Published: 2025-11-13

Trinitarian Discussions Before and After the Council of Nicaea (325)

Marian Kowalczyk
Collectanea Theologica
Section: Articles
https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.2025.95.4.04

Abstract

Considering the debates before and after the Council of Nicaea (325), this article highlights the development of Trinitarian dogma during the patristic period. The presentation of the Trinity of Divine Persons in the unity of their nature in the first part highlights the development of Trinitarian doctrine around God the Father as the beginning without beginning (archē anárchos). The next part discusses the divinity of the Second Divine Person as the eternally begotten Son and presents the lively theological debate surrounding Arianism, especially after the introduction of the term homoousios (consubstantial) into the Nicene Creed (325). It has been noted that St. Athanasius and other bishops, as well as many lay faithful, considered this term overly philosophical, unbiblical, and burdened with Gnostic interpretations. The article ends with a presentation of the Holy Spirit, who as the Third Person of God – contrary to the erroneous doctrine of pneumatomachy – especially thanks to the Cappadocian Fathers, is recognized as the Lord and Giver of life.

Keywords:

Arianism, Nicaea 325, God the Father, Son of God, pneumatomachy, Spirit – the Giver of life

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Citation rules

Kowalczyk, M. (2025). Trinitarian Discussions Before and After the Council of Nicaea (325). Collectanea Theologica, 95(4), 739–768. https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.2025.95.4.04

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