Early Christian Schisms - The Council of Nicaea - Extra History - Part 3

📜 Early Christian Schisms - Part 3 - Extra History
Constantine called the Council of Nicaea not only to address the teachings of Arius but also to decide basic matters for how the church would go forward. Yet it was the debate over Arian theology that quickly came to dominate the council's time. The bishops effectively split into two factions, one backing Arius and the other led by a deacon named Athanasius. Athanasius vehemently opposed the Arian teachings and would not allow any compromise to be formed with the other group. Yet he played the politics very carefully, adopting in his own arguments the phrase "homoousian" (or "of the same substance") to describe the relationship between the Father and the Son, knowing full well that Arius would never accept an agreement that included this idea. Even when others tried to compromise with the phrase "homoiousian" (or "of similar substance"), Arius would not agree. Athanasius used the extra time to make private deals and assemble a majority coalition, with which he successfully caused Arianism to be declared heresy and forced Arius himself into exile. Emperor Constantine was just happy a decision had been reached, but a bishop in his own court would not let matters rest so easily. This bishop, Eusebius, campaigned tirelessly for the restoration of Arius and managed to get Athanasius exiled instead. Constantine himself wound up being baptized by Eusebius, and his son Emperor Constantius II would be a die-hard Arian in his turn. Eusebius even ordained a Goth named Ulfilas to preach to the Gothic tribes, and his success meant that the tribes became Arian Christians who would never completely assimilate into the Roman Empire. Thus, despite the firm decree at the First Council of Nicaea, Arian Christianity continued to grow and thrive alongside orthodox teachings.

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Artist: David Hueso I Writer: James Portnow I Voice: Daniel Floyd I Editor: Carrie Floyd

#ExtraHistory #Christian #History

[roflcopterprods]

Can't believe you skipped over Santa Claus punching Arius in the face

[klausvonzeit]

Important detail, people: The Eusebius who turned Constantine was *not* the Eusebius who wrote the Ecclesiastical History, from where we get a lot of information about the early Church. The politician Eusebius in the video is Eusebius of Nicomedia, and the historian Eusebius is Eusebius of Caesarea.

[Borderose]

I would have LOVED to see a bunch of bishops duke it out with each other in a brawl. (Plus, these were ancient bishops--a lot of them were pretty badass.)

[fredheadeded]

As a Christian, I really appreciate this nuanced view you all have taken to this series. I've met too many Christians who don't understand the contentious beginnings of our faith. This works as a wonderful primer to that.

[PitLord]

Constantine: Why can't we be friends~? Why can't we be friends~?

[morthasa]

"Bishops, assemble!" that is one awesome mental image.

[feenyxblue]

you forgot the part where Santa Claus ( St. Nick) punched a guy and was put in time out.

[Crusader]

According to tradition St Nicholas, he who inspired the myths of Santa Claus, punched Bishop Arius right in the face because he hated Arianism so much. He is one of the bishops at the council of Nicaea.

Also, 4:49 it's the Nicene Creed, not the Nicean Creed.

[davidking]

Constantine needs his own series. so does nero and Augustus caesar

[extrahistory]

The leading bishops gather at the Council of Nicaea to discuss the theological schisms in the Church. Surely that will resolve everything!

[jwthomas]

I grew up entirely in a Christian school and I was never taught anything about early Christianity. This was so entertaining and eye opening!

[TheBellman]

But the God Emperor wasn't able to make Magnus stop using sorcery!

...Wait

[cyancat]

the separation of church and state was probably one of the best things to ever happen to christianity since the lack of political power struggle meant that not every single religious difference had to end in a schism or the damnation and/or persecution of one or the other in a religious debate

[mestre]

Like many things in life, Religion is never that simple.

[extrahistory]

Why all the eye patches? So I can talk about it in Lies ; )
-JP

[marche]

Athanasius was very clever. With the use of a single phrase he managed to make himself looks reasonable while making his opponent look increasingly unreasonable by compromising more and more. His opponent would always reject so long as that phrase was used which make him seem unpleasable and stubborn even though Athanasius was just as unrelenting.

[NemesisTWarlock]

There needs to be a series just like this, but covering a different Heresy altogether.

The Horus Heresy.

[haloGod]

“They were there to deal with one thing...”
“THE HORUS HERES-No wait. Wrong heresy.”

[pungivergiverofpuns]

Will we ever get a series on Constantine himself? I hope so.He's easily my favorite emperor

[prinzeugen]

I feel it's important to note that most of these bishops were going to have to live the rest of their lives in Nicea; due to their age, how far away their homes were, and the poor transportation at the time.

Also, as a side note, St. Nicholas of Myra (the one that eventually inspired Santa) was present at the Council, and even received jail time for slapping Arias in the middle of the discussions.