Midterm 2.8 Trinity Flashcards
How did Sabellius understand the relationship of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Sabellius proposed modalism, the idea that God is one person who appears in three modes or forms (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) at different times
Why was Sabellius’ understanding of the Trinity unacceptable?
It denied the distinct personhood of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, undermining the relational nature of the Trinity as taught in Scripture and tradition.
How did Arius understand the relationship of God the Father and the Son?
Arius claimed that the Son was created by the Father and therefore was subordinate to and not co-eternal with the Father.
How did Athanasius rebuke Arius’ claim?
Athanasius argued that the Son is begotten, not made, and is of the same divine essence (homoousios) as the Father, making the Son co-eternal and fully divine.
How did Athanasius interpret passages that seem to support the inferiority of the Son to the Father?
Athanasius explained that such passages reflect the Son’s humanity and his role in salvation, not his divine nature, which is equal to the Father.
What was the background of the Council of Nicaea?
The Council addressed the Arian controversy, which questioned the divinity of the Son and caused division within the Church.
In which year did the Council of Nicaea take place?
325 AD
Who convened the Council of Nicaea?
Emperor Constantine
Who were some major figures that participated in the Council of Nicaea?
Athanasius, Arius, and Bishop Alexander of Alexandria were key figures.
What decisions did the Council of Nicaea make?
The Council declared that the Son is homoousios (of the same essence) with the Father, rejecting Arianism and affirming the full divinity of the Son.
According to the Council of Nicaea, what is the best way to understand the natures of Jesus Christ?
esus Christ is fully God and fully human, possessing two natures in one person
According to the Council of Nicaea, what is the best way to understand the Trinity?
The Trinity is three persons in one God, co-equal and co-eternal.
Among the analogies for the Trinity (shamrock, egg, sun), which was considered the best and why?
The shamrock analogy was considered best because it reflects the unity of one entity (the shamrock) with three distinct parts (three leaves), avoiding modalism or subordination.
