The Filioque clause, Latin for “and the Son,” is a phrase inserted into the Nicene Creed that has been a major point of contention between the Eastern and Western Christian churches for centuries. It speaks to the procession of the Holy Spirit, stating that the Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, rather than from the Father alone. This seemingly small addition has had profound implications for the understanding of the Trinity and the relationship between the Eastern and Western churches.
Understanding the Clause Itself
To grasp the significance of the Filioque, it’s crucial to understand the doctrine of the Trinity. The Trinity is the Christian belief that God is one being in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are distinct yet united, sharing the same divine essence.
The Filioque clause specifically addresses the procession of the Holy Spirit. “Procession” refers to the way in which the Holy Spirit originates or is derived within the Trinity. The original Nicene Creed, as finalized in 381 AD, stated that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father.” The Filioque clause adds “and the Son” to this statement, asserting that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.
This addition has significant theological implications. It suggests a closer relationship between the Son and the Holy Spirit, implying that the Son plays a role in the Spirit’s existence. This view is supported by Western theologians who cite scriptural passages such as John 15:26 (“the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father”) and Galatians 4:6 (“the Spirit of his Son”) to justify their interpretation.
Eastern Objections
The Eastern Church, primarily the Eastern Orthodox Church, strongly objects to the Filioque for several reasons:
- Theological Concerns: Eastern theologians argue that the Filioque disrupts the balance of the Trinity, potentially subordinating the Holy Spirit to the Son. They emphasize the Father as the sole source (Greek: arche) of the Trinity. They believe that the Son is begotten by the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. This, they argue, maintains the monarchy of the Father within the Trinity.
- Canonical Concerns: The Eastern Church points to the Nicene Creed as finalized at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, which did not include the Filioque. They argue that adding to or subtracting from the Creed, which was established by ecumenical councils, is forbidden and a violation of Church tradition. They cite Canon 7 of the Council of Ephesus (431 AD), which forbade composing “another Faith” or making alterations to the Nicene Creed.
- Historical Concerns: The East views the addition of the Filioque as a unilateral action by the Western Church, without consultation with the East, further contributing to the growing divide between the two.
Western Reasons
The Western Church, primarily the Roman Catholic Church, defends the Filioque for several reasons:
- Theological Reasons: Western theologians argue that the Filioque safeguards the full divinity of the Son. They believe that if the Spirit did not proceed from the Son as well, it would imply a deficiency in the Son’s nature. They cite scriptural passages, such as John 15:26 (“the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father”) and Galatians 4:6 (“the Spirit of his Son”), to support their view. They interpret these passages as indicating a relationship between the Son and the Spirit in the Spirit’s procession.
- Combating Arianism: Historically, the Filioque was promoted in the West, particularly in Spain, to combat Arianism, a heresy that denied the full divinity of Christ. By emphasizing the Son’s role in the procession of the Spirit, the Western Church aimed to affirm the Son’s equality with the Father.
- Clarification and Emphasis: The West argues that the Filioque is not an addition that changes the fundamental faith but rather a clarification that makes explicit what is already implicit in the Creed, emphasizing the unity of the Trinity.
The Split and Efforts at Reconciliation
The Filioque controversy was one of the major factors that led to the East-West Schism in 1054 AD, which formally divided the Christian Church into the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. While other issues, such as papal authority, also contributed to the schism, the Filioque became a symbol of the theological and cultural differences that had developed between East and West.
In recent decades, there have been significant efforts to reconcile the differences between the Eastern and Western Churches, including discussions on the Filioque.
- Joint Theological Commissions: The Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church has dedicated considerable attention to the Filioque. In 1995, the Commission produced a document known as the “Common Understanding,” which attempted to find common ground on the doctrine of the Trinity and the procession of the Holy Spirit.
- Emphasis on Shared Faith: Both Churches have emphasized their shared faith in the Nicene Creed and the core doctrines of Christianity. They have acknowledged that the Filioque controversy is primarily a theological difference in emphasis and expression rather than a fundamental difference in belief.
- Reconsidering the Filioque’s Necessity: Some Western theologians have suggested that while the Filioque may be theologically defensible, it may not be necessary to include it in the Creed, especially in ecumenical contexts with the Eastern Church. This view suggests that removing the Filioque could be a way to heal the schism without compromising core doctrines.
While the Filioque remains a complex and sensitive issue, the ongoing dialogue and efforts at reconciliation between the Eastern and Western Churches offer hope for eventual healing and reunion.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post