What was the main outcome of the Council of Chalcedon?

Master the Ecumenical Councils Exam. Enhance your study with flashcards, engaging multiple-choice questions, and in-depth explanations. Prepare effectively for your test!

The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 AD, was significant in the history of Christian theology because it produced a definitive statement regarding the nature of Jesus Christ. The main outcome of this council was the clarification of the doctrine of the dual natures of Christ, affirming that He is both fully human and fully divine. This formulation was expressed in the Chalcedonian Definition, which stated that in the person of Jesus Christ, there are two natures, one divine and one human, united in one person "without confusion, change, division, or separation." This was crucial for addressing the Christological controversies of the time, particularly those stemming from Nestorianism and Monophysitism.

The resolutions born from the Council of Chalcedon helped solidify the Christological understanding that is foundational for many branches of Christianity today, asserting the complex relationship between Christ's humanity and divinity without compromising either nature. This is why the correct outcome is recognized as the precise definition of the two natures of Christ.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy