The document discusses the Christology debates between the Alexandrine and Antiochene viewpoints, focusing on themes of revelation and salvation. The Alexandrine perspective emphasizes Christ's divinity as essential to revealing God, while the Antiochene perspective stresses Christ's humanity for redemption. Key controversies include Apollinarianism and Nestorianism, ultimately leading to the Council of Ephesus in 431, which upheld the Alexandrine position and rejected Nestorius.

1. Christology DebatesAlexandrine / Antiochene ViewpointsAppolinarianismNestorianism

2. The EastAlexandriaAntiochConstantinopleBoth sides wanted their bishop to be in charge of Constantinople, because it had become powerful in the East – like Rome in the West

3. ChristologyAlexandrine ViewMain point wasREVELATIONChrist revealed God to usThereforeIt’s most importantthat Christ was DivineBecause to reveal God, he must fully know God – and how could he fully know God unless he fully participates in God’s nature?Antiochene ViewMain point was SALVATIONChrist saved usThereforeIt’s most importantthat Christ was HumanBecause to save and redeem all aspects of humanity, he must fully participate in all aspects of humanity – which means any part of him that was NOT fully human could not fully be saved in us.

4. Christology - SummaryAntiochene ViewJesus was Human(and divine)Alexandrine ViewJesus was Divine(and human)

5. Controversies: AppolinarianismAppolinaris(Alexandrine viewpoint)Argument:Christ had a physical bodybut a divine mindGregory of Nazianzus(Antiochene viewpoint)Counter argument: It can’t be - because anything in Jesus that wasn’t human couldn’t be savedCouncil of Constantinople – 381Appolinarianism  Antiochene Position Wins

6. Controversies: NestorianismNestorius(Patriarch of Constantinople)(Antiochene viewpoint)StatementsJesus & God: 2 natures, 2 persons

7. Mary: Christotokos, not Theotokos (“Christ-bearer” not “God-bearer”)Purpose:possibly to prevent the divine from overwhelming the humanBishop Cyril(Supported by west and Emperors Valentinian III, Theodosius II)(Alexandrine viewpoint)Action:Get Theodosius II to call council against NestoriusCouncil of Ephesus – 431

8. Controversies: NestorianismNestorius (Supported by John of Antioch and others)Bishop Cyril(Supported by west and Emperors Valentinian III, Theodosius II)Council of Ephesus – 431Decided against Nestorius(in his absence – he was late)ProtestNestorius and supporters convene their own council and decide against CyrilProtest against the protestAgainst Nestorius again(and everyone else who participated with him)