How the theological debate at the Council of Ephesus was shaped by political factors leading to Nestorius’ eventual exile — Presentation Detail — Celebration of Scholars

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How the theological debate at the Council of Ephesus was shaped by political factors leading to Nestorius’ eventual exile

Name: Johnathon Augustine
Major: Religion
Hometown: Lake in the Hills, IL
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Senior thesis

Abstract

This research project is entitled Christ in Culture: How the theological debate at the Council of Ephesus was shaped by political factors leading to Nestorius’ eventual exile. In this project I am arguing that political factors or factors outside of theological discussions shape the debates at the Council of Ephesus (431 C.E) and should be considered as part of the influence upon the decisions made at the council. The research question that I was addressing is What other factors influenced the decisions of Nestorius being exiled made at the Council of Ephesus besides theological factors and what factors give a whole picture of the influences upon the council? I included six points to my argument which show that the political factors shaped the Council of Ephesus, and these points are: (1) a variety of citizens living in Constantinople (of varying influence) were influenced against Nestorius because of their distaste with him, (2) Pulcheria’s influence against Nestorius because of conflicts that they had, (3) Nestorius’ misrepresentation at the council, (4) the disputed allegiances between Nestorius and John of Antioch, (5) Nestorius’ acceptance of Theotokos before the council, and (6) later reception of Nestorius after the council. I went about this research by beginning to read through the letters of correspondence between Nestorius and Cyril of Alexandria in order to get a grasp of their theological positions. They argue on a Christological and Marian basis. Nestorius takes issue with the Mariology explicitly referring to Mary as Theotokos meaning the Mother of God. Nestorius has a problem with this because of what it says about Jesus namely that his divinity is suppressed. Being God no mere woman should have been able to be the mother of God, and this is what Cyril of Alexandria writes against. Then I read some ancient historians to get a grasp of the history surrounding the council. Lastly I read secondary sources looking for what other factors could have influenced the Council of Ephesus. The conclusion of my research was that there were political factors that did influence the council and shaped the council. In order to get a full picture of the theological debate it is important to note both the theological and non-theological influences. This research is significant because it is important to put into perspective that theological debates are not decided in theological isolation. This is something important to realize when trying to get an understanding of these theological debates and the doctrines that are created out of these councils.

Poster file