In June 2025 I spoke at the Nicaea Conference in Turkey, and I'd like to share my thoughts with you in four short talks. While the conference was immensely enjoyable, I found myself more commemorating the Council of 325 more than celebrating it. Why?

No event changed the nature of Christianity more than the Council of Nicaea—not the rise of the clergy, nor the monastic movement, nor even the Reformation. There were numerous changes enacted or enabled by this council and subsequent “ecumenical” councils—not necessarily immediate—and many of which were unfortunate, to say the least. I believe the subject matter of these talks also speaks to our present political (and church political) climate.

Part I (14 mins)

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Introduction
"Shibboleths and Labeling"

Part II (14 mins)

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"Artificial Unity"
"Hierarchy & Honorific Titles"

Part III (17 mins)

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"Lack of Grace"
"Going (Well) Beyond Apostolic Teaching"
"Selective Interpretation & Memory"

Next week: "The Embrace of Coercion"
Conclusions
PLUS the PowerPoint version of all installments.