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The First Council of Nicea established and solidified the fundamentals of Christian theology as well as outlining the organizational structure of the Catholic Church. Among the most pressing issues discussed at the Council was the nature of Christ being “consubstantial,” of the very same substance, as God the Father, and yet who “became human” for the good of humanity. Known thereafter as the Nicene Creed, the concept of the Holy Trinity as spiritual unity—with Christ as equal to the father and differentiated solely in Christ’s role as redeemer--remains a fundamental Catholic tenet and one embraced by many other branches of Christian faith. The need to resolve the debate over the nature of Christ was in part precipitated by Arius and expressed in doctrines claiming that Christ was “created,” as if out of nothing. According to the Council, it would have been impossible to “create” Christ out of nothing because Christ is essentially part of the godhead. Christ is not created, but is better understood as an emanation of God. This central matter affects the nature of Christian worship, which is why the Council members found it important to focus almost exclusively on this theological concern.
Otherwise, the First Council of Nicea focuses much on the behavioral comportment and constraints on clergymen. Clergy are to be celibate, avoiding for the most part contact with women. As important as celibacy is, the Council warns against self-castration. The emphasis on celibacy is linked to the evolving view of the physical impurity of sex, and the view that women and sex serve as temptations that detract from God’s work. The Council also recommends methods of appointment for clergy leaders, recommending that the Church should respond to heretics or those who have lapsed in their faith compassionately and “mercifully” (Sec. 11)—yet leaving open the possibility that excommunication may be necessary for those “who depart from their church recklessly and without the fear of God before their eyes or in ignorance of the church's canon,” (Sec. 16).
Works Cited
“First Council of Nicea.” (Reading)
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