The Arian Controversy and The Nicene Creed

We sometimes forget the growth pangs that the early church experienced, most notably the impact of Constantine’s dream in 312 AD. This event, known as the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, was where Constantine claimed to have seen a vision of the Chi-Rho (the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek) along with the words “In this sign, conquer” (“In hoc signo vinces” in Latin). Following this vision, he ordered his soldiers to paint the symbol on their shields and won the battle, which he attributed to the Christian God.

During the early 4th century, between the time of Constantine’s dream and the formation of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Christianity was still developing its doctrinal foundations. Various theological disputes and differing interpretations of Christian teachings emerged among early Christian communities.

Arius, a Christian presbyter and ascetic of Berber origin, lived from approximately 256 AD to 336 AD. His teachings about the nature of Christ and his relationship to God the Father sparked the Arian controversy, a major theological conflict in early Christianity. Arius taught that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was not co-eternal with the Father and was a created being. He argued that there was a time when the Son did not exist, asserting that the Son was subordinate to the Father. His famous phrase was, “There was a time when he was not.”

Arius’ views were opposed by many, most notably by Athanasius, a deacon and later bishop of Alexandria (328 AD – 373 AD). Athanasius and others argued that the Son was of the same substance as the Father, meaning that the Son was co-eternal, co-equal, and consubstantial with the Father.

To address the controversy, Emperor Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The council condemned Arianism and affirmed the doctrine that the Son is “of one substance” with the Father. The Nicene Creed, formulated at this council, declared the belief in Jesus Christ as “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.”

Despite the council’s decision, the controversy did not end. Arianism continued to have significant influence, especially among some of the Germanic tribes and within parts of the Eastern Roman Empire. The theological debate persisted, with various councils and synods addressing the issue over the next few decades.

The First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD reaffirmed the Nicene Creed and further clarified the doctrine of the Trinity, addressing lingering Arian and semi-Arian views.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human.

He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried.

The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.

He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead.

His kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.

He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

He spoke through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come.

Amen.