Church Councils Got Violent!
Meticulus: Hi Sally! It’s sure good to see your face again!
Sally: You mean without the black eyes and broken nose? You’re not making fun of me are you Ticulus? I know I was in pretty bad shape after Nicea. I was so embarrassed that I didn’t want to leave the palace for months!
Meticulus: I thought it was awful how you ended up getting caught right in the middle of that brawl between those Church Fathers Sally. They were all claiming to be the true disciples of Jesus but I’m not sure about any of them. A lot of people are still dumbfounded by how nasty they were to each other.
The Church Fathers Wanted Constantine For an Ally
Pragmatticus: Let’s just call it what it was kiddos, religious hatred pure and simple. Those guys were so full of pride they couldn’t stand anyone who dared to disagree with them! That’s what it looked like to me anyway. Once they figured out that the winner was going to have the Emperor for an ally that so called “Great Church Council” turned into a plain old street fight. I’ve seen bar fights that were more civil.
Constantine Had Power Over the Nicene Council
Meticulus: I thought the same thing Prag! As soon as the Emperor got involved with all his power no one seemed to care much about having the King of Kings for an ally. Once old Constantine got that Council rolling there was no turning it back! No way! He was footing the bill for the whole Council and it was his idea in the first place. There wasn’t much chance that anyone would stand up and say, “This Council is a bad idea! Let’s all go home now before we really mess things up!”
The Church Fathers Were Christian Pharisees
Sally: The first time I heard how Jesus said “He that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.” I knew I was going to love Him! I always thought Jesus was trying to protect us from each other when He said, “Who are you to judge another man’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls.” I felt safe when I heard those words but I sure didn’t feel safe at that Council! They made it sound like you better dot every “i” and cross every “t” just like they wanted or you were on your way to hell. Then they voted to throw everyone out of the Church who disagreed with anything they said! The more they said the worse it got! I don’t know the difference between a hoot owl and homoousios but at least a hoot owl makes sense!
Jesus Shelters Us From Each Other
Pragmatticus: You know Sally, I always thought Jesus taught the parable about Tares and the Wheat for the same reason. He was trying to protect us from each other, especially from people who claim to know who belongs in the Kingdom and who should get thrown out. Jesus taught that we should mostly just forgive each other and let Him run His kingdom the way He sees fit. When we try to weed His fields all we do is uproot the wrong people and offend the lost. I know He plans to send His angels to sort it all out when He returns and that’s good enough for me. I don’t like pulling weeds anyway and figuring out who belongs and who doesn’t is way above my pay grade!
Entering The Kingdom of God Depends on Creeds?
Meticulus: You two are a fine pair of rebels! These are some pretty dangerous thoughts my friends and we haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet! If the Reunion Organizers find out I think like you they’ll probably take away my press pass! I mean, the whole purpose of the Council was to make up a Creed to help us decide who’s in and who’s out of the Kingdom. That ancient Creed machinery is still running strong and most people never even wonder why it’s running at all.
Sally: Well Ticulus! I had no idea you were so crazy but don’t you worry! I promise not to tell anyone what you think until the Reunion is over. I’m just glad I know someone who knows how to read and write and makes good sense anyway.
Pragmatticus: We could stand here and talk all day but I’ve got work to do. I better get going.
Meticulus: Alright Prag, see you at the Meet and Greet! I suspect you’ll be hanging around the punch bowl acting like you’re working! Oops, sorry about that word Sally.
Sally: (Ducking and starting to twitch) Whatever Ticulus! Just be more careful next time huh?
Meticulus: I will Sally! Right now I’m going to see if I can’t find you a nice helmet and a good set of earplugs.
PS: The Theology All-Stars Reunion Opening Ceremony is coming up next. Now we’re going to have some fun you don’t want to miss! Bring a friend, share a link. Thanks and God Bless.
Copyright 2021 by Bob Shutes