Which theological issue was central to the debates among the Cappadocians?

The central theological issue debated among the Cappadocians—Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus—was the nature of Christ, particularly in the context of the relationship between the divine and human natures of Jesus. This discussion was crucial in developing the doctrine of the Trinity and solidifying the concept of the hypostatic union, which articulates that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.

The Cappadocians contributed significantly to the formulation of the Nicene Creed and articulated terms such as "homoousios" (of the same substance) to clarify the relationship between the Son and the Father. Their work helped address various heretical views that emerged, such as Arianism, which denied the full divinity of Christ. By affirming the dual nature of Christ, they sought to maintain the integrity of Christian doctrine and provide a robust understanding of God's revelation through Christ, which had implications for the understanding of salvation and the divine purpose.

Other issues mentioned, such as the nature of the Church, the role of Mary, and the authority of the Pope, while important in the broader context of Church theology, were not the primary focus of the Cappadocian discussions. Their unique