How the Trinity Was Understood Before Nicaea – Dr. Jim Papandrea Explains

Did Christians believe in the Trinity before the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD? Was the doctrine developed over time—or was it already present in the early Church?

In this episode, Dr. Jim Papandrea, expert in early Christianity and historical theology, joins me to explore how the Trinity was understood before and after Nicaea. We discuss the writings of the early Church Fathers, what the council actually taught, and how the doctrine of the Trinity developed without being invented.

Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or just curious about Church history, this conversation will give you clarity on one of the most misunderstood doctrines of the Christian faith.

00:00 Introduction and welcome to Dr. Jim Papandrea
04:00 Israel as the son of God and Old Testament context
09:00 Is Jesus human or divine? Exploring early views
14:00 Understanding God as Trinity in early theology
19:00 Origin of the word "Trinitas" and its meaning
23:00 Consubstantiality of the Father and the Son
28:00 Development of Trinitarian doctrine post-Nicaea
33:00 Language of generation and eternal begetting
38:00 The role of the Holy Spirit in Trinitarian theology
42:00 Concluding thoughts and final reflections

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