Nicene Christianity
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Nicene Christianity and everything that this concept entails. From its origins to its evolution today, Nicene Christianity has played a crucial role in different areas of society. Through detailed analysis, we will examine the influence of Nicene Christianity on culture, science, politics, and many other aspects of everyday life. In addition, we will learn about the different perspectives and opinions that exist about Nicene Christianity, as well as the controversies it has raised over time. In short, this article aims to offer a comprehensive and enriching vision of Nicene Christianity, with the aim of deepening its understanding and its impact on today's world.
Nicene Christianity, or Traditional Christianity, includes those Christian denominations that adhere to the teaching of the Nicene Creed, which was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325 and amended at the First Council of Constantinople in AD 381.
History
At the time of the First Council of Nicaea, the main rival of Nicene Christian doctrine was that of Arianism, which became eclipsed during the 7th century AD with the conversion of the Gothic kingdoms to Nicene Christianity. The main points of dissent between the two centered on Christology, or the nature of Jesus' divinity. Nicene Christianity regards Jesus as divine and co-eternal with God the Father, while Arianism treats him as the first among created beings and inferior to God the Father. Various other non-Nicene doctrines and beliefs have existed since the early medieval period, all of which have been considered heresies.
Religious historians and scholars often define Nicene Christianity as being the first incarnation of the state church of the Roman Empire that was officially endorsed by the Roman Emperors from 381. According to this definition, the Nicene Church ceased to exist following the Council of Chalcedon in 451, which was convened to address Christological disagreements on the human and divine natures of Christ, concluding that Christ had two separate natures. Following the council, the Roman Empire established Chalcedonian Christianity as its official state religion; those churches which held that Christ was of a single nature were excommunicated by Rome and became the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
- (Not shown are ante-Nicene, nontrinitarian, and restorationist denominations.)
Today, examples of non-Nicene Christian denominations encompass both Protestant and non-Protestant non-trinitarian groups. Examples of these groups include the majority of the Latter Day Saint movement (with the exception of the Nicene Mormon group known as the Community of Christ ), the Unitarian Church of Transylvania, Oneness Pentecostals, and others.[citation needed]
See also
References
Citations
- ^ World Encyclopaedia of Interfaith Studies: World religions. Jnanada Prakashan. 2009. ISBN 978-81-7139-280-3.
In the most common sense, "mainstream" refers to Nicene Christianity, or rather the traditions which continue to claim adherence to the Nicene Creed.
- ^ a b "Nicene Creed". Encyclopedia Britannica. 3 January 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
- ^ Siddhartha 2009, p. 733.
Sources
- Siddhartha, Anand (2009). World Encyclopaedia of Interfaith Studies: World religions. Vol. 3. New Delhi: Jnanada Prakashan. ISBN 978-81-7139-280-3.
- Spinks, Bryan D. (2013). Do this in Remembrance of Me: The Eucharist from the Early Church to the Present Day. SCM Press. ISBN 978-0-334-04376-8.