A Global Ecumenical Moment? Reflections on the 1700 years of the Nicene Creed

Exactly 1700 years ago, or in May of 325 CE, a group of theologians, philosophers, and bishops gathered together in Nicaea (today´s Iznik in Turkey) to define and determine the foundational doctrinal ideas of the burgeoning Christian religion. Summoned by the Roman emperor Constantine I himself and meeting under his supervision, the council took place shortly after Constantine had converted to Christianity and brought the Roman Empire under his unified rule. Eventually, this ecumenical council and subsequent meetings developed the Nicene Creed, an influential statement of faith. This creed is accepted as authoritative by the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, and most Protestant churches and denominations and continues to be recited in churches around the world. Yet why is this Creed important? How did it impact the development of Christianity? What is its legacy?

Join Professors Buell and Pattison as they consider these important questions not only for the history of the Christian religion but also for the development of a range of different institutions and approaches to define what people believe and how. Moderated by Magnús Bernhardsson (Global Studies)