Page 39 - History of Christianity I - Student Textbook

equally God with the Father and the Son.

The filioque clause controversy likely involves an aspect of God's person that we will never be able to fully grasp.
God, who is an infinite being, is ultimately incomprehensible to our finite human minds. The Holy Spirit is God,
and He was sent by God as Jesus Christ's “replacement” here on earth. The question of whether the Holy Spirit
was sent by the Father, or by the Father and the Son, likely cannot be decisively answered, nor does it
absolutely need to be. The filioque clause will perhaps have to remain a controversy.
(https://www.gotquestions.org/filioque-clause-controversy.html)

Synod of Whitby – 664 AD

Two Christian groups existed in England. One was Celtic, strongly monastic,
contemplative, and mission minded. The other was Roman, well-organized, political,
and firmly tied to the Catholic Church. Columba’s mission to Iona had resulted in an
outgoing community of Celtic-style Christians who aggressively evangelized the Angles
and Saxons. During the early 600’s the two sides cross-pollinated and began to look
more alike. However, there was still arguments over when and how to celebrate Easter, so the new king of
Northumbria called an assembly in Whitby. Arguments from the Celtic and Roman side were considered, but the
Roman way prevailed. This synod kept the church in England closely tied to the Roman Church of the East.

7.4 Let’s Practice…

1. What was Nestorius’s main error?

2. What was the purpose for calling the Council at Ephesus in 431?

3. What is Benedict of Nursia known for?

4. What were Emperor Justinian’s main accomplishments?

5. What is the filioque clause controversy?

6. How was the filioque controversy solved?

7. What was the purpose of the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD?

7.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Activity: If you have a conflict in your church, what is the best way to solve it? How would you go
about resolving conflict in your church?

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