History of World Christianity Week 3

Turning Point: Council of Chalcedon (451 AD)

Why does it matter whether Jesus is fully God and fully man?

Controversies over Christ’s nature:

Nestorianism – stressed two separate persons.

Eutychianism/Monophysitism – taught one nature after the incarnation.

Council Called: Emperor Marcian convened bishops to clarify the church’s teaching.

Christ’s True Humanity and True Divinity

Chalcedon safeguarded the biblical truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.

Without full divinity, Christ could not save; without full humanity, He could not truly represent us.

Unity in One Person

The Council declared that Christ is one person (hypostasis), not two persons.

His divine and human natures are joined in perfect unity — “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”

Pope Leo I’s “Tome”

Leo the Great's most important case began as an appeal by a monk accused of teaching that Christ had only a divine nature—the Monophysite heresy.

Leo repudiated the monk, Eutyches, in a long letter (the “Tome of Leo”) and appealed to Emperor Marcian—an old friend who had just assumed office—to call a church council. More than 500 bishops gathered at Chalcedon, a suburb of Constantinople, in . They condemned Eutyches and denounced the Monophysities.

Guarding Against Heresy

Nestorianism was rejected: Christ is not two separate persons (one divine, one human).

Monophysitism/Eutychianism was rejected: Christ does not have only one nature after the incarnation.

This preserved the integrity of both natures in Christ.

Produced the Chalcedonian Definition:

Jesus is one person in two natures (fully God, fully man).

Natures are united “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”

Result: Standard of orthodox Christology for most of global Christianity.

Scripture as the Basis of Christology

The Chalcedonian Definition was not a new doctrine but a careful synthesis of what the Scriptures already teach

John 1:14 NKJV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Philippians 2:6–11 NKJV

6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 2:9 NKJV

9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

It shows how the early church protected biblical truth through councils and creeds.

Unity and Division

While Chalcedon defined orthodoxy for the majority, some churches (e.g., the Coptic Orthodox and other “Oriental Orthodox” communities) rejected it, leading to long-standing schisms.

The council shows both the importance and the difficulty of maintaining doctrinal unity.

Practical Applications

Sound Doctrine Matters: Protects the church’s teaching and worship.

Balanced Christology: Helps believers appreciate both Christ’s deity (worship) and humanity (sympathy, example).

Faithfulness in Conflict: Truth is worth defending even when it’s costly.

Unity in Essentials: Call to preserve unity around biblical essentials while being charitable in non-essentials.

Turning Point: Benedict’s Rule (530 AD)

Written by Benedict of Nursia (480–547) for his community at Monte Cassino.

Aimed to provide a balanced, practical framework for monks living in community.

Combined spiritual devotion, manual labor, and community discipline into a sustainable way of life.

Became the standard rule of monastic life in Western Europe, influencing both spiritual and cultural development throughout the Middle Ages and beyond.

Major Points of Benedict’s Rule

Balance of Prayer and Work

Monks were called to live a balanced rhythm of life, combining worship, study, and manual labor.

Practical Lesson: True spirituality is integrated into every aspect of life, not just “religious” activities.

Obedience and Authority

Absolute obedience to the abbot, who represented Christ in the monastery.

Cultivated humility, submission, and unity within the community.

Practical Lesson: Obedience is not weakness but a discipline that builds character and harmony.

Stability

Monks were bound to one community for life, rejecting the wandering lifestyle of earlier ascetics.

This stability fostered deep roots, long-term discipleship, and accountability.

Practical Lesson: Growth comes through faithful perseverance in place, people, and calling.

Community Life

Monastic life was communal—meals, prayer, and work were shared.

Promoted brotherhood, mutual service, and care for one another.

Practical Lesson: Christian life flourishes in community, not isolation.

Moderation

Benedict rejected extreme asceticism in favor of moderation—adequate food, rest, and work.

His rule made monastic life sustainable and attractive.

Practical Lesson: God calls His people to discipline, but also to wise balance in life.

Hospitality

Guests were to be received as Christ himself.

Monasteries became centers of charity, learning, and refuge for travelers.

Practical Lesson: Hospitality is a powerful witness of Christ’s love in practical action.

Discipline of Prayer and Scripture

The Divine Office (seven set times of daily prayer) structured the monk’s day around worship.

Regular reading of Scripture and Christian writings nurtured spiritual depth.

Practical Lesson: A disciplined rhythm of prayer and Scripture strengthens faith and endurance.

Benedict’s Rule shaped Western Christianity by creating disciplined, balanced, community-centered spirituality that preserved learning, promoted service, and cultivated holiness. Its influence is still seen in Christian communities and spiritual practices today.The rise of monasticism