciate who Jesus is.”appreciate who Jesus is.”

- Father Raymond Brown, - Father Raymond Brown, Introduction to New Introduction to New Testament ChristologyTestament Christology

New Testament PeriodNew Testament PeriodEarly Symbol for JesusEarly Symbol for Jesus

An early symbol of Jesus was the fish (Greek An early symbol of Jesus was the fish (Greek ichthusichthus)) I-CH-TH-U-S represented slogan (in Greek) I-CH-TH-U-S represented slogan (in Greek)

“Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior”“Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior”


A Sampling from the A Sampling from the

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene Period

(95 to ~200 AD)(95 to ~200 AD)

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene PeriodEarliest Sermon After the New TestamentEarliest Sermon After the New Testament

Earlier surviving sermon of the Church after the New Earlier surviving sermon of the Church after the New Testament:Testament:

““Brethren, we must think about Jesus Christ Brethren, we must think about Jesus Christ as we think about God, as about the judge of as we think about God, as about the judge of the living and the dead. And we must not the living and the dead. And we must not give little thought to our salvation.give little thought to our salvation.

For when we think little about him, we also For when we think little about him, we also hope to receive but little.”hope to receive but little.”

- - Second Epistle of ClementSecond Epistle of Clement 1:1-2 (mid second century) 1:1-2 (mid second century)

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene PeriodOldest Account of a Christian MartyrOldest Account of a Christian Martyr

Oldest surviving account of a Christian martyr:Oldest surviving account of a Christian martyr:

““It will be impossible for us to forsake It will be impossible for us to forsake Christ… or to worship any other. For Christ… or to worship any other. For him, being the Son of God, we adore, him, being the Son of God, we adore, but the martyrs… we cherish.”but the martyrs… we cherish.”

- - Martyrdom of PolycarpMartyrdom of Polycarp 17:2-3 (mid second 17:2-3 (mid second century)century)

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene PeriodOldest Pagan ReportOldest Pagan Report

Oldest surviving pagan report about the Oldest surviving pagan report about the Church (Pliny the Younger*, Church (Pliny the Younger*, EpistlesEpistles, 10.96.7) , 10.96.7) describes Christians as gathering before describes Christians as gathering before sunrise and sunrise and “singing a hymn to Christ as “singing a hymn to Christ as though to [a] god.”though to [a] god.”

*Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus or Pliny the Younger (61 to *Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus or Pliny the Younger (61 to 112 AD), Roman Governor of Bithynia. Wrote 10 books of 112 AD), Roman Governor of Bithynia. Wrote 10 books of Epistles 100-112 AD giving an informal account of the daily Epistles 100-112 AD giving an informal account of the daily life of a rich and cultured Roman gentlemanlife of a rich and cultured Roman gentleman

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene PeriodJustin Martyr’s early “Creed”Justin Martyr’s early “Creed”

Justin Martyr, 100-165 AD. Justin Martyr, 100-165 AD. Dialogue with Trypho the JewDialogue with Trypho the Jew::In the name of this very Son of God and the first-In the name of this very Son of God and the first-

begotten of all creation,begotten of all creation,who was born through the Virgin,who was born through the Virgin,and became a passible man,and became a passible man,and was crucified under Pontius Pilate by yourand was crucified under Pontius Pilate by your

people,people,and died,and died,and rose again from the dead,and rose again from the dead,and ascended to heaven…and ascended to heaven…

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene PeriodBaptismal Creed ~200 ADBaptismal Creed ~200 AD

Description of baptism by Hippolytus of Rome 170-Description of baptism by Hippolytus of Rome 170-235 AD, in 235 AD, in Apostolic TraditionApostolic Tradition::

When the person being baptized goes down When the person being baptized goes down into the water, he who baptizes him, putting into the water, he who baptizes him, putting his hand on him, shall say: his hand on him, shall say: “Do you believe “Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?”in God, the Father Almighty?” And the And the person being baptized shall say: person being baptized shall say: “I believe.”“I believe.” Then holding his hand on his head, he shall Then holding his hand on his head, he shall baptize him once.baptize him once.


