Arianism

Definition

Arianism is a theological doctrine that emerged in the early Christian church, primarily associated with the teachings of Arius, a Christian priest from Alexandria. This belief asserts that Jesus Christ, while divine, is distinct and subordinate to God the Father, contradicting the idea of the Trinity. The controversy surrounding Arianism played a crucial role in shaping early Christian doctrines and led to the formulation of key creeds as the church sought to define orthodox beliefs and combat heretical views.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arianism gained significant followers in the 4th century, leading to major theological conflicts within the early church.
2. The First Council of Nicaea was convened in 325 CE primarily to address the Arian controversy and resulted in the formulation of the Nicene Creed.
3. Arius argued that since Jesus was begotten by the Father, there was a time when he did not exist, which directly opposed the orthodox view of Christ's eternal divinity.
4. Despite being condemned at Nicaea, Arianism continued to influence Christian thought and persisted for several centuries in various forms, particularly among some groups within the Germanic tribes.
5. The debates over Arianism significantly contributed to the development of early Christian theology and helped solidify the church's stance on key doctrines regarding the nature of Christ and the Trinity.

Review Questions

• How did Arianism challenge established beliefs about the nature of Christ within early Christianity?
  • Arianism posed a significant challenge to early Christian beliefs by asserting that Jesus Christ, while divine, was not equal to God the Father but rather subordinate to Him. This notion contradicted the emerging understanding of the Trinity, which held that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal. The controversy ignited intense theological debates, leading to critical gatherings like the First Council of Nicaea that aimed to clarify and defend orthodox beliefs.
• Discuss the outcomes of the First Council of Nicaea and its importance in addressing Arianism.
  • The First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE was convened specifically to confront Arianism and establish a unified Christian doctrine. The council produced the Nicene Creed, which explicitly declared that Jesus is 'true God from true God' and affirmed His equality with God the Father. This was a pivotal moment for early Christianity as it not only rejected Arian teachings but also set a precedent for future ecumenical councils that would continue to address theological disputes.
• Evaluate how Arianism's influence persisted despite its condemnation at Nicaea and its impact on later theological developments.
  • Even after its condemnation at the First Council of Nicaea, Arianism continued to resonate within certain segments of Christianity, particularly among Germanic tribes who embraced Arian views. This persistence highlighted ongoing tensions within Christian doctrine and forced subsequent councils to further clarify Christological beliefs. The debates surrounding Arianism not only shaped early Christian theology but also laid groundwork for later discussions on heresy and orthodoxy, influencing how church leaders approached theological differences in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Nicene Creed:

A statement of faith adopted at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which affirmed the equality of the Son with the Father and rejected Arianism.

Trinitarianism: The Christian belief that God exists as three persons in one essence: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Heresy:

A belief or opinion that deviates from established religious doctrine, particularly in Christianity, where Arianism was considered heretical by orthodox believers.