SS Outline 2.15.2026

Church History
The Arian Controversy and the Council of Nicea

Understanding the Arian Position

• Arius’s claim: “There was when the Son was not.”
• Created being vs eternal Son
• Exalted creature vs true God
• What would be lost if Christ were less than fully God?

The Council of Nicaea (325)

• Constantine’s role and motives.
• homoousios
• Why was the term controversial?

Athanasius of Alexandria

• Athanasius was a young deacon at Nicaea.
• Key theological argument: salvation requires a fully divine Savior.

Doctrinal Stakes Today

• Where do modern Christians unintentionally echo Arian thinking?