Arianism

Definition

Arianism is a Christian theological doctrine that asserts that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is distinct from and subordinate to God the Father. This belief emphasizes that Christ was created by the Father and therefore not co-eternal or consubstantial with Him, which sparked significant theological debates in early Christianity and influenced the development of Trinitarian theology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arianism originated from the teachings of Arius, a Christian priest from Alexandria, who argued that Jesus was created by God and did not share the same divine essence as the Father.
2. The controversy surrounding Arianism led to significant conflict within early Christian communities, dividing them into those who supported Arian beliefs and those who adhered to Nicene orthodoxy.
3. The First Council of Nicaea condemned Arianism, declaring it heretical and affirming that Jesus is 'true God from true God,' thus ensuring that Arian views would be considered outside mainstream Christianity.
4. Arianism persisted for several centuries despite its condemnation, especially among some groups within the Germanic tribes and areas influenced by Gothic Christianity.
5. The debates surrounding Arianism were pivotal in shaping early Christian doctrine, leading to more precise definitions of Christ's nature and laying groundwork for future theological discussions on the Trinity.

Review Questions

• How did Arianism challenge early Christian beliefs about the nature of Christ and what was its impact on community divisions?
  • Arianism challenged traditional views by asserting that Jesus Christ was a created being and thus distinct from God the Father. This belief led to intense theological debates and significant divisions within early Christian communities, creating factions between Arians and those who upheld Nicene orthodoxy. The conflict not only strained relationships among believers but also prompted church leaders to clarify their understanding of Christ's nature, ultimately shaping core doctrines in Christianity.
• What role did the Council of Nicaea play in addressing Arianism and what doctrinal statements emerged from this council?
  • The Council of Nicaea was convened specifically to address the growing controversy surrounding Arianism. It resulted in the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which affirmed that Jesus Christ is 'begotten, not made' and is 'of one substance with the Father.' This doctrinal statement countered Arian claims and established a unified Christian understanding of the Trinity, marking a crucial moment in defining orthodox Christian belief.
• Evaluate how the ongoing debates about Arianism influenced later theological developments regarding Trinitarian doctrine.
  • The debates over Arianism significantly influenced later theological developments by prompting deeper exploration into the nature of God and Christ's relationship with the Father. The necessity to address Arian claims led theologians to articulate more precise definitions of consubstantiality and co-eternity in relation to the Trinity. As these discussions evolved, they not only clarified orthodox Christian beliefs but also laid a foundation for future theological explorations during subsequent councils, such as Constantinople in 381 AD, further solidifying Trinitarian doctrine.

Related terms

Nicene Creed: A statement of Christian faith established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which affirmed the co-equal and co-eternal nature of the Son with the Father, countering Arian beliefs.

Trinitarianism: The Christian doctrine that God exists as three persons in one essence: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, which directly opposes Arian views on the nature of Christ.

Council of Nicaea: An ecumenical council convened in 325 AD that addressed the Arian controversy and produced the Nicene Creed, establishing foundational beliefs about the nature of Christ and His relationship to the Father.