- 1. The Arian Controversy was a pivotal theological dispute in the early Christian church that centered around the nature of Christ and his relationship to God the Father. Emerging in the early fourth century, this debate primarily involved Arius, a Christian priest from Alexandria, who asserted that Jesus Christ, while divine, was not co-eternal with God the Father, but rather a created being who existed before the world began. This assertion contradicted the emerging orthodox view espoused by figures such as Athanasius, who argued for the co-eternity and consubstantiality of the Son with the Father, encapsulated in the Nicene Creed established at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The controversy not only sparked theological debates but also led to significant political and ecclesiastical ramifications as various factions vied for influence within the Roman Empire. The opposing views of Arius and Athanasius polarized the church and caused deep rifts among Christian communities, prompting a series of councils and edicts, such as the Arian controversies at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople. Ultimately, this conflict laid the groundwork for the development of the doctrine of the Trinity and the understanding of Christ's divine nature, shaping the trajectory of Christian orthodoxy for centuries to come.
What was the central issue of the Arian Controversy?
A) The authority of the Pope
B) The nature of Christ and his relationship to God
C) The interpretation of the Old Testament
D) The role of the Holy Spirit
- 2. Who was the primary proponent of Arianism?
A) Arius
B) Origen
C) Athanasius
D) Igatius
- 3. Which council addressed the Arian Controversy in 325 AD?
A) Constantinople
B) Chalcedon
C) Nicaea
D) Ephesus
- 4. What was the outcome of the Council of Nicaea?
A) Papal supremacy was confirmed
B) A new Bible was authorized
C) Arius was excommunicated
D) The Nicene Creed was established
- 5. Which phrase from the Nicene Creed opposed Arianism?
A) One in purpose
B) One substance with the Father
C) Begotten, not made
D) Fully God and fully man
- 6. Who was a prominent opponent of Arianism after the Council of Nicaea?
A) Eusebius
B) Cyril
C) Athanasius
D) Tertullian
- 7. Which Emperor called for the Council of Nicaea?
A) Julian
B) Theodosius
C) Nerva
D) Constantine
- 8. What was the view of Arianism regarding the Trinity?
A) It believed in three separate gods
B) It rejected the Holy Spirit
C) It denied the full divinity of the Son
D) It affirmed the equality of the Trinity
- 9. What theological position affirms that Christ is of the same substance as God?
A) Heteroousios
B) Unitarianism
C) Homoousios
D) Homoiousios
- 10. What document formalized the Arian viewpoint?
A) The Apostolic Constitution
B) The Nicene Creed
C) The Confessions of Nicaea
D) The Thalia
- 11. During which period did Arianism primarily thrive?
A) 3rd century
B) 2nd century
C) 4th century
D) 5th century
- 12. What was the position of most bishops at the Council of Nicaea?
A) Opposing Arius
B) Neutral regarding the issue
C) Only focusing on Arian teaching
D) Supporting Arius
- 13. Which theological term refers to the belief in the oneness of God?
A) Polytheism
B) Monotheism
C) Docetism
D) Trinitarianism
- 14. What major Christian figure defended the Nicene Creed?
A) Ignatius of Antioch
B) Polycarp
C) Athanasius of Alexandria
D) Augustine of Hippo
- 15. What term describes Arius’ refusal of the full divinity of Jesus?
A) Gnosticism
B) Donatism
C) Arianism
D) Sabellianism
- 16. What significant work was produced by Athanasius?
A) Confessions
B) Fifty Spiritual Homilies
C) City of God
D) On the Incarnation
- 17. Which of the following was NOT a feature of Arianism?
A) Emphasis on monotheism
B) Belief in the Trinity
C) The Son as a creature
D) Subordination of the Son
- 18. What was the impact of Arianism on later Christian doctrine?
A) It sparked further theological debates
B) It solidified papal authority
C) It led to the establishment of a singular church
D) It eliminated the need for councils
- 19. When was the Council of Constantinople held?
A) 400 AD
B) 325 AD
C) 451 AD
D) 381 AD
- 20. What document was utilized to enshrine the Nicene faith?
A) The Nicene Creed
B) The Athanasian Creed
C) The Apostles' Creed
D) The Chalcedonian Definition
- 21. Which theological position emphasizes the full divinity and humanity of Christ?
A) Chalcedonian Definition
B) Apollinarianism
C) Nestorianism
D) Arianism
- 22. Which emperor favored Arianism after Constantine?
A) Constantius II
B) Constantine II
C) Julian
D) Theodosius
- 23. What did Arianism claim about the pre-existence of Christ?
A) Christ was created before time
B) Christ did not exist before his birth
C) Christ was divine but not God
D) Christ was co-eternal with the Father
- 24. The belief that Christ is subordinate to the Father is known as?
A) Subordinationism
B) Monotheism
C) Binitarianism
D) Trinitarianism
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