2. Tradition and Scripture Reformation period Question of who should interpret scripture Sola scriptura

3. Normative Role of Scripture Redaction of scripture grounded in Apostolic Tradition Scripture plays normative role in the community If scripture considered first normative, who interprets it Interpreter (and compiler of scripture) is therefore first normative

4. What is an Ecumenical Council Council made up of bishops of the Church Follows pattern of Apostolic council in Jerusalem Word “Ecumenical” comes from Greek oikumene General or universal council

5. Authority Jesus Apostles Individual Bishops Rule of Faith Councils

6. Emergence of a Leadership Model In second century, bishops gathered in provinces to settle disputes Met in province’s capitals Bishops of capitals became important figures Metropolitan (Chief) Bishops Modelled after Roman Senate

7. First Seven Ecumenical Councils Nicaea in 325 Constantinople in 381 Ephesus in 431 Chalcedon in 451 Constantinople II in 553 Constantinople III from 680-681 Nicaea II (787)

8. Nicaea Called by Constantine Presided over by Constantine Only bishops had voting rights Princepus senatus (first bishop)

9. Matters Debated Arius controversy Homousious (Consubstantial) Clerical discipline Easter Celebration Formally solidifying Church structure Begin to assemble canon of scripture

10. Why was Nicaea so important Sets precedent Highest authoritative declaration Rooted in Tradition

11. Constantinople Revised Nicene Creed Added “Born of the Father before all ages” Added clauses about Holy Spirit Continued to define Canon

12. Council of Chalcedon Defined Hypostatic Union Rejected other dualist theories about the nature of Christ