And then he shall say: And then he shall say: “Do you believe in “Do you believe in Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was born Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was born of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was crucified under Pontus Pilate, and was was crucified under Pontus Pilate, and was dead and buried, and rose again the third dead and buried, and rose again the third day, alive from the dead, and ascended into day, alive from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of the heaven, and sat down at the right hand of the Father, and will come to judge the living and Father, and will come to judge the living and the dead?”the dead?” And when the person says: And when the person says: “I “I believe,”believe,” he is baptized again. he is baptized again.


And again the deacon shall say: And again the deacon shall say: “Do you “Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, in the holy church, believe in the Holy Spirit, in the holy church, and in the resurrection of the body?”and in the resurrection of the body?” Then Then the person being baptized shall say: the person being baptized shall say: “I “I believe,”believe,” and he is baptized a third time. and he is baptized a third time.

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly TheologiesEarly Theologies

Justin Martyr (100-165 AD):Justin Martyr (100-165 AD): Took concept of the Took concept of the “Logos”“Logos” from Greek Stoicism and from Greek Stoicism and

PlatonismPlatonism Logos:Logos: the ultimate source of all human knowledge the ultimate source of all human knowledge

Christ is the Christ is the LogoLogos and brings the s and brings the LogosLogos to its fullest to its fullest revelationrevelation

logos spermatikoslogos spermatikos: the divine : the divine LogosLogos had sown seeds had sown seeds throughout human history, so even non-Christians knew throughout human history, so even non-Christians knew the Christ in partthe Christ in part

Christianity is the fulfillment of Judaism and the pagan Christianity is the fulfillment of Judaism and the pagan philosophersphilosophers

Early Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly Pre-Nicene PeriodEarly TheologiesEarly Theologies

Origen (185-254 AD)Origen (185-254 AD) In the Incarnation, the human soul of Jesus is united with In the Incarnation, the human soul of Jesus is united with

the the Logos Logos and comes to share the properties of the and comes to share the properties of the LogosLogos:: If a lump of iron is constantly kept in a fire, it will If a lump of iron is constantly kept in a fire, it will

absorb its heat through all its pores and veins. If absorb its heat through all its pores and veins. If the fire is continuous, and the iron is not the fire is continuous, and the iron is not removed, it becomes totally converted to the removed, it becomes totally converted to the other… In the same way, the soul which has been other… In the same way, the soul which has been constantly placed in the Logos and Wisdom of constantly placed in the Logos and Wisdom of God, is God in all that it does, feels and God, is God in all that it does, feels and understandsunderstands

The Early Church’s The Early Church’s View of JesusView of JesusThe Late Pre-Nicene PeriodThe Late Pre-Nicene Period

(~200 to 325 AD)(~200 to 325 AD)

The Struggle to Understand Jesus as The Struggle to Understand Jesus as Both Human and DivineBoth Human and Divine

Late Pre-Nicene PeriodLate Pre-Nicene PeriodBoth Human and DivineBoth Human and Divine

Christians throughout the Pre-Nicene Period believed Christians throughout the Pre-Nicene Period believed Jesus was both human and divine (not some mere Jesus was both human and divine (not some mere mortal prophet)mortal prophet)

The struggle in the Church during the Late Pre-The struggle in the Church during the Late Pre-Nicene period was understanding the meaning and Nicene period was understanding the meaning and implications of saying Jesus was both human and implications of saying Jesus was both human and divine:divine: How human was Jesus?How human was Jesus? How divine was Jesus?How divine was Jesus? How did Jesus’ human nature and the divine nature co-How did Jesus’ human nature and the divine nature co-

exist?exist?

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineCouncils of Nicaea & ChalcedonCouncils of Nicaea & Chalcedon

325 AD:325 AD: Council of Nicaea Council of Nicaea 451 AD:451 AD: Council of Chalcedon Council of Chalcedon

JesusJesus OneOne person, with person, with twotwo natures, a full divine nature, natures, a full divine nature,

and a full human nature. He was fully human and and a full human nature. He was fully human and fully divinefully divine

Equal to God the FatherEqual to God the Father Existed from all eternityExisted from all eternity


We believe this fourth century understanding We believe this fourth century understanding was a divine revelation about Jesuswas a divine revelation about Jesus

It does not mean early believers fully It does not mean early believers fully comprehended this revelationcomprehended this revelation

Christian understanding, like any human Christian understanding, like any human understanding, developed and grewunderstanding, developed and grew


“… “… orthodox Christology does not attempt to orthodox Christology does not attempt to explain the substance of Christology, that is, explain the substance of Christology, that is, how the two natures are united in one how the two natures are united in one person. It attempts to indicate where the person. It attempts to indicate where the mystery lies, so to speak, and to defend the mystery lies, so to speak, and to defend the mystery against attempts to dissolve it into a mystery against attempts to dissolve it into a neat formula that would distort it.”neat formula that would distort it.”

