Episode Details

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This week we’re taking a look at the seven ecumenical councils of the early Christian church, from Nicaea (325 AD) to Nicaea II (787 AD). Dr. Jacobs traces how each council addressed Christological controversies while establishing foundational theological and philosophical positions. Topics include Trinitarian theology, the nature of Christ's divinity and humanity, the concept of eternal generation, and the distinction between essence and energies. The analysis demonstrates how seemingly disparate theological disputes form a unified narrative centered on the question "Who do you say that I am?"

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00:00:00 Intro 

00:00:22 Christianity’s philosophical commitments 

00:03:21 What are the Ecumenical Councils? 

00:11:19 Keys for understanding the councils 

00:20:59 The Council of Nicaea: is Christ fully God? 

00:29:20 How is the Son begotten?

00:35:18 Council of Constantinople: three persons, one nature 

00:48:32 Are Christians monotheists? 

00:55:50 Is Christ fully human? 

01:04:50 Council of Ephesus: one person with two natures 

01:12:14 Council of Chalcedon: unconfused & unmingled 

01:24:31 The remaining councils

01:26:39 The icon controversy