How Do Eastern Orthodox Theologians Understand The Preschismatic Latin Saints Who Used filioque?

Mar 13, 2025 by ADMIN 99 views

**Understanding the Preschismatic Latin Saints who Used "Filioque" from an Eastern Orthodox Perspective**

Introduction

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church have been divided for centuries, with the 1054 Great Schism being a pivotal moment in their separation. One of the key issues that led to this schism was the insertion of the filioque clause (and from the Son) into the Nicene Creed. This clause, which states that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, was not originally part of the Creed. In this article, we will explore how Eastern Orthodox theologians understand the preschismatic Latin saints who used the filioque clause.

The Background of the Filioque Clause

The filioque clause was first introduced into the Nicene Creed by the Western, largely Latin-speaking churches in the 6th century. This introduction was a gradual process, with the clause being added to the Creed in various forms and at different times. The Eastern Orthodox Church, on the other hand, had always maintained the original form of the Creed, which stated that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone.

The Preschismatic Latin Saints and the Filioque Clause

The preschismatic Latin saints, such as St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Leo the Great, were all influential figures in the early Church. They were known for their theological writings and their contributions to the development of Christian doctrine. However, when it comes to the filioque clause, the Eastern Orthodox Church has a complex and nuanced understanding of their views.

The Eastern Orthodox View of St. Augustine

St. Augustine is one of the most influential figures in the history of Christian theology. His writings on the Trinity, the nature of God, and the relationship between God and humanity have had a profound impact on the development of Christian doctrine. However, when it comes to the filioque clause, the Eastern Orthodox Church has a more nuanced understanding of his views.

According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Augustine did not explicitly support the filioque clause. In fact, in his early writings, he seems to have been more in line with the Eastern Orthodox view, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. However, in his later writings, he appears to have been influenced by the Western tradition and began to support the filioque clause.

The Eastern Orthodox View of St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose was another influential figure in the early Church. He was a bishop of Milan and a close friend of St. Augustine. Like St. Augustine, St. Ambrose's views on the filioque clause are complex and nuanced.

According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Ambrose did not explicitly support the filioque clause. In fact, in his writings, he seems to have been more in line with the Eastern Orthodox view, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. However, some of his later writings may suggest that he was influenced by the Western tradition and began to support the filioque clause.

The Eastern Orthodox View of St. Leo the Great

St. Leo the Great was a bishop of Rome and a key figure in the development of the filioque clause. According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Leo the Great was a strong supporter of the filioque clause and saw it as a way to clarify the relationship between the Father and the Son.

However, the Eastern Orthodox Church also notes that St. Leo the Great's views on the filioque clause were not universally accepted in the early Church. In fact, some of his contemporaries, such as St. Cyril of Alexandria, opposed the filioque clause and saw it as a departure from the original form of the Creed.

The Significance of the Preschismatic Latin Saints

The preschismatic Latin saints, such as St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Leo the Great, played a significant role in the development of Christian doctrine. Their writings and teachings had a profound impact on the early Church and continue to influence Christian theology to this day.

However, when it comes to the filioque clause, the Eastern Orthodox Church has a complex and nuanced understanding of their views. While some of these saints may have supported the filioque clause, others may have opposed it. The Eastern Orthodox Church sees the filioque clause as a departure from the original form of the Creed and a source of division between the Eastern and Western churches.

Conclusion

The preschismatic Latin saints, such as St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Leo the Great, were influential figures in the early Church. Their writings and teachings had a profound impact on the development of Christian doctrine. However, when it comes to the filioque clause, the Eastern Orthodox Church has a complex and nuanced understanding of their views.

The Eastern Orthodox Church sees the filioque clause as a departure from the original form of the Creed and a source of division between the Eastern and Western churches. While some of these saints may have supported the filioque clause, others may have opposed it. The Eastern Orthodox Church continues to maintain the original form of the Creed, which states that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone.

Recommendations for Further Study

For those interested in learning more about the preschismatic Latin saints and the filioque clause, there are several resources available. Some recommended texts include:

The Nicene Creed: A History and an Explanation by John H. Erickson
The Filioque Clause: A Study in the History of Doctrine by John Meyendorff
The Eastern Orthodox Church: A History and a Theology by John H. Erickson

These texts provide a comprehensive overview of the history and theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church, including its views on the filioque clause. They are highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about this complex and nuanced topic.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the preschismatic Latin saints and the filioque clause are complex and nuanced topics that require careful study and consideration. The Eastern Orthodox Church has a rich and complex history, and its views on the filioque clause are just one aspect of its theology.

Introduction

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the preschismatic Latin saints and the filioque clause.

Q: What is the filioque clause?

A: The filioque clause is a phrase that was added to the Nicene Creed in the 6th century. It states that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. This clause was not originally part of the Creed and was a source of division between the Eastern and Western churches.

Q: Who were the preschismatic Latin saints?

A: The preschismatic Latin saints were influential figures in the early Church, including St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Leo the Great. They were known for their theological writings and their contributions to the development of Christian doctrine.

Q: What did St. Augustine think about the filioque clause?

A: According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Augustine did not explicitly support the filioque clause. In fact, in his early writings, he seems to have been more in line with the Eastern Orthodox view, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. However, in his later writings, he appears to have been influenced by the Western tradition and began to support the filioque clause.

Q: What did St. Ambrose think about the filioque clause?

A: According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Ambrose did not explicitly support the filioque clause. In fact, in his writings, he seems to have been more in line with the Eastern Orthodox view, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. However, some of his later writings may suggest that he was influenced by the Western tradition and began to support the filioque clause.

Q: What did St. Leo the Great think about the filioque clause?

A: According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Leo the Great was a strong supporter of the filioque clause and saw it as a way to clarify the relationship between the Father and the Son. However, the Eastern Orthodox Church also notes that St. Leo the Great's views on the filioque clause were not universally accepted in the early Church.

Q: Why is the filioque clause a source of division between the Eastern and Western churches?

A: The filioque clause is a source of division between the Eastern and Western churches because it was not originally part of the Creed and was added by the Western churches without the consent of the Eastern churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church sees the filioque clause as a departure from the original form of the Creed and a source of division between the Eastern and Western churches.

Q: What is the significance of the preschismatic Latin saints?

A: The preschismatic Latin saints, such as St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Leo the Great, were influential figures in the early Church. Their writings and teachings had a profound impact on the development of Christian doctrine. However, when it comes to the filioque clause, the Eastern Orthodox Church has a complex and nuanced understanding of their views.

Q: What can I do to learn more about the preschismatic Latin saints and the filioque clause?

A: There are several resources available for those interested in learning more about the preschismatic Latin saints and the filioque clause. Some recommended texts include:

The Nicene Creed: A History and an Explanation by John H. Erickson
The Filioque Clause: A Study in the History of Doctrine by John Meyendorff
The Eastern Orthodox Church: A History and a Theology by John H. Erickson

These texts provide a comprehensive overview of the history and theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church, including its views on the filioque clause.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the preschismatic Latin saints and the filioque clause. We hope that this information has been helpful and informative.