The Chalcedonian Definition

The Chalcedonian Definition, also known as the Chalcedonian Creed, is a pivotal doctrine in Christian theology, which was established at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. This council was the fourth ecumenical council of the Christian Church and gathered to resolve the ongoing Christological controversies of the era.

The primary controversy centered around the nature and personhood of Jesus Christ. Nestorius, the Archbishop of Constantinople, had suggested a complete distinction between Christ's human and divine natures, which led to the idea that Christ could be spoken of as having two persons. On the other side of the debate was Eutyches, a monk from Constantinople, who suggested that Christ's human and divine natures had become fused into a single nature after the Incarnation. These teachings, viewed as heretical by the church, sparked intense theological debate.

In response, the Council of Chalcedon formulated the Chalcedonian Definition. This doctrine established the understanding of Christ as one person in two natures - fully human and fully divine. The exact statement says Christ is to be "acknowledged in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation." This phrase carefully addressed the concerns around Christ's nature and aimed to balance the affirmations of His divinity and humanity.

The Chalcedonian Definition was crucial in the development of Christology and the Church's understanding of the nature of Christ. It set the foundation for many of the beliefs that are held in most branches of Christianity today, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and most forms of Protestantism.

However, not all Christian groups accepted the Chalcedonian Definition. Some Eastern Churches, later known as Oriental Orthodox Churches, rejected the definition, arguing that it divided Christ into two separate beings. This divergence led to a significant schism that remains to this day.

Today, the Chalcedonian Definition remains central to many Christian doctrines. It is viewed as a critical benchmark in Christological thought and is accepted by the majority of Christian denominations. However, it's important to approach it with an understanding of its historical context, the theological debates it sought to resolve, and the divisions it created. As we receive the Chalcedonian Definition today, it invites us to grapple with the profound mystery of Christ's nature and stimulates rich theological discussion about the divine and human in Christ.