The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology

Theology and Life Series #21

by Leo D. Davis SJ

This unique work - no other work yet available in English treats this subject - illustrates the contribution of these Councils in the development and formulation of Christian beliefs. It then shows how their legacies lingered throughout the centuries to inspire - or haunt - every generation.

Genres: History, Theology, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Church History, Christian

342 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Josef Muench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davis does an admirable job condensing an extremely dense history - both politically and theologically - into 325 pages (a number which is surely unintentional, but symbolically satisfying).

Of course, any work attempting to condense this much information into an accessible volume will have to make certain generalizations and not give abundant detail, but that can easily be forgiven. Strangely, I found the chapters on Nicaea I and Constantinople I the hardest to follow, even though they are most familiar to me. The complicated nature of the political situation and theological controversies no doubt makes it challenging to present in a straight-forward manner.

Another great bonus is the slightly annotated bibliography David gives at the end of each chapter, covering every major topic within that chapter. Overall, this is a great resource and a helpful primer to the ecumenical councils and their theology with which any serious theologian should be familiar.

[Michael T Moos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in a while. Very informative, well put together.

[Ricky Beckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning with the Council of Nicaea I in AD 325, Davis provides a general historical survey of the first 7 ecumenical councils in an apt amount of 325 pages. When you're covering such vast, turbulent history, many generalisations have to be made in such a short amount of space. As such, there were times when I felt lost and confused as Davis attempted to give as much detail he could without being pedantic in this small amount of space, especially in the chapters covering the Councils of Ephesus, Chalcedon, and Constantinople II. Many times, there are just too many names and historical figures to keep all the information straight (especially because so many of them have the same names!). Fortunately, he provides an index of names and subjects to help with this. Still, though, the book is an edifying read for minds interested in this significant and important era of church history as it wrestled with many Christological heresies.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as ecclesiastical histories go, this was one of the more exciting ones. While Davis is a Jesuit scholar and has a number of emphases I would see differently, this book is a phenomenal study of the topic. The seven ecumenical councils are presented in order with theological, political, and social factors in mind. This work is a must-have for anyone interested in the creeds and councils of the early Church.

[Mina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book, I know of, that shows the policial aspects of the Church councils. I reaserched Leo Davies and I found that he is a Jusite Father professor in history. This book is an aggregate of a series of lectures he taught. He describes the aspects of language, and their interpretaion in the East and West of the Roman empire. Also, he discuses the effect of the policital weight of the partiarchs on the conflicts that arouse and lead to the councils and their decisions. And after each council he includes the aftermath of the council decisons. Also, he includes the chronology of the period.

In my opinion, I found the events run too quickly, this might be related to the span of time the author is covering. And I struggled to follow who did what in this scene and why he was liked or disliked. This made me struggle to understand why some divisions occured and lasted for a long duration. However, it is a good overview for those who seek to learn more in depth of the councils.

I think it is an academic book written from a historian point of view. The author might critique some of the decisions based on that. I strongly suggest some Roman and Christian background before reading this book.

[Adam Carnehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an invaluable overview of the major figures, ideas, and events behind the Seven Ecumenical Councils (325 - 787). There is no better survey in English than this one, by the late (+2014) Jesuit professor Leo Donald Davis. It seems like an impossible task, but Davis succeeds admirably. He is well-read and organized enough to take the reader through confusing periods of political history and even more confusing periods of theological controversy without drowning him or her in too many details. While Davis does cover the events of the councils themselves - that is, the records of what the council fathers did and said, which usually includes amusing anecdotes of famous arguments and outlandish behavior - he also supplies more than adequate pre- and post- council background history and theology.

This work is helpful because it situates the councils both within history and within Christian theology. After all, the seven councils did not take place in a vacuum but in the political and social worlds of earthly kingdoms: the Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Carolingian Empire; and, within the theological worlds of such luminaries as Athanasius, the Cappadocians, Cyril, and Maximus Confessor.

Overall Davis's book will give the reader a much better grasp of particular Church Fathers' positions in relation to other Church Fathers. For example; Augustine's thought exerted little influence on any council, though Cyril and Leo the Great exerted considerable influence - even long after their deaths. Origen's thought was a sticking point all along the way, culminating in anathemas at the Second Council of Constantinople (553). Athanasius and the Cappadocians were always consulted, their positions being regarded as sacrosanct. The popes were respected for their Petrine authority and occasionally their theological acumen, but Eastern theologians and statesmen were always wary about Roman interference in the East.

This book is also laid out well, with timelines and select bibliographies following every chapter, giving the reader starting points for further research. This is one of the finest books of historical theology I've ever read for its organization, scope, and clarity.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Details of seven ecumenical church councils. Written from the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church. Includes historical background, the main controversies, the decisions made at the councils, and then their aftermath.

The thesis is that unity could be restored in the different denominations of Christianity through a return to the Christology established in the first seven ecumenical councils. The Roman Catholic Church has had 13 more ecumenical councils in 1300 years after Nicaea II, which are not recognized by Eastern Orthodox or Protestant denominations. Interestingly, the first seven ecumenical councils all primarily dealt with topics of Christology (Arianism, Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Monothelitism, and Iconoclasm).

Personally, I think there would be quite a bit of disagreement from some Protestants on Nicaea II because of it being an iconophile council. The Reformed typically have a more iconoclastic tradition.

