On Thursday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 21, Professor Jaimie Gunderson’s class, Varieties of Early Christianity, reenacted the Council of Nicaea. The Council represents a pivotal, chaotic moment in the history of Christianity where leading bishops and presbyters, alongside the Emperor Constantine, debated the Arian controversy regarding the relationship of Christ, the Son, to God, the Father. Each student was given the chance to embody a historical figure (e.g., Arius, Emperor Constantine, Athanasius, Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, Eusebius of Caesarea, Bishop Nicholas of Myra). To prepare, students analyzed primary sources over the course of the semester to respond to structured scenarios, which helped them to engage in the theological debates of the Council from the perspective of their character. Each member of the Council prepared a grievance, request, or speech to deliver to the Emperor, expressing their objectives at the Council. The primary task of the Council was to craft a creed, establishing theological orthodoxy. To do this, students had to form factions and alliances with fellow Council members (which fostered an environment of collaboration and co-creative learning) and construct persuasive arguments to convince others to adopt their perspectives while risking excommunication, exile, or execution! The activity allowed students to immerse themselves in the politics, opinions, and controversies of the 4th century, helping them grasp historical contingency, decision-making, and diverse perspectives. Additionally, students developed and refined essential skills such as persuasion, leadership, teamwork, and analytical writing.
