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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down  /  Chapter 22, The Kingdom of Theology  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
When Constantine introduced *homotion* (“of the same nature”), Bercot says it opened a “Pandora’s box” by implying “Scripture is inadequate” and leading councils to be treated as “equal to Scripture”; what do you think is at stake in making a non-biblical term a “touchstone of orthodoxy,” and where do Protestants functionally do something similar even while denying it?
Another way to ask: What is at risk when the Church makes a non-biblical word like “same nature” a required test of true belief? In what ways might Protestants do something similar in practice, even if they say they don’t?

Direct Answer Bercot says the stake is whether Scripture is treated as sufficient: making a non-biblical word the test of orthodoxy implies “essential truths” aren’t stated clearly enough in Scripture and invites later human authorities to claim Scripture-level status. The transcript critiques Rome and Orthodoxy explicitly; it does not directly apply the point to Protestants, though a reasonable inference is that any group can functionally elevate extra-biblical formulas above Scripture.

Support from Transcript:

  • Constantine urged adding “homotion… of the same nature,” and the bishops “soon accepted” it.
  • Bercot: “I have no objection to the use of the word,” since it “accurately describes” Father-Son relationship.
  • The danger: making it the “touchstone of orthodoxy… opened a Pandora’s box.”
  • He says Nicaea was “basically… saying that Scripture is inadequate” and that saving truths aren’t stated “with the needed specificity in Scripture.”
  • Because they went beyond Scripture, they soon declared Nicaea “inspired by God and… equal to Scripture,” implying special revelation continued.
  • He notes Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches still declare ecumenical councils have “the same authority as Scripture.”
Discussion Follow-ups Where might we treat our own preferred summaries (statements, confessions, party-lines) as if disagreeing with them equals rejecting Scripture itself?

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