Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Catholic
History and Religion
Clericalism, And The Canons Of II Nicea

Clericalism, And The Canons Of II Nicea

Last updated on: October 13, 2024 at 2:25 am by Henry Karlson

0 Comments

Clericalism, And The Canons Of II Nicea 2024-10-13T02:25:42-05:00 Henry Karlson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Novodevichy Convent, Moscow: Detail Of 17th Century Icon Of II Nicea / Picryl

What people most often remember about ecumenical councils, if anything, are the dogmatic questions and debates which preceded them, and the authoritative responses the councils gave to those debates. Sadly, many do not know how to read the conciliar responses; they interpret them in a very literalistic fashion, thinking the letter of the text, as they interpret it long after the text was written, exhausts the meaning intended by the text itself, despite the fact that those involved in establishing those decrees, or those who in the immediate aftermath of a particular council wrote to explain and defend the conciliar decision, said otherwise. For the dogmatic decrees are meant to point to the truth, and as such, serve as conventions which help us apprehend it, but because they are written using human speech, it was generally agreed that the decrees could not serve as a comprehensive and exhaustive presentation of it. The point of the decree is more important than the words chosen because words can and do change meaning over time, which is why we must not feel as if we must enforce the world choices given at particular councils, but rather, the intention behind the words themselves, for if we did not, we would find ourselves in a bind as we try to understand the Council of Nicea, and its use of hypostasis, with other councils which use hypostasis in a radically different fashion. The most important element of the dogmatic definition is what is meant by the definition, not the word choice itself, though of course, understanding the meaning of particular words at the time in which the councils were convened will help us understand the meaning intended by those councils.

When the seventh ecumenical council (II Nicea) was convened, there was a debate going on as to whether or not Christians could (or were expected) to use holy images (icons, but also statues) in their worship, and the answer given by the council was a resounding yes. While this dogmatic concern is important, and, unlike many discussed at various councils, has an obvious practical application, we must not think the only thing done at II Nicea, or other ecumenical councils, was to promulgate some dogmatic decree. They were also concerned about how the church should be governed, and how to stamp out abuse when it was found in the church. To deal with those concerns, they created canons or ecclesiastical laws, which they hoped would set up the discipline the church needed to keep true to its mission. Through such canonical decrees, the church showed its ability to be flexible, to modify and change its rules when some proved to be no longer helpful, or worse, were capable of being abused, causing great confusion to the faithful. This is why we find some canons established at ecumenical councils have remained active and valid ever since they were promulgated, but others could and would be rescinded, which is why we must not assume a canon established at a particular ecumenical council remains in effect today.

Perhaps some of the most important canons from the councils are those which deal with the hierarchical structure of the church, explaining the various positions found in the hierarchy, who can hold such positions, and what is expected from those who do. When we study them, we can learn things, such as that women were ordained as deacons (as Chalcedon tells us). We can also learn how, over time, such hierarchical positions changed their function in society over time; at one time, many did not seek them out, but over time, many desired them because they saw the power they can wield by possessing them. This explains the rise of clericalism in the church, a problem which many canons at ecumenical councils tried to fix. Sadly, most solutions do not work for long. Either, the situation, and the kind of abuses, changes, or the canons themselves, while not being rescinded, slowly are ignored. This is why there is the need for constant reform in the church, with a specific focus of such reform to engage the threat of clericalism, and the many, devious ways it establishes itself in the church. We can see examples of this happening at II Nicea. For example, we can see it telling bishops they are not to take bribes (Canon 4), even as priests and bishops are told, via Canon 16, that they should glorify themselves with costly clothing, something which many priests, due to their new station in society:

All buffoonery and decking of the body ill becomes the priestly rank. Therefore those bishops and clerics who array themselves in gay and showy clothing ought to correct themselves, and if they do not amend they ought to be subjected to punishment. So likewise they who anoint themselves with perfumes. When the root of bitterness sprang up, there was poured into the Catholic Church the pollution of the heresy of the traducers of the Christians. And such as were defiled by it, not only detested the pictured images, but also set at naught all decorum, being exceedingly mad against those who lived gravely and religiously; so that in them was fulfilled that which is written, The service of God is abominable to the sinner. If therefore, any are found deriding those who are clad in poor and grave raiment, let them be corrected by punishment. For from early times every man in holy orders wore modest and grave clothing; and verily whatever is worn, not so much because of necessity, as for the sake of outward show, savours of dandyism, as says Basil the Great. Nor did anyone array himself in raiment embroidered with silk, nor put many colored ornaments on the border of his garments; for they had heard from the lips of God that “They that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.”[1]