- Thomas and Wondra, - Thomas and Wondra, Introduction to Theology, 3Introduction to Theology, 3rdrd EditionEdition, p. 164, p. 164

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineHeresy of ArianismHeresy of Arianism

Arius (250-336 AD)Arius (250-336 AD) ““God was not always a father. There was a God was not always a father. There was a

time when God was all alone. And was not time when God was all alone. And was not yet a father; only later did he become a yet a father; only later did he become a father. The Son did not always exist. father. The Son did not always exist. Everything created is out of nothing… so Everything created is out of nothing… so the Logos of God came into existence out the Logos of God came into existence out of nothing. of nothing. There was a time when he was There was a time when he was not.not. Before he was brought into being, he Before he was brought into being, he did not exist. He also had a beginning to did not exist. He also had a beginning to his created existence”his created existence”


Jesus, the Son of God, was created by God the Jesus, the Son of God, was created by God the FatherFather Jesus is a created being, like usJesus is a created being, like us Jesus is first among all created beingsJesus is first among all created beings Use of “Son” a metaphor, an honorific term to Use of “Son” a metaphor, an honorific term to

underscore Jesus as first among created beingsunderscore Jesus as first among created beings

Arianism


Athanasius (296-373)Athanasius (296-373) Elected Bishop of Alexandria 328 ADElected Bishop of Alexandria 328 AD Argued against Arius, noting:Argued against Arius, noting:

1. No creature can redeem another creature. According 1. No creature can redeem another creature. According to Arius, Jesus Christ is a creature. Therefore, according to Arius, Jesus Christ is a creature. Therefore, according to Arius, Jesus Christ cannot redeem humanityto Arius, Jesus Christ cannot redeem humanity

2. Only God is worthy of our worship. According to 2. Only God is worthy of our worship. According to Arius, Jesus Christ is a creature. Therefore, according to Arius, Jesus Christ is a creature. Therefore, according to Arius, Christians are worshiping a creature and are Arius, Christians are worshiping a creature and are guilty of idolatryguilty of idolatry


Forced the Church to reflect further on the Forced the Church to reflect further on the relationship between the Father and the Sonrelationship between the Father and the Son

Terminology:Terminology: ousiaousia (Greek) = (Greek) = substantiasubstantia (Latin) = substance or essence. (Latin) = substance or essence.

The fundamental reality of something; that which make a The fundamental reality of something; that which make a thing what it isthing what it is

homoousioshomoousios = of the = of the samesame substance or substance or ousiaousia homoiousioshomoiousios = of = of similar similar substance or substance or ousiaousia

After intense debate, After intense debate, homoousioshomoousios was ultimately to was ultimately to gain the upper handgain the upper hand


Rejected at the Council of Nicaea, 325 ADRejected at the Council of Nicaea, 325 AD Nicene Creed of 325 AD:Nicene Creed of 325 AD:

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible.maker of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten of the Father, that is, from the only-begotten of the Father, that is, from the substance of the Father, God of God, light of light, substance of the Father, God of God, light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance [substance [homoousioshomoousios] with the Father, through ] with the Father, through whom all things were made, both in heaven and whom all things were made, both in heaven and on earth, who for us humans and for our salvation on earth, who for us humans and for our salvation descended and became incarnate, becoming descended and became incarnate, becoming human, suffered and rose again on the third day, human, suffered and rose again on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and will come to judge ascended to the heavens, and will come to judge the living and the dead.the living and the dead.


