Nestorianism is an ancient Christian theology that is often overlooked in today’s world. However, it was once a major aspect of the Christian faith and had a significant impact on the development of the religion.
Teaching students about Nestorianism can be a fascinating and enlightening experience. Here are some tips on how to approach the subject:
1. Start with the basics: Nestorianism was named after Nestorius, a fifth-century theologian who believed in the duality of Christ. According to Nestorius, Jesus was both fully divine and fully human, but these two natures were separate and distinct. This was opposed to the idea of the hypostatic union, which stated that Jesus was both fully divine and fully human in one person.
2. Explore the history: Nestorianism became a major point of theological debate in the fifth century, with Nestorius being condemned as a heretic by the Council of Ephesus in 431. However, Nestorianism continued to be practiced in Asia and the Middle East for centuries, and its influence can still be seen today in Eastern Christianity.
3. Discuss the implications: The Nestorian controversy had far-reaching implications for the Christian church. It led to a split between the Eastern and Western churches that persists to this day, and it also played a role in the development of Islam, which emerged in the Arabian Peninsula at around the same time as the Nestorian controversy.
4. Connect to current issues: While Nestorianism may seem like an obscure point of theology, it has relevance to many current issues in religion and politics. For example, some scholars have drawn parallels between the Nestorian controversy and debates over human rights and cultural relativism.
Overall, teaching students about Nestorianism can be a fascinating and thought-provoking experience. By exploring the history, implications, and relevance of this ancient theological debate, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and diversity of the Christian faith.
