Regret
The Council of Nicaea was nothing more than a power play by Alexander, this is obvious by examining the records. Alexander usurped the authority of Meletius, while not stripping him of his rank, Alexander forced the clergy ordained by Meletius to yield to the clergy ordained by Alexander and ordered Meletius to be unable to ordain further clergy. Alexander pushed forth the idea that the patriarchs of Alexandria (Alexander) and Rome were of higher authority (exceptional authority given the actual terminology of the Council), giving him and his constituents greater power in the Church. Finally, Trinitarian Doctrine was Alexander's concept, and along with his power grabbing it also came forth with sufficient votes to be taken as doctrine. Now, assessing the voting statistics, one can see that those that supported Alexander's agenda gained some power at the Council while those who opposed he were proclaimed heretical. The Council was a political farce, not an action of humility and worship.
These are some thoughts I have on the Council. I presented them in the Jesus Christ thread, but thought it might prove to be an interesting topic for its own discussion.
These are some thoughts I have on the Council. I presented them in the Jesus Christ thread, but thought it might prove to be an interesting topic for its own discussion.