And in the Holy Spirit.And in the Holy Spirit. But those who say that there was when He was not, But those who say that there was when He was not,

and that before being begotten He was not, or that and that before being begotten He was not, or that He came from that which is not, or that the Son of He came from that which is not, or that the Son of God is of a different substance [God is of a different substance [hypostasishypostasis] or ] or essence [essence [ousiaousia], or that He is created, or mutable, ], or that He is created, or mutable, these the catholic church anathematizesthese the catholic church anathematizes

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineAlexandrian SchoolAlexandrian School

Jesus Christ is the redeemer of humanityJesus Christ is the redeemer of humanity Redemption = “being taken up into the life of Redemption = “being taken up into the life of

God” or “being made divine” (deification)God” or “being made divine” (deification) In the Incarnation, the Second Person of the In the Incarnation, the Second Person of the

Trinity assumed human natureTrinity assumed human nature God became human, in order that human beings God became human, in order that human beings

might become divinemight become divine Logos “assumed” a “general” human nature; the Logos “assumed” a “general” human nature; the

divine and human natures commingleddivine and human natures commingled

Arianism

Alexandrian School of Christology

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineHeresy of ApollinariusHeresy of Apollinarius

Apollinarius of Laodicea (310-390 AD)Apollinarius of Laodicea (310-390 AD) Worried the union of the Logos with human nature would Worried the union of the Logos with human nature would

contaminate the Logos with the weakness of human naturecontaminate the Logos with the weakness of human nature Human beings have:Human beings have:

Physical bodyPhysical body Human animal soulHuman animal soul Human rational soul (Human rational soul (nous nous = soul, mind, reason)= soul, mind, reason)

Jesus had:Jesus had: Human physical bodyHuman physical body Human animal soulHuman animal soul Did not however have a human rational soul or mind. It was Did not however have a human rational soul or mind. It was

replaced by the mind of Godreplaced by the mind of God


Thus Apollinarius implied Jesus was not fully human Thus Apollinarius implied Jesus was not fully human (only two-thirds human). Jesus more divine than (only two-thirds human). Jesus more divine than humanhuman

““We confess that the Word of God had not We confess that the Word of God had not descended upon a holy man, which was what descended upon a holy man, which was what happened in the case of the prophets. happened in the case of the prophets. Rather, the Word himself has become flesh Rather, the Word himself has become flesh without having assumed a human mind – that without having assumed a human mind – that is, a changeable mind, which is enslaved to is, a changeable mind, which is enslaved to filthy thoughts – but which exists as an filthy thoughts – but which exists as an immutable and heavenly divine mind”immutable and heavenly divine mind”

Arianism


Apollinarius


Rejected at the Council at Constantinople in Rejected at the Council at Constantinople in 381 AD381 AD

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineAntiochene SchoolAntiochene School

The rival to the school of theologians in The rival to the school of theologians in Alexandria were the school of theologians in Alexandria were the school of theologians in Antioch in ancient SyriaAntioch in ancient Syria

Redemption:Redemption: Because of their disobedience, human beings Because of their disobedience, human beings

existed in a state of corruption from which they existed in a state of corruption from which they cannot extricate themselvescannot extricate themselves

The Logos of God took on a specific human nature The Logos of God took on a specific human nature in Jesus to re-establish the obedience of the people in Jesus to re-establish the obedience of the people of Godof God

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineAntiochene SchoolAntiochene School

Rather than the “confusion” or “commingling” Rather than the “confusion” or “commingling” of the divine and human natures advocated by of the divine and human natures advocated by the Alexandria School, they imagined the the Alexandria School, they imagined the divine and human natures within Jesus existed divine and human natures within Jesus existed more like watertight compartments side by more like watertight compartments side by side, held together by the “good pleasure” of side, held together by the “good pleasure” of GodGod

Theodore of Mopsuestia (350-428): a purely Theodore of Mopsuestia (350-428): a purely moral union, like that of husband and wifemoral union, like that of husband and wife

Arianism


Apollinarius

Antiochene School

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineNestoriansimNestoriansim

NestoriusNestorius born?; died 451 ADborn?; died 451 AD Major representative of the Antiochene SchoolMajor representative of the Antiochene School Patriarch of Constantinople in 428-431 ADPatriarch of Constantinople in 428-431 AD

Objected to calling Mary Objected to calling Mary theotokostheotokos “God “God bearer” or “mother of God”bearer” or “mother of God” Suggested Suggested anthropotokosanthropotokos (bearer of humanity) or (bearer of humanity) or

ChristotokosChristotokos (bearer of Christ) (bearer of Christ)

