The Road to Nicea

In which old faces pass away, new leaders emerge, and theology gets riotously important.

You've met Theological Treatise Athanasius, now meet Polemical Athanasius: 50% less relaxed theologizing, 200% more snark.

In which we explore one of the greatest masterpieces of Nicene literature - and of all Christian literature!

In which we learn just how far the Nicene controversy is from being resolved.

In which Constantine and the bishops finally arrive at the end of the long and winding road to Nicea...or so it seems.

A spring surprise in which we delve into the messy connections between religion, politics, and history in Constantine's empire.

In which Constantine attempts to unite the church as he has united the Empire - with mixed success. Music is from Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 14 in C-sharp minor 'Moonlight Sonata', Op. 27 no. 2. Jokes are from Ben's demented brain.

In which we take a look at one of the grisliest - and most puzzling - scenes in Constantine's biography: the executions of his wife and firstborn son.

In which we at last meet the Emperor Constantine himself: cunning, ruthless, and VERY tired.

And now, it's time for Silly Songs with Ben, the part of the show where Ben makes up silly songs. For legal purposes, this episode is a joke. We regret nothing.

The arch-heretic himself steps onto the world stage in this episode! Learn more about what drove Arius - and how his theological positions may shock you.

The controversies about the Trinity continue into the fourth century as our persecuted Christians take up, with renewed vigor, the question of just exactly what Jesus is.

It's time to meet the man who will transform the chaotic third century into the merely turbulent fourth: Diocletian.

Join us for a deeper look at the crankiest old man in the Latin West with one of the premier scholars in the world today! Ben sits down with Andrew McGowan to discuss Tertullian's context, rhetoric, and insults.

Just what is this Trinity thing all about, anyway? Hear what the third century had to say about it here! Works referenced in the episode: Origen, Commentary on John Tertullian, Against Marcion Tertullian, Against Praxeas

A new player has entered the crowded field of the Nicene Controversy: one with a jolly laugh, presents for everyone, and hectic Christmas Eve schedule. It's time to learn what Santa Claus has to do with the Creed.

In which, before taking a Serious Historical Look at Origen, we pause to consider his oddest and most delightful speculations. The icon referenced in the episode is available here: https://i0.wp.com/publicorthodoxy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/origenteaching.jpeg?resize=620%2C448&ssl=1

In which, after meeting the bishops, we meet all the people the bishops warned us about: monks, martyrs, and the single greatest genius in the first millennium of Christianity.

Wisdom, demigods, and discomfort with basic bodily functions, oh my! Join us for an exploration of the "Gnostics" - the first recorded heretical group in Christian history.

In which third century Christians experience a massive rise in membership during Rome's troubled century.

In which we look at the turbulent fourth century through the lens of the chaotic third century: a time when emperors came and went with the seasonal fashions, castrati priests paraded up and down the capital, and patriotism meant having a LOT of steak dinners.

Christ, controversies, and that creed you might hear on Sunday mornings. We begin our journey towards Nicea!