Pro-Nicene Theology
Encyclopedia
The characterization, “Pro-Nicene,” points to one of the central tenets of the new approach to fourth century Trinitarian theology
advocated by Lewis Ayres
and Michel René Barnes
, among others. The designation, “pro-Nicene,” classifies and describes Trinitarian theological accounts of the mid to late 4th century (ca. 360s to 380s) that supported the propositions in the Creed of Nicaea
. Some scholars prefer to utilize a middle category, or stage in theological development, that provides further differentiation between Nicene theologies and pro-Nicene theologies: Barnes labels this middle category “neo-Nicene” theology. Nevertheless, all the scholars who utilize the pro-Nicene category stress the logical compatibility that exists within different theologies of the period, rather than one particular theology. The feature of these like-minded theological accounts that has garnered the most attention is the understanding that in sharing the one power of God, the Father and Son must share the same nature.
This new approach contrasts itself with narratives that describe the orthodox Trinitarian theologies of this period as utilizing different arguments of logic. For instance, this new approach would disagree with the contention that some orthodox accounts start from the affirmation of distinction within the Godhead
and argue toward unity, while other orthodox accounts start from the affirmation of unity within the Godhead and argue toward distinction.
Trinity
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity defines God as three divine persons : the Father, the Son , and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are distinct yet coexist in unity, and are co-equal, co-eternal and consubstantial . Put another way, the three persons of the Trinity are of one being...
advocated by Lewis Ayres
Lewis Ayres
Dr. Lewis Ayres, a lay Catholic theologian, husband, and father of four, is currently the Bede Professor of Catholic Theology at Durham University in the United Kingdom. As holder of the Bede Chair, he is the figurehead for the newly established Durham Centre for Catholic Studies and is also...
and Michel René Barnes
Michel René Barnes
Dr. Michel René Barnes is Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He focuses on Latin and Greek Patristic Theology, in particular, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine of Hippo, and pneumatological development in the early church.-Biography:Michel Barnes...
, among others. The designation, “pro-Nicene,” classifies and describes Trinitarian theological accounts of the mid to late 4th century (ca. 360s to 380s) that supported the propositions in the Creed of Nicaea
Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed is the creed or profession of faith that is most widely used in Christian liturgy. It is called Nicene because, in its original form, it was adopted in the city of Nicaea by the first ecumenical council, which met there in the year 325.The Nicene Creed has been normative to the...
. Some scholars prefer to utilize a middle category, or stage in theological development, that provides further differentiation between Nicene theologies and pro-Nicene theologies: Barnes labels this middle category “neo-Nicene” theology. Nevertheless, all the scholars who utilize the pro-Nicene category stress the logical compatibility that exists within different theologies of the period, rather than one particular theology. The feature of these like-minded theological accounts that has garnered the most attention is the understanding that in sharing the one power of God, the Father and Son must share the same nature.
This new approach contrasts itself with narratives that describe the orthodox Trinitarian theologies of this period as utilizing different arguments of logic. For instance, this new approach would disagree with the contention that some orthodox accounts start from the affirmation of distinction within the Godhead
Godhead (Christianity)
Godhead is a Middle English variant of the word godhood, and denotes the Divine Nature or Substance of the Christian God, or the Trinity. Within some traditions such as Mormonism, the term is used as a nontrinitarian substitute for the term Trinity, denoting the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit not as...
and argue toward unity, while other orthodox accounts start from the affirmation of unity within the Godhead and argue toward distinction.