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineNestoriansimNestoriansim

Nestorius accused of saying Jesus was two Nestorius accused of saying Jesus was two persons rather than one person, each person persons rather than one person, each person with its own nature:with its own nature: ““Son of God” (Mary not involved in this birth)Son of God” (Mary not involved in this birth) ““Son of Man” (the Son Mary gave birth to)Son of Man” (the Son Mary gave birth to)

Nestorianism (= doctrine of Jesus as “two Nestorianism (= doctrine of Jesus as “two persons”) rejected at Council of Ephesus in persons”) rejected at Council of Ephesus in 431 AD431 AD

Arianism


Apollinarius

Antiochene School

Nestorianism

Both Human and DivineBoth Human and DivineMonophysitismMonophysitism

Eutyches (378-454 AD)Eutyches (378-454 AD) Archimandrite of the monastery in ConstantinopleArchimandrite of the monastery in Constantinople Vigorously opposed NestorianismVigorously opposed Nestorianism Said Jesus:Said Jesus:

One personOne person One nature (a unique “human-divine” nature)One nature (a unique “human-divine” nature) MonophysitismMonophysitism = one nature, as opposed to the = one nature, as opposed to the

Dyophysitism, two naturesDyophysitism, two natures

Eutychianism (Monophysitism) rejected at Eutychianism (Monophysitism) rejected at Council of Chalcedon, 451 ADCouncil of Chalcedon, 451 AD

Arianism


Apollinarius

Antiochene School

Nestorianism

Eutychianism, Monophysitism


325 AD:325 AD: Council of Nicaea Council of Nicaea 451 AD:451 AD: Council of Chalcedon Council of Chalcedon

JesusJesus OneOne person, with person, with twotwo natures, a full divine nature, natures, a full divine nature,

and a full human nature. He was fully human and and a full human nature. He was fully human and fully divinefully divine

Equal to God the FatherEqual to God the Father Existed from all eternityExisted from all eternity


“… “… orthodox Christology does not attempt to orthodox Christology does not attempt to explain the substance of Christology, that is, explain the substance of Christology, that is, how the two natures are united in one how the two natures are united in one person. It attempts to indicate where the person. It attempts to indicate where the mystery lies, so to speak, and to defend the mystery lies, so to speak, and to defend the mystery against attempts to dissolve it into a mystery against attempts to dissolve it into a neat formula that would distort it.”neat formula that would distort it.”

- Thomas and Wondra, - Thomas and Wondra, Introduction to Theology, 3Introduction to Theology, 3rdrd EditionEdition, p. 164, p. 164

ConstantineConstantineand His Successorsand His Successors

Constantine and His SuccessorsConstantine and His SuccessorsConstantine the GreatConstantine the Great

Father was Constantius I, a believer in the sun godFather was Constantius I, a believer in the sun god controlled Gaul and Britain as caesar in the tetrachy controlled Gaul and Britain as caesar in the tetrachy

established by Emperior Diocletianestablished by Emperior Diocletian Mother Helena a ChristianMother Helena a Christian 305 AD:305 AD: Emperor Diocletian abdicated the imperial Emperor Diocletian abdicated the imperial

diadem “to grow cabbages” at Salona. Constantius I diadem “to grow cabbages” at Salona. Constantius I became senior emperor (augustus) in the Westbecame senior emperor (augustus) in the West

306 AD:306 AD: Constantine’s father died in York; Constantine’s father died in York; Constantine became the “junior” caesar in the West Constantine became the “junior” caesar in the West and began planning a strategy that would give him and began planning a strategy that would give him control of the entire empirecontrol of the entire empire


313 AD:313 AD: he won control of the Western half he won control of the Western half the empire against rival Maxentius at the battle the empire against rival Maxentius at the battle of the Milvian Bridgeof the Milvian Bridge Reportedly had a vision of a cross of light shining Reportedly had a vision of a cross of light shining

through the rays of the sun, and the words “In this through the rays of the sun, and the words “In this sign, conquer.”sign, conquer.”

