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Introduction: A Ghost Haunting History
In the 4th century, the Church faced one of its most devastating crises: Arianism. This heresy not only questioned the divinity of Christ but also divided bishops, confused the faithful, and tested the loyalty of true Catholics. St. Jerome bitterly wrote: “The world groaned and was amazed to find itself Arian.” That doctrinal crisis was not a mere passing error but a spiritual earthquake whose aftershocks reach us even today. Today, as then, many voices inside and outside the Church question the essentials of our faith. The similarities are disturbing, and the parallels, alarming.
This article does not merely seek to recount an ancient story, but to build a bridge between that storm of the fourth century and the confusion of our time. Because if we forget the past, we are doomed to repeat it. But if we remember it in the light of faith, we can find guidance, courage, and clarity to live as authentic Christians in a world that, as in the past, trembles in what is essential.
I. What Was the Arian Crisis?
1. The Historical Context
The heresy of Arianism is named after Arius, a priest of Alexandria who, at the beginning of the fourth century, began teaching that Jesus Christ was not truly God, but a created being—created by the Father before time began. According to him, Christ was “the first of the created,” but not consubstantial with the Father. This doctrine denied the full divinity of the Son and, with it, destroyed the very foundation of Christianity.
The controversy erupted in a tumultuous time. Emperor Constantine had legalized Christianity, but the unity of the Church was still fragile. To resolve the conflict, he convened the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. There, the bishops solemnly defined that the Son is “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.”
But the story did not end there. Although condemned by the Council, Arianism spread forcefully thanks to the support of several emperors and prelates. For decades, many bishops were persecuted for remaining faithful to Nicaea, while the Arians occupied episcopal sees and imposed their doctrine through threats and violence. The doctrinal and pastoral confusion was such that many faithful did not know whom to trust.
II. Alarming Parallels with Our Time
1. Doctrinal Confusion
Today, as then, many fundamental teachings of the faith are being relativized. A Christ is preached who is more a “human role model” than “true God.” A gospel adapted to the world is proclaimed, and the call to conversion, repentance, and faith is blurred. A “mercy” disconnected from truth is promoted, and a pastoral approach is adopted that lacks doctrinal substance.
In some homilies and documents, sin is avoided, the need for grace is downplayed, the absolute divinity of Christ is softened, and the existence of hell is rarely mentioned. Just as the Arians reduced Christ to a morally exemplary creature, today many turn Him into a social leader or a “spiritual influencer,” but not the eternal Son of the Father.
“Many false prophets will arise and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).
2. The Silence of Many Shepherds
During the Arian crisis, the majority of bishops remained silent or aligned themselves with the powerful. St. Athanasius, the great defender of Christ’s divinity, was exiled five times. Today, many shepherds also remain silent in the face of error, avoid taking clear stances, and fear being labeled as “rigid.” A false “spirit of dialogue” is invoked that paralyzes apostolic zeal.
Fidelity comes at a cost. Then as now, those who defend the faith are marginalized, labeled, and persecuted. But also as then, the truth will prevail.
III. Theological Relevance: Why Is the Divinity of Christ Crucial?
To deny the divinity of Christ, as Arius did, or to relativize it, as is done today, is to dynamite the entire edifice of Christianity. If Christ is not true God, He cannot save us. If He is not consubstantial with the Father, He cannot reconcile us with Him. If He is only a man, His cross is a tragedy, not a redemption.
The Catholic faith teaches that Jesus Christ is one divine Person with two natures: divine and human. He is not a demigod or an exceptional man. He is the eternal Word made flesh (cf. John 1:14). To deny this is to fall into the same abyss as the Arians.
“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).
IV. Practical Applications: What Can We Do Today?
1. Be Formed in the Faith
Ignorance is fertile ground for heresy. Now more than ever, lay people must know their faith. Read the Catechism, study the Fathers of the Church, read Scripture faithfully in the light of the Magisterium. Formation is not a luxury: it is a necessity to survive spiritually amid confusion.
Recommendation: Dedicate at least 15 minutes a day to reading formative texts. Start with the daily Gospel, the Catechism, and a Church Father such as St. Athanasius or St. Augustine.
2. Live with Coherence
To believe that Christ is God demands living as if He were truly the center. It is not enough to know the truth: we must love it, live it, and bear witness to it. Faith is strengthened in daily life: in the family, at work, in our decisions.
Exercise: Each day, ask yourself: Am I living like someone who believes that Jesus is God and Lord of my life?
3. Pray with Faith
The soul without prayer is like a city without defenses. Only intimacy with Christ gives us light and strength. Pray the Rosary, go to Eucharistic adoration, speak with Jesus as with a Friend, but also as with your God and Savior.
“Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).
4. Be Courageous Witnesses
Today we need Christians who, like Athanasius, are not afraid to go against the tide. Who speak with charity but without ambiguity. Who do not yield to doctrinal fashions or worldly pressures.
Commitment: Defend your faith with humility but without fear. In conversations, social media, groups… Do not be afraid to seem “old-fashioned” if you are on the side of the truth.
V. A Theological and Pastoral Guide to Navigate These Times
| Area | What to Do | Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Doctrinal | Study the faith in depth | Catechism of the Catholic Church |
| Liturgical | Participate in Holy Mass with reverence | “Do this in memory of me” (Lk 22:19) |
| Moral | Live according to the commandments | “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15) |
| Spiritual | Pray daily and frequent the sacraments | Full sacramental life |
| Community | Join groups faithful to Catholic doctrine | Church as the Body of Christ |
| Evangelizing | Bear witness without ambiguity | “Go and make disciples” (Mt 28:19) |
Conclusion: “The Truth Is Non-Negotiable”
The Arian crisis was a time of great confusion and suffering, but also of heroic holiness. Today, God is calling us to be the Athanasiuses of our time. Not to give in to ambiguity. To defend the truth of Christ, true God and Savior of the world, with love and firmness.
We are not alone. The same Spirit who sustained the Church then sustains it now. But He needs courageous hearts, clear minds, and knees bent in prayer. The victory is already assured, but the battle is still being fought.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings” (Hebrews 13:8–9).
Are you willing to be a lighthouse in the fog? Then begin today. Know Him. Love Him. Follow Him. Because Christ is not an idea: He is the living God.
