It’s the big one!

If we want to talk about big turning points in Christianity, this certainly makes the list. We might be tempted to think of Christianity as “pure” or “apolitical” before Emperor Constantine commissioned the Council. But, I think after our conversation in class 2 weeks ago, we know better than that. 😉

But certainly, something shifted in 325, not just theologically with the ousting of Arianism but politically with this new religion (which has since separated from Judaism) and its relationship to Empire.

Your first into to the Council comes from Wright who brings a pretty accessible overview of the issues at hand. Then Gonzalez, as a church historian, brings a little more color and depth to the Council and the Arian Controversy. Choose one of these two to skim. I think both are good and offer different perspectives/voices, but I don’t want you to get fatigued before you get to the latter readings.

The next two reads come from feminist perspectives on the Council and the Nicene Creed, respectively.

Our friend Dan McClellan debunks some beliefs about the Council. Besides being so appalled by the mis/disinformation being spread willy-nilly, I want you to think about how Dan McClellan and Roy Casagranda argue their points. How would you describe the rhetorical strategies of either scholar? And how does TikTok shape the way in which their argument is made/disseminated?

@maklelan

#maklelan1491 (Do not harass or report this creator or comment on their appearance or speech)

♬ original sound – Dan McClellan

Finally, you will be reading a few iterations of the Nicene Creed. Unless our primary activity in class gets out of hand (!), we will be spending a bit of time in the creed itself, parsing out what came as a result of the Council.