313 AD:313 AD: issued issued Edict of MilanEdict of Milan with Eastern with Eastern Emperor Licinius, giving tolerance to all Emperor Licinius, giving tolerance to all religionsreligions


314 AD:314 AD: wrote letter to Ablabius, governor of North wrote letter to Ablabius, governor of North Africa Africa “God has entrusted by his divine will “God has entrusted by his divine will the rule over the whole world in order that I the rule over the whole world in order that I should watch over it… I shall not be really or should watch over it… I shall not be really or fully secure and able to trust God’s Almighty fully secure and able to trust God’s Almighty goodness which freely dispenses happiness goodness which freely dispenses happiness and salvation until all men offer worship in and salvation until all men offer worship in harmony and brotherliness to the all-Holy harmony and brotherliness to the all-Holy God in the prescribed forms of the Christian God in the prescribed forms of the Christian religion”religion”

Sep. 18, 324: defeated the Eastern Emperor Licinius Sep. 18, 324: defeated the Eastern Emperor Licinius and became sole Emperor. Then openly embraced and became sole Emperor. Then openly embraced ChristianityChristianity


325 AD:325 AD: called the Council of Nicaea called the Council of Nicaea Suggested language of Suggested language of homoousioshomoousios

326 AD:326 AD: abolished gladiatorial shows (largely abolished gladiatorial shows (largely ineffective)ineffective)

Took measures to check Jewish hostility to ChristiansTook measures to check Jewish hostility to Christians Forbade pagan practice of exposure of new-born Forbade pagan practice of exposure of new-born

infantsinfants Clergy exempted from certain taxes. Bishops given Clergy exempted from certain taxes. Bishops given

certain privileges, such as freedom from being certain privileges, such as freedom from being tortured if they were deemed a hostile witness by a tortured if they were deemed a hostile witness by a judgejudge


Early Christian emperors did not follow a Early Christian emperors did not follow a coercive anti-pagan policy, hoping it would coercive anti-pagan policy, hoping it would die out from lack of supportdie out from lack of support

Kept title of Kept title of pontifex maximuspontifex maximus (pagan high (pagan high priest); Emperor Gratian (359-383) was the priest); Emperor Gratian (359-383) was the first emperor to refuse the titlefirst emperor to refuse the title

Was not baptized until his death (common to Was not baptized until his death (common to early emperors)early emperors)

Constantine and His SuccessorsConstantine and His SuccessorsSuccessorsSuccessors

Constantine died 337 AD; civil war ensued; his son Constantine died 337 AD; civil war ensued; his son Constantius II ultimately became sole emperor (337-Constantius II ultimately became sole emperor (337-361)361) Was ArianWas Arian St Jerome wrote: “The entire world woke from a deep St Jerome wrote: “The entire world woke from a deep

slumber and discovered that it had become Arian”slumber and discovered that it had become Arian” Julian (361-363)Julian (361-363)

Pagan; restored some pagan practices, rebuilt pagan Pagan; restored some pagan practices, rebuilt pagan templestemples

Killed in battle with the Persian EmpireKilled in battle with the Persian Empire

Constantine and His SuccessorsConstantine and His SuccessorsSuccessorsSuccessors

Jovian (363-364)Jovian (363-364) Friendly to supporters of Nicene CouncilFriendly to supporters of Nicene Council

Valens (364-378)Valens (364-378) Staunch supporter of ArianismStaunch supporter of Arianism

Theodosius (379-395)Theodosius (379-395) Friendly to the supporters of the Nicene CouncilFriendly to the supporters of the Nicene Council

The survival of “Orthodoxy” cannot be The survival of “Orthodoxy” cannot be attributed to sustained imperial favor in the attributed to sustained imperial favor in the fourth centuryfourth century

ReferencesReferences

Breaking the Da Vinci Code,Breaking the Da Vinci Code, by Darrell L. Bock, by Darrell L. Bock, Nelson Books, Nashville, 2004, ISBN 0-7852-6046-3Nelson Books, Nashville, 2004, ISBN 0-7852-6046-3

The Da Vinci Hoax: Exposing the Errors in the Da The Da Vinci Hoax: Exposing the Errors in the Da Vinci Code,Vinci Code, by Carl E. Olson and Sandra Miesel, by Carl E. Olson and Sandra Miesel, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2004, ISBN 1-58617-Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2004, ISBN 1-58617-034-1034-1

The Gospel Code. Novel Claims About Jesus, The Gospel Code. Novel Claims About Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Da Vinci,Mary Magdalene, and Da Vinci, by Ben by Ben Witherington III, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Witherington III, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois, 2004, ISBN 0-8308-3267-XIllinois, 2004, ISBN 0-8308-3267-X

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