Council of Chalcedon

Definition

The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 CE, was the fourth ecumenical council recognized by both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. It is primarily known for defining the dual nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human, a crucial element in Christology. This council also solidified church authority and contributed to the growing theological divide between the Eastern and Western Christian traditions, setting the stage for future schisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Council of Chalcedon produced the Chalcedonian Definition, which states that Christ exists in two natures, one fully divine and one fully human, united in one person without confusion or change.
2. This council was attended by over 500 bishops, making it one of the largest gatherings of church leaders in early Christian history.
3. Chalcedon established the primacy of the Bishop of Constantinople over other eastern bishops, challenging the previously held supremacy of Rome.
4. The decisions made at Chalcedon contributed to a major schism with those who rejected its definitions, including many Monophysite groups who formed their own separate churches.
5. The Council's influence extended beyond theology; it affected political power dynamics in both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires as religious authorities gained more influence.

Review Questions

• How did the Council of Chalcedon impact the development of Christology in early Christianity?
  • The Council of Chalcedon significantly shaped Christology by affirming that Jesus Christ exists in two distinct natures: divine and human. This dual nature was crucial for understanding salvation and the nature of Christ himself. The council's decisions addressed previous heresies like Nestorianism and Monophysitism, helping to clarify orthodox Christian beliefs about Christ's identity and role in salvation history.
• Discuss how the outcomes of the Council of Chalcedon contributed to tensions between Eastern and Western Christianity.
  • The outcomes of the Council of Chalcedon deepened tensions between Eastern and Western Christianity by establishing doctrinal definitions that were not universally accepted. The elevation of Constantinople's authority challenged Rome's traditional primacy, leading to disputes over ecclesiastical power. Additionally, the rejection of Chalcedon's teachings by various Eastern groups further solidified the schism that began forming in Christian thought and practice, highlighting theological and cultural differences that would eventually contribute to broader conflicts.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Council of Chalcedon on Christian unity and subsequent ecumenical efforts.
  • The long-term effects of the Council of Chalcedon on Christian unity were profound. The clear definition of Christ's dual nature created a framework for orthodoxy but also led to lasting divisions with those who disagreed, particularly Monophysites. As various groups emerged with differing beliefs about Christ's nature, this contributed to a fragmented Christian landscape that persisted through centuries. In modern times, ecumenical efforts often reference Chalcedon's decisions as a point of contention but also as a starting point for dialogue among denominations seeking common ground in understanding Christ's identity.

Related terms

Nestorianism:

A Christological doctrine that emphasized the disunion between the human and divine natures of Christ, leading to significant theological disputes within early Christianity.

Monophysitism: The belief that Christ has only one nature, which is either divine or a synthesis of divine and human, rejecting the duality affirmed by the Chalcedonian definition.

Ecumenical Council: A formal assembly of bishops and church leaders convened to discuss and settle matters of doctrine, ethics, or church governance, with authority to bind all Christians.