Councils of The Church

Introduction

Many Christians think that the Bible tells us everything we need. But learn that many core Christian teachings, such as the Trinity, are not in the Bible, and were only formulated by Church Councils. Learn how the Councils selected which books went into the Bible, and rejected doctrines such as Gnosticism.

Councils One and Two

Most Christians accept the theology of the Nicene Creed, even if they don't know what the Creed is. In the fourth century, the first and second Church Councils formed core Christian theology such as the Trinity, and the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Councils Three and Four

Many Christians don't realise it, but much of the theology they take for granted was developed by these historic councils. Learn how the councils insisted that Christ has two natures, divine and human, and why this is important for our salvation.

Councils Five and Six

How are we saved? How can man possibly become God? Learn how the Two Natures of Christ, God and man, open the door for humans to attain the Divine. Find out how St Maximus the Confessor went from excommunication, torture and exile to becoming one of the foremost saints of the Church.

Council Seven

Should Christians use icons? Doesn't the Third Commandment forbid them, as the "worship of graven images"? Not at all. Find out how the icons were a normal part of Christian worship until the 8th century, when they were banned. They were restored by the 7th Council, and used until the sixteenth century, when some Protestants banned them. Find out how the use of icons accords both with scripture and Church Tradition.

The Great Schism and Reunion Councils

Why did Rome split from the rest of the Church in 1054? Learn how the issue was the same one which contributed to the rise of Protestantism: the balance of power between the Pope and the Councils. See what happened in the Reunion councils of Lyons and Florence, and why they failed.

The Palamite Councils

Can man experience God's presence? These councils explained in a precise way how man can experience God. Because God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, man can become God. Learn how the Holy Light which the Apostles beheld at the Transfiguration is the same Light experienced by the saints.