Sadly, the spirit behind this canon seems to have been lost over time, especially after the renaissance, as we have seen the way many priests and bishops love to present themselves all decked out, hoping people will be in awe of them because of what they wear, and the authority it suggests, and not because of their character. This is especially true in regards the liturgical vestments some like to wear, vestments which are costly and larger than life, so that many people become enchanted by externals instead of the glory of Christ which transcends all externals. Similarly, Canon 10 of II Nicea dealt with the way some priests would like to move around from jurisdiction to jurisdiction for their own private interests:

Since certain of the clergy, misinterpreting the canonical constitutions, leave their own diocese and run into other dioceses, especially into this God-protected royal city, and take up their abode with princes, celebrating liturgies in their oratories, it is not permitted to receive such persons into any house or church without the license of their own Bishop and also that of the Bishop of Constantinople. And if any clerk shall do this without such license, and shall so continue, let him be deposed. With regard to those who have done this with the knowledge of the aforesaid Bishops, it is not lawful for them to undertake mundane and secular responsibilities, since this is forbidden by the sacred canons. And if anyone is discovered holding the office of those who are called Meizoteroi; let him either lay it down, or be deposed from the priesthood. Let him rather be the instructor of the children and others of the household, reading to them the Divine Scriptures, for to this end he received the priesthood.[2]

The spirit of the canons are important, because, even if the canons themselves are no longer followed, the principle which led to their establishment remains. Today, with the way many famous internet priests preside, not in the diocese of the bishop who ordained them, but elsewhere, acting almost as if they are independent from all authority, have caused great confusion to the laity, as they speak without having any authority to correct them. So, while there might be reasons for priests to be shared between dioceses, explaining why modification of canon law was necessary, the spirit behind this canon is important, as it works to undermine prideful priests who seek their own personal glory. Such priests are actively circumventing the spirit of the canons of the church. They should listen to the author of the book of Hebrews, who wrote: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7 RSV). While they might like to claim to be an authority, due to the ordination, and tells everyone to follow them, the reality is they do not possess such authority, and they should listen to their own authority, their bishop, even as they should look to the example of the saints of old and imitate the saints in their humility and resistance to clericalism.

The ecumenical councils give to us much more than dogmatic declarations as they give us a sense of the way the church should be guided; priests and bishops and others with positions of authority in the church, should not abuse their authority, nor seek to use it to prop themselves up in the public, to gain, that is, earthly glory thanks to their ecclesiastical position. For, if and when they use their authority their own personal benefit, they undermine the authority which has been given to them, for that authority is not for their own benefit, but rather, given to them so that they can better serve others out of love. Sadly, as church history shows, the church constantly finds itself having to deal with this problem again and again and again; let us look to and learn from the past, not expecting everything to remain the same, but to confirm to the spirit of the canons of old and use it to combat clericalism wherever it might arise. This way, the church can reform itself, and in its reform, it will be far more capable of fulfilling its role in the world.

[1] NPNF2(14):566.

[2] NPNF2(14):552.

Stay in touch! Like A Little Bit of Nothing on Facebook.
If you liked what you read, please consider sharing it with your friends and family!

N.B.: While I read comments to moderate them, I rarely respond to them. If I don’t respond to your comment directly, don’t assume I am unthankful for it. I appreciate it. But I want readers to feel free to ask questions, and hopefully, dialogue with each other. I have shared what I wanted to say, though some responses will get a brief reply by me, or, if I find it interesting and something I can engage fully, as the foundation for another post. I have had many posts inspired or improved upon thanks to my readers.

General Christian

History and Religion

Seventh Ecumenical Council

Previous Post

October 11, 2024

Freedom, Kenosis, And Love

Next Post

October 15, 2024 PRS* XXII Politics

Recent Comments

0 | Leave a Comment

"Gosh, did that hit the spot. I have been having great anxiety lately. And I ..."

