Between Power and Faith – The Council that Shaped the Church and Challenges the World Today

Abstract

This article proposes a theological and historical reinterpretation of the Council of Nicaea (325), on the occasion of its 1700th anniversary, highlighting the relevance of the Nicene Creed in the face of contemporary crises of truth, faith, and identity. Based on the critical historiography of Henryk Pietras SJ and the theology of Joseph Ratzinger, it analyzes the doctrinal, ecclesial, and spiritual developments of the council, emphasizing the centrality of homoousios. In dialogue with authors such as Charles Taylor and Byung-Chul Han, the article interprets the Creed as a countercultural language and an act of spiritual vigor. Far from being a static formula, it is presented as a living prayer, a criterion for discernment, and a missionary force for the Church. To celebrate Nicaea, therefore, is to commit oneself to the truth that saves and to witness to it faithfully in the present time.

KEYWORDS: Council of Nicaea. Nicene Creed. Homoousios. Truth and subjectivity. Christian faith. Church. Mission.