Here is a basic overview of the Seven Ecumenical Councils. I tried to make it memorable:

1. 325 (Nicaea):

Christ is one substance (homoousios) with the Father. No, He’s not a created being—Arius, take a seat.

2. 381 (Constantinople):

The Holy Spirit? Yep, also divine. Macedonians, the Holy Spirit is not just a “force.” You’re out!

3. 431 (Ephesus):

Christ is one person with two natures—divine and human. Nestorius, sorry, but Mary is Theotokos (“Mother of God”), not just “Mother of Christ.”

4. 451 (Chalcedon):

Seriously, don’t mix the natures. Christ is fully God and fully man. Eutyches, no, His divine nature didn’t swallow up His humanity. Duality here, folks!

5. 553 (Constantinople II):

Still confused? Nestorian sympathizers, we’re not softening our stance. Two natures, one person. The Three Chapters? They’re officially out.

6. 681 (Constantinople III):

Oh, and Christ has two wills—one divine, one human. Monothelites, Christ’s humanity isn’t on autopilot—He has a fully human will, too.

7. 787 (Nicaea II):

Iconoclasts, calm down! Icons are totally fine. They’re windows to the divine, so feel free to venerate them—but worship belongs to God alone.
Which ones do you accept?

Arianism Chalcedon Christian Councils Christian doctrine Christology Church History Constantinople Constantinople II Constantinople III Early Church Fathers Ecumenical Councils Ephesus Holy Spirit Homoousios Iconoclasm Icons Monophysitism Nestorianism Nicaea Nicaea II Nicene Creed Seven Ecumenical Councils Theology Theotokos Two Natures of Christ Veneration
C Michael Patton
C Michael Patton

C. Michael Patton is the primary contributor to the Parchment and Pen/Credo Blog. He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger. Find him on Patreon Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. But, most importantly, husband to a beautiful wife and father to four awesome children. Michael is available for speaking engagements. Join his Patreon and support his ministry

    1 Response to "7 Ecumenical Councils in a Nutshell"

    • Ewan Kerr
      2024-09-11

      This brief summary shows how what many consider essential Christian teachings (today) actually took centuries to settle, revealing a very divided community.

      Reply

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