Literature
Did the Teaching That Jesus is Divine Begin at the Council of Nicea?
Did the Teaching That Jesus is Divine Begin at the Council of Nicea?
The notion that the divinity of Jesus was established at the Council of Nicea in 325 CE is a common misconception. In reality, the belief in Christ's divine nature had deep roots in early Christian teachings and can be traced to the New Testament writings, composed in the first century. This article will explore the historical context of the divinity of Christ and clarify the role of the Council of Nicea in this belief.
Early Christian Beliefs and the New Testament
Key passages in the New Testament, such as John 1:1, which states, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,' indicate that the divinity of Jesus was a belief held by early Christians. These writings, while attributed to later authors like John of Alexandria, reflect the theological reflections and understandings of Jesus' disciples and the early Christian community. The belief in Christ's divinity was not a new concept at the Council of Nicea but rather a reaffirmation of established beliefs.
The Council of Nicea: A Point of Clarification
The Council of Nicea, convened in 325 CE, was significant for formalizing the doctrine of the Trinity and affirming the divinity of Jesus. The council responded to the Arian controversy, which questioned whether Jesus was of the same substance as God the Father. The Nicene Creed, established during this council, explicitly states that Jesus is 'eternally begotten of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father.' This creed was crafted to clarify and solidify the Christian understanding of the nature of God and the nature of Christ within the context of a growing and varied Christian community.
Historical Context and Early Christian Literature
It is important to consider the historical context, which includes literary sources and early Christian texts. For instance, Lucian of Samosata's work, The Death of Peregrine, written in the 2nd century, provides a unique perspective on the early Christian community. In this text, Lucian describes the rapid rise and acceptance of early Christianity, where a man named Peregrine was seen as a deity-like figure by the converts.
"It was now that he came across the priests and scribes of the Christians in Palestine and picked up their queer creed. I can tell you he pretty soon convinced them of his superiority, prophet, elder, ruler of the Synagogue— he was everything at once. Exponented their books, commented on them, wrote books himself. They took him for a god, accepted his laws, and declared him their president."
While Lucian's depiction may be fictional, his work gives insight into the fervor and devotion of early Christians to their leader. However, this does not imply that the divinity of Christ originated at this point but rather highlights the rapid spread and acceptance of early Christian beliefs, which were already deeply rooted.
Conclusion
The divinity of Jesus, far from being invented at the Council of Nicea, was a belief that had its foundations in the early Christian community and the teachings preserved in the New Testament. The Council of Nicea played a crucial role in formalizing these beliefs and affirming the established understanding of Christ's divine nature.
Understanding the historical and theological context of early Christianity is crucial for a comprehensive view of the beliefs and practices of the early Christian community. The misinformation regarding the Council of Nicea's role in establishing Christ's deity should be corrected, as it does not accurately reflect the root of Christian beliefs in the divinity of Jesus.