The author also showed the succession of ideas how when each controversy was answered that it brought up new questions. It was interesting how councils were often verified to be truly ecumenical by the decisions of future councils. They often had to rehash decisions because certain bishops or emperors had tried to subvert them. Also, the author traced the influences of Islam on the Eastern church. Obviously, the capture of Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria were of prime importance. Less obvious is the influence of Iconoclasm because Islam was at its earliest an iconoclastic faith. This defacing of images also worked out in the Byzantine practice of cutting off the nose, tongue, and/or hand of their own leaders (people made in the image of God) as a way of announcing them unfit to continue in public life.

[CJ Parmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite terrific and highly recommended. Just a succinct and clear summary of the history and theology of the period. I did find some of his portrayals of pre-nicene thinkers somewhat flat and misleading. And he has a clear agenda to promote papal supremacy. But overall this is such a clear and informative read. It also helped me conceptualize early medieval history in a way I don’t think I have before. He brings a lot of clarity to the relation between the post-Roman west, Byzantine east, and rising Muslim powers that facilitated the independence and flourishing of non-Chalcedonian Christian groups.

[Coleen Dailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read about the early history of the church and the break between the Eastern and Western church. It took a while to read, trying to keep track of all the different leaders in both groups as well as the various emperors but it does help explain the beginning of the long history of differences between the two churches.

[James Bewley]

Gives a great historical and cultural context around the councils as well as the events that led to each primary individual believing what they argued. Highly recommended for those seeking to understand how the church arrived at the great schism in 1054 as well as the core theological truths that came from these councils.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely informative, and comprehensive, however it was not the best written (very dry) and often the author appears to state his own editorial theological opinions, without any notice or anticipation of such

[Joseph Noun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect work for starters to understand the seven ecumenical councils in spite the author coming from a western point of view. It gives the basics of each thought it’s not a big book but it can provide the framework for more details

[Josué Roque · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very thoughtful book. The writer makes you want to continue reading it to find out how the things you know are gonna happen happened.

He's slightly biased towards the Roman Catholic side, though. Not that I disagree completely with him, but he's definitely not impartial.

[Andrew Kneeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not very accessible, but a helpful overview.

[Thatcher Milton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could just witness the period from Ephesus to Chalcedon

[Zachary Garrison]

Dominique has this!

[Hoyt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Focused, logical, and rather comprehensive. This book not only describes the results of the various councils but also religiously political purposes for them. Included is the infighting, the playing off of each other, and a greater understanding of the Great Schism.

As a low-church Protestant, I find the information in this book interesting and useful in understanding Roman Catholic and Byzantine approaches to both our common faith, and the workings of the "church."

Davis does a great job of illustrating the first seven councils and then suggests that perhaps East and West could resolve to use these councils in their pursuit of realigning with each other.

While I understand the teaching that ecumenical councils are recognized as establishing faith issues, this book illustrated to me that there was a bit more going on than a bunch of pious priests praying and discerning together. As a result, while a council's decisions may be usable in its immediate wake, I'm not sure that their history supports much more than that. Given that various bishops could accept or dismiss various aspects of council decision, it largely depends on whose court you're in as to whether any particular council applies to you.

Aside form that though, this book is a great read and resource for anyone interested in church history.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent primer for the subject! This will be a keeper and something to reference in the future for certain. There are essentially 8 chapters, and introductory chapter and seven further chapters each outlining one of the first seven ecumenical councils. The chapters after the introduction generally break down into sections covering the questions raised leading to the council, the council itself, the significance of the council, aftermath, a historical chronology of what was going on during that time, followed by a select bibliography. The last to me is invaluable as I would like to delve deeper into some of the councils. It was a great read and a book I would highly recommend to those like me just starting out in researching the councils.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was reading this as a morning read, but as Lent started, wanted to finish it up as I am adding a Lenten morning read (or two.) Dense and dry though it offers the historical story and context (sometimes too much context.) Good to read a bit at a time On a side note, my copy has notes from a previous reader and it was fun to read their notes. Sadly, they tapered off somewhere in the Fifth Council .

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, especially about the political and personal conflicts surrounding the decisions affecting doctrine over the first Seven truly Ecumenical Councils.
This demonstrates the continuing difficulty of critiquing the process of the development of orthodox doctrine, and the subsequent interpretation of the product of the councils. It does not help one respond to the question "What has orthodox doctrine to do with my faith?"

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was underwhelmed... a lot of high praise for this volume. A bit ambitious in scope for how small of a book it is. He does a good job overall, but smacks too much of being Latinized. Not bad but not great... perhaps as a primer or supplemental work to a growing field of works on the subject.

[Timothy Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Davis takes us through the history of each council and the issues that were at stake, the discussions of the council itself, and the implications of the decisions they made. If you're reading one book about the early councils, read this one.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct yet thorough and very important. This book covers how interpretations of Church doctrines became fundamental. These are things that any inquisitive, intellectual Christian should know about.

[Clayton Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have an interest in early church history this is the book for you. A lot of history & church philosophy is in these few pages.

[Jared Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, provides a great deal of detailed information and background about the councils.

[Chris Heren · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books to summarize the Christological controversies of the early church. I would recommend it for any theologian/seminarian, and would require it if I taught a course on the subject.

[Vsncruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A succinct introduction before one plunges into the riches of any council (e.g., Acts 15). Especially when posed with Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?"(Mark 8:29).

[Bart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-written and researched, but some rather strange sympathies for the Nestorians.

[Emad]

i am very like religion christian book i hope to read this book also (the council of chalcedon re examined)