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8 - Nicene Christianity, the eucharist, and peace

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

George Hunsinger
George Hunsinger
Affiliation:
Princeton Theological Seminary
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Summary

Nicene Christianity finds two of its most distinguished representatives – one from the fourth century, the other from the eleventh – in Athanasius and Anselm. As exponents of Nicene Christianity, they stood for a high view of the Trinity in connection with equally high views of the Incarnation and the atonement. Also central for them, though in different ways, were baptism and the eucharist as high ecclesial sacraments.

Less well known is that each theologian contributed to the peace witness of the ecumenical church. In light of recent charges leveled against Nicene Christianity, these contributions seem important to retrieve. Nicene Christianity has been accused of being an impediment to social welfare. Not only historically, but also because of its substance – that is, in its teachings and sacraments – it is alleged to promote abuse and obstruct peace.

These charges, it is argued here, are overly broad. Counter-evidence exists not only regarding Athanasius and Anselm, but also regarding Nicene Christianity more generally, down to and including the present day. Although its record is far from perfect, Nicene Christianity has more than once functioned in ways contrary to what critics would allege. At its best, Nicene Christianity has upheld justice, obstructed violence, and promoted peace. The picture is more varied than has been allowed. Since most of the world's 2.15 billion Christians belong to communities that embrace some form of Nicene Christianity, retrieving another side of the story might contribute to prospects for peace.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Eucharist and Ecumenism
Let Us Keep the Feast
 , pp. 279 - 312
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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