Arianism

Definition

Arianism is a theological doctrine that asserts that Jesus Christ is distinct from and subordinate to God the Father, denying the co-eternity and consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. This belief emerged in the early Christian church, becoming a significant point of contention during the rise of Christianity, as it challenged orthodox views and led to theological debates that impacted Roman society deeply.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arianism was founded by Arius, a Christian priest from Alexandria, who taught that Jesus was created by God and therefore not co-eternal with Him.
2. The rise of Arianism led to significant theological disputes within early Christianity, contributing to divisions among Christian communities in the Roman Empire.
3. The First Council of Nicaea was convened in response to the spread of Arianism, resulting in the Nicene Creed which rejected Arian beliefs and affirmed orthodox Christianity.
4. Despite its condemnation at Nicaea, Arianism continued to have substantial support within various groups, including some Germanic tribes, impacting the spread of Christianity in Europe.
5. The conflict between Arianism and orthodox Christianity had broader implications for Roman society, influencing political power dynamics as emperors aligned themselves with different theological factions.

Review Questions

• How did Arianism challenge the established beliefs within early Christianity?
  • Arianism presented a significant challenge to established Christian beliefs by asserting that Jesus Christ was a created being, thus subordinate to God the Father. This doctrine contradicted the emerging orthodox view that affirmed Jesus' divinity and co-eternity with the Father. The spread of Arianism led to intense theological debates and divisions within the early church, forcing leaders to confront questions about Christ's nature and identity.
• What were the key outcomes of the First Council of Nicaea concerning Arianism?
  • The First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 CE, aimed to address the growing controversy surrounding Arianism. Key outcomes included the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which affirmed that Jesus Christ is 'true God from true God,' rejecting Arius's teachings. The council also resulted in a formal condemnation of Arianism, establishing it as a heretical belief within orthodox Christianity and leading to further conflicts between those who supported Arian views and those who upheld Nicene orthodoxy.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Arianism on the development of Christianity and its relationship with Roman society.
  • Arianism had lasting effects on Christianity and its relationship with Roman society by highlighting theological divisions that persisted for centuries. The conflicts sparked by Arianism influenced political alignments within the Roman Empire, as different emperors supported various factions. Additionally, as some Germanic tribes adopted Arian beliefs, it affected the spread of Christianity in Europe, contributing to cultural exchanges and changes in religious practices. This ongoing struggle over doctrine not only shaped Christian theology but also played a role in the eventual transformation of Roman society as it transitioned into a predominantly Christian culture.

Related terms

Nicene Creed: A statement of faith established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, affirming the co-eternity and consubstantiality of Jesus Christ with God the Father, countering Arian beliefs.

Council of Nicaea:

An ecumenical council convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 CE to address the Arian controversy and establish a unified Christian doctrine.

Heterodoxy: Any beliefs or doctrines that differ from established or orthodox positions, which includes Arianism as it diverged from mainstream Christian theology.