The Council of Chalcedon

Research Paper # 116353

History > Religion
Religion and Theology > Christianity

An overview of the history of the Council of Chalcedon.

3,224 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the Council of Chalcedon is known as an ecumenical council held between October 8-November 1, 451 A. D. and how its main objective was to exploit the heresy of Eutyches and establish the orthodox Catholic doctrine. Issues of theology, Christology, and the overall importance of the Council of Chalcedon are developed throughout the context of this paper and the historical importance of the Council of Chalcedon is also explored.

Outline:
Introduction
Canons
First - Sixteenth Session
Historical Background
Importance of the Council of Chalcedon

From the Paper:

"Although the debate of Christ's dual nature was the primary doctrine being discussed during the Council of Chalcedon, other subjects included the canons, which were numerous, 27 in total. The first of these canons approved the sanction of previous synods. The second canon enacted stiff penalties against anyone who agreed in the ecclesiastical orders or monetary positions, or even anyone who was given payment for these positions or acted as liaisons in such transactions. Following this the third canon harshly judged secular traffic 'to all ecclesiastics' who in the very least did not hold the interest of urchins or those in need. The fourth decreed that it was against papal jurisdiction to build a house of God without the granting of the proper bishop. In the fifth creed inculcated the canons of previous synods in regards to the placement of bishops and clerics in different cities. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Parys, M.J. Van. Historical Evidence on the Council of Chalcedon. Ecumenical Review. Vol. 22, No. 4. pp. 305-320. 1970.
Schaefer, Francis J. Council of Chalcedon. 2003. (Online). Available: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03555a.htm