- 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 role of the Holy Spirit
B) The nature of Christ and his relationship to God
C) The interpretation of the Old Testament
D) The authority of the Pope
- 2. Who was the primary proponent of Arianism?
A) Origen
B) Athanasius
C) Igatius
D) Arius
- 3. Which council addressed the Arian Controversy in 325 AD?
A) Ephesus
B) Constantinople
C) Nicaea
D) Chalcedon
- 4. What was the outcome of the Council of Nicaea?
A) The Nicene Creed was established
B) Arius was excommunicated
C) Papal supremacy was confirmed
D) A new Bible was authorized
- 5. Which phrase from the Nicene Creed opposed Arianism?
A) Fully God and fully man
B) One substance with the Father
C) One in purpose
D) Begotten, not made
- 6. Who was a prominent opponent of Arianism after the Council of Nicaea?
A) Eusebius
B) Athanasius
C) Cyril
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 affirmed the equality of the Trinity
B) It rejected the Holy Spirit
C) It believed in three separate gods
D) It denied the full divinity of the Son
- 9. What theological position affirms that Christ is of the same substance as God?
A) Homoiousios
B) Homoousios
C) Unitarianism
D) Heteroousios
- 10. What document formalized the Arian viewpoint?
A) The Confessions of Nicaea
B) The Nicene Creed
C) The Apostolic Constitution
D) The Thalia
- 11. During which period did Arianism primarily thrive?
A) 4th century
B) 5th century
C) 3rd century
D) 2nd century
- 12. What was the position of most bishops at the Council of Nicaea?
A) Only focusing on Arian teaching
B) Neutral regarding the issue
C) Opposing Arius
D) Supporting Arius
- 13. Which theological term refers to the belief in the oneness of God?
A) Polytheism
B) Docetism
C) Trinitarianism
D) Monotheism
- 14. What major Christian figure defended the Nicene Creed?
A) Augustine of Hippo
B) Athanasius of Alexandria
C) Polycarp
D) Ignatius of Antioch
- 15. What term describes Arius’ refusal of the full divinity of Jesus?
A) Sabellianism
B) Gnosticism
C) Arianism
D) Donatism
- 16. What significant work was produced by Athanasius?
A) Fifty Spiritual Homilies
B) On the Incarnation
C) City of God
D) Confessions
- 17. Which of the following was NOT a feature of Arianism?
A) The Son as a creature
B) Emphasis on monotheism
C) Subordination of the Son
D) Belief in the Trinity
- 18. What was the impact of Arianism on later Christian doctrine?
A) It sparked further theological debates
B) It eliminated the need for councils
C) It solidified papal authority
D) It led to the establishment of a singular church
- 19. When was the Council of Constantinople held?
A) 381 AD
B) 451 AD
C) 400 AD
D) 325 AD
- 20. What document was utilized to enshrine the Nicene faith?
A) The Apostles' Creed
B) The Athanasian Creed
C) The Nicene Creed
D) The Chalcedonian Definition
- 21. Which theological position emphasizes the full divinity and humanity of Christ?
A) Apollinarianism
B) Chalcedonian Definition
C) Nestorianism
D) Arianism
- 22. Which emperor favored Arianism after Constantine?
A) Julian
B) Theodosius
C) Constantius II
D) Constantine II
- 23. What did Arianism claim about the pre-existence of Christ?
A) Christ was divine but not God
B) Christ did not exist before his birth
C) Christ was created before time
D) Christ was co-eternal with the Father
- 24. The belief that Christ is subordinate to the Father is known as?
A) Subordinationism
B) Trinitarianism
C) Monotheism
D) Binitarianism
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