Smoky Mountain Bible Institute
(Est. 2009) Lesson #87
The word ‘ecumenical’ means worldwide or
general in extent, influence, or application. So, as we reference the 7 Ecumenical Councils
from 325 to 787, what is an Ecumenical Church council? A Church Ecumenical council is a council with
representation from the whole body of churches across the world. If you
remember, until the east and west split on a few theological issues, there was
only one universal Catholic (Christian) church. Let’s get to the councils,
first these are not meetings of a few church leaders for a few days to do a ‘little
church business’. Business was not
really done democratically at that time.
Councils were often preceded by much conversation and multiple small
councils about some issue of doctrine or practice that needed attention. The Ecumenical
council would then come together and hash out what God’s word had to say on the
topic and seek to communicate clearly to the universal church what the biblical
position of the church was on the topic or topics. These gatherings could take
weeks or months and sometimes even years. So take out the idea of quorums and
votes and think of lots of bishops, pastors and other church leaders coming
together in order to reach consensus on issues of faith. In order to get all
seven into this article I will limit commentary to Dates, Locations and Major
Topics addressed.
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The Council
at Nicaea 325, The remains of ancient Nicaea are located in modern day
Iznic in North western Turkey. The major issue they dealt with was Arianism,
the belief that Jesus is a created being with a beginning. This leads to the
development of the Nicaean creed minus the “and the Son” phrase which begins to
appear in Western practice around 410.
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The Council
at Constantinople I 381, The current location is called Istanbul.
Arianism is again condemned and so is a heresy called Apollinarism.
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The Council
at Ephesus Jun – Aug of 431, The current location is still called
Ephesus just south of Izmir western Turkey. Pelagianism and Nestorianism are
condemned.
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The Council
at Chalcedon Oct 8-31 of 451, Was the ancient town of Bithynia and is
now a district in the city of Istanbul. Monothelitism is condemned.
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The Council
at Constantinople II May – Jul of 553, From
this point forward councils become a bit more political and signs of division
between east and west are starting to emerge. This is further solidified when
the synod of Toledo in Spain officially accepts the “filioque” “and the Son”
phrase in the Nicaean creed in 589. This also affirmed the teaching that Mary
can be rightly called “Theotokos” (Greek for Mother of God).
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The Council
at Constantinople III Nov 7 of 680 to Sep 16 of 681, Luther had issues
with many of the conclusions of the last three councils.
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The Council
at Nicaea II 787, The Iconoclastic controversy was the main doctrinal
issue addressed by this council.
These are the
seven historic councils accepted but most of modern trinitarian Christianity. All
of the conclusions and decisions made by these councils are not fully
recognized by all Christians however most of world Christianity does hold that
the conclusions of the first four councils are in keeping with scripture.
The first
Crusade was in 1096 -1097 but before we discuss the Crusades we will need to
address a brief history of Islam and have a brief discussion of the division
between Eastern and Western Christianity.
Till next month
In Christ
Pastor Portier