Mark Wilson

Rejecting Doom: Christian Hope And Human ..."

"Justice and peace are two sides of the same coin. Where there is justice, there ..."

Dr.Cajetan Coelho

Justice First, Charity Beyond It: Serving ..."

"Thank you for your very, very powerful and very, very insightful analysis of the relationship ..."

alwayspuzzled

Justice First, Charity Beyond It: Serving ..."

"Given the amount of lethal malevolence that has prevailed in human history for the past ..."

alwayspuzzled

We Must Value Our Health

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Abortion Abraham abuse Aesthetics AI Aliens Ambrose Ancestors and Everything Andrew Angels Animals Anne Anthony Antisemitism apologetics Apophatic Apostle John Aquinas Artificial Intelligence Asanga Ascension Asceticism Assumption Atheism Attachment Augustine Authority Avarice Balthasar Baptism Beauty Biden birthright citizenship Bishops Black History Books Buddhism Bulgakov Byzantine Calendar C.S. Lewis Calcidius Catholic Catholicism Catholicism Celibacy Charity Chastity children Chrismation Christ Christmas Christology Church Climate Change Common Good Communion Confession Confirmation Conscience Constantine conventions conversion councils Covid Creation Cross Dead Death Death Penalty Debate Deception Demagogues Demons Desert Monks Desert Mothers Desire destruction development Dialogue Dignity Dionsyius Dionysius Discipline Diversity Division Doctor Who doctrine dogma Dormition Dualism Easter Easter Series Ecumenical Councils Ecumenism Education Election Empathy Environment Error Eschatology eschaton Eternity Ethics Eucharist Evangelism Eve Evil evolution Faeries Faith Fear femininity Ficino Florence Florensky Folktale Fools Forgiveness Freedom Future gender Gentile Gentiles Glory Gnostic God gods Good Samaritan Goodness Gospel Government Grace Great Fast Guns Hate healing Health Heaven Hell Hellenism Heresy Hierarchy Hildegard Hinduism History Holiness Holy Spirit Holy Week Hope Horror Human rights humanity Humility hypocrisy ICE icon icons Identification Identity Idol II Nicea Immigration incarnation Individualism Informal Reflections Inklings Intention Inter-Religious Interfaith Internet Interpretation Intrinsic evil Irenaeus Islam Israel Jacob Jerome Jesus Jews John Chrysostom John of Damascus John the Baptist Joseph Judaism justice Justification kenosis Kindnesss Kingdom of God Kingdom of Heaven Law Law of Moses Lazarus Leaf by Niggle Lent Lenten Reflection Liberation Theology Lies Life Listen Literature Liturgy locutions Logic Logos Love Marriage Martyrs Mary Mass Maximos The Confessor Meanness Meditation Mercy Middle Path Migrants Mind Miracles Miriam Morals Moses Movies Music Muslims Myths Names Nationalism Native Americans New Year Nicea Nicholas Nothing Novatian Obedience Occam's Razor Ordination Origen Original Sin Orthodox orthopraxis Pagans Palamas Palm Sunday Paradise Paschaltide Paul Peace Pentecost person Peter piety PKD Plato pluralism Plurality Poem Poetry Poiltics Politics Poor Pope Pope Francis Pope Leo XIV Post Office Prayer Pride Pro-life Prodigal Son propaganda Prophecy Prophets Providence Putin Racism Reading Reason Reflection Refugees Relationships Religion Religion Series Religious Liberty Repent Republicans Rest Resurrection Rich Rites Russia Sacraments Saints Salvation Salvian Santa Science Scripture Self-Giving Sexuality Sibyl Sick Silence Sin Singlehood Social Justice Society Sodom Solovyov Speculations Spiritual Reflection St. Cyril of Alexandria St. Justin Martyr Suffering Sunday of the Paralytic Man Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Superhero Supreme Court Teaching Technology Thanksgiving The Father the Universe Theological Reflection Theology Theosis Theotokos Thomas Timaeus Time Tolerenace Tolkien Tradition Transfiguration Trinity Trump Truth Uncategorized Unity Universities USCCB Value Vatican II Vegetarian Vices Violence Virtue Vocations War Water Welcome Wisdom Womanhood Women Work World View Worship Writing Zacchaeus

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz