Here's a handout on the Councils of Ephesus, Robbers', and Chalcedon that the youth group went through recently. Credit and thanks go to Dr. Steven Hallam for his class slides on the topic.

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The Councils of Ephesus (431), Robbers’ (449); and Chalcedon (451 A.D.)

The Issue

·         Was Mary the Θεοτόκος? (theotokos) - i.e. the mother of God?

o   Was Christ always divine, or was He human and became divine?

·         The combatants:

o   Cyril of Alexandria

o   Bishop Nestorius of Constantinople

The Council of Nicea - Handout

Here's a handout on the Council of Nicea that the youth group went through recently. Credit and thanks go to Dr. Steven Hallam for his class slides on the topic.

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The Council of Nicea

The First Ecumenical Council at Nicea (325 A.D.)

·         Called by Emperor Constantine

                                                              i.      Question: Is Christ equal with God?

·         The issue began between Alexander and Arius both of Alexandria

                                                              i.      Alexander was a bishop

                                                            ii.      Arius was a presbyter, elder