Event

Commemorating the 1,700th Anniversary of the Nicene: Its Context and Theology

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In 2025, the majority of Christians around the world will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. This six-week study will examine the historical context that led to the council and the theological perspective it rejected (Arianism) and what it affirmed (that Jesus is “of one being with the Father”) at an approachable, introductory level. We will also examine the affirmations made about God in the first article (God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth) and of God in the third article (the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life) to define a trinitarian worldview. We will also note the historical legacy of the Creed, from how a later council expanded its framework (Constantinople, 381), to the later controversy of the filioque (insertion of the phrase “and the Son”), and the importance of the Creed in the Lutheran tradition. Some of the sessions will be guided, in part, by Luke Timothy Johnson’s, The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters (Image Books, 2003).

Schedule:
June 8: The Political and Social Context of the Council (Constantintine; Nicaea and Constantinople)
June 15: Defining Arianism: Who was Arius, What He Said, and Why It Mattered
June 22: Examining the First Article: God as Creator, Father, and Almighty
June 29: Examining the Second Article: Jesus as “God from God” and “of one being with the Father”
July 6: No meeting
July 13: Examining the Second Article: Jesus and His Full Humanity (Born, Suffered, Died, Rose, Ascended)
July 20: Examining the Third Article: The Holy Spirit (Lord, Giver of Life) and the Life of the Church

Instructor:
Join Pastor Ashley Hall to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed and learn about its history and its relevance to our lives today. Ashley Hall is an Associate Professor of Theology and Chair of the Department of Theology at Creighton University. He also serves part-time as Associate Pastor for Faith Formation at Kountze Memorial (Omaha).

Cost: $20
Class Format: Zoom
Registration Deadline: May 26th

 

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