Episode 101 - Hired Philosophers vs. Smelly Shepherds: The Surprising Heroes of Nicaea

The Christ Centred Cosmic Civilisation

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On May 20th, 325 AD, a gathering began that would forever shape Christianity. The Council of Nicaea stands as perhaps the most consequential theological assembly in church history, and this episode takes you directly into the debates and confrontations that occurred 1,700 years ago today.
Drawing from eyewitness accounts and historical records, we explore the fascinating dynamics between opposing camps at Nicaea. On one side stood Arius and his "mercenary philosophers"—highly educated men hired to provide academic credibility to teachings that denied Christ's full deity. Opposing them were orthodox bishops who relied not on philosophical speculation but on faithful interpretation of Scripture.
What emerges is a striking contrast between approaches to theological understanding. While sophisticated philosophers constructed elaborate arguments, simple believers like Spyridon of Trimythous—a shepherd who still smelled of his flocks—demonstrated that knowing "nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified" could prove more powerful than all the philosophical learning of the ancient world.
Perhaps most moving is the account of a humble bishop confronting one of Arius's philosophers. Though other bishops worried this simple man would become "a laughingstock," his straightforward confession of faith rendered the philosopher speechless and ultimately led to his conversion. "Divine power emerged from the mouth of my adversary," the philosopher admitted, "for man cannot resist God."
The story of Nicaea reminds us that theological truth isn't about intellectual prowess but faithful reception of divine revelation. Even the brilliant young Athanasius appears to have learned at Nicaea to value the simple faith of uneducated monks and shepherds—a lesson that would shape his approach to church leadership for decades to come.
Whether you're a theology enthusiast, church history buff, or simply curious about Christianity's formative moments, this episode offers fresh insights into how a gathering of bishops—many still bearing the scars of persecution—articulated a vision of Christ that Christians worldwide still confess today.

The theme music is "Wager with Angels" by Nathan Moore

Chapters

1. The 1700th Anniversary of Nicaea (00:00:00)

2. Confronting Arius's Doctrine (00:04:15)

3. Bishop Hosius Addresses the Council (00:10:30)

4. Scripture versus Philosophy (00:17:29)

5. The Simple Confessor's Victory (00:23:53)

6. Athanasius's Journey to Humility (00:32:57)

7. Spyridon and the Philosopher (00:35:05)