Prominent Asian theologian J. Jayakiran Sebastian calls for reinvigoration of the Nicene Creed to “revisit, re-energise, and revitalise” the Creed as a vision of enduring faith and a path towards unity

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: In the keynote address delivered at the first thematic plenary session of the Tenth Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS-X), prominent Asian theologian Rev. Prof. Dr J. Jayakiran Sebastian posed the question: “Can we just shrug our shoulders and ‘move on’ or should we put our shoulders to the wheel of Nicaea, play our own part in continuing to unpack those long-ago events and disputes, and offer our own perceptive and particular contributions to scholarship, not all of which is abstract but basic to our Asian understanding of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church?”

Dr Sebastian, a distinguished theologian who has closely followed patristic studies for years and currently serves as a Professor of Mission and Cultures at the United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia, USA, focused on the theme for CATS-X "Echoes of Nicaea: Enduring Faith and Embracing Unity", and wove connections between ancient theological insights and the pressing realities and challenges faced by Christianity in Asia today.

Addressing the critical question of "Why should Asian theologians wrestle with the Council of Nicaea?", he highlighted the need to revisit early theological developments to strengthen and unify the Christian witness through an approach that not only transcends historical analysis but also emphasises the Nicene Council's relevance for Asia’s pluralistic societies.

“A study of church history in Asia today demands that we, as Asian theologians, join together to re-read the history of the church, the history of colonisation, which has included the colonisation of our imagination, and we need to break free from that,” stressed Dr Sebastian.

He underscored the relevance of the past in addressing current challenges, urging the audience to consider “reaching back in order to move forward”. He argued that "representing or enlivening the past and problematising the present" could help shape a more inclusive future.

The historical Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed, though originating 1700 years ago, continue to resonate with contemporary debates surrounding the role of doctrine and the interaction between faith and political power—a dynamic that Dr Sebastian noted remains pertinent today. He highlighted how the fourth century marked a moment in ecclesiastical history when the context and community of Christian faith were radically changed after a Roman Emperor adopted its beliefs. Reflecting on these transformations, he urged Asian Christians to consider whether they had implicitly accepted a “narrative of the winners” in Christian history.

Dr Sebastian emphasised that many Asian churches possess distinct theological approaches compared to Nicaea and subsequent councils, underscoring the need for ecumenical dialogues that appreciate Asia’s unique theological perspectives. A long-term theological educator who has served in his native country, India, for several years, and has been researching and teaching in Europe and North America, Dr Sebastian noted, “These ancient debates are not far removed from our current work; they inform our understanding of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit as Asian Christians.”

He also stressed the importance of linguistic and cultural relevance in theological discourse. He reflected on how the Greek-based Nicene Creed was shaped by its original context but has since travelled through centuries and across cultures. This journey, he suggested, demands reflection from Asian theologians on whether “the Nicene Creed must remain Greek” or if it should evolve to embrace the nuances of Asian languages and cultural metaphors.

He highlighted that, like Emperor Constantine's efforts to address divisions within the church, today’s theologians in Asia face the challenge of translating foundational creedal beliefs into languages and perspectives that resonate across diverse communities. Drawing upon his personal heritage, Dr Sebastian explored the term "Homoousion tō Patri" and its contextual translation into Kannada, an ancient Indian language, revealing how words carry deep philosophical and cultural connotations specific to each region. This exploration underscored the Creed’s potential for reinterpretation through regional languages to better connect with local communities.

Dr Sebastian examined the role of the Nicene Creed in shaping ecumenical dialogue, urging that its themes of unity and faith serve as the foundation for cross-denominational collaboration. He noted that the inclusion of Mary within the Creed provides a framework for addressing gender inequality in the church, recognising the centrality of all people—especially women—in the fabric of faith.

His address called for the reinvigoration of the Nicene Creed within Asia, urging communities to “revisit, re-energise, and revitalise” the Creed as a vision of enduring faith and a path toward unity. By embracing this call, Asian churches can strengthen their theological foundations while addressing the evolving needs of their communities, fostering a shared future of compassion and inclusivity.

Dr Sebastian concluded with a vision of unity that draws from Asia’s unique cultural and historical contexts, affirming that the echoes of Nicaea resonate deeply within the continent’s vibrant and diverse landscapes. He affirmed Nicaea not as a historical relic but as a "dynamic end" that calls for the revitalisation of faith. He stated, “Together, we can use our histories, our theologies, our liturgies, and our ecclesial structures of human ingenuity, and by embracing diversity, offer our fragmented selves to the ‘perfect completeness of God’ in anticipation of the world to come.”