Foundations of Social Order

     "I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible."

     This phrase is probably very familiar to many of us. 

Perhaps you read it regularly in your church. This is the opening affirmation of the Nicene creed. The Nicene Creed was penned at the council of Nicea in 325 A.D. The council was called to decide the theological conflict between orthodox, trinitarian Christianity, which held that Christ was "one essence" with God; and semi-arianism, which held that Christ was of "like essence" with God. The Nicene creed is a summary of the council's conclusion. While the Nicene creed, as well as the Apostle's Creed are the most well known and widely used creeds; there were many creeds and councils in early church history.

     The Foundations of Social Order by R. J. Rushdoony walks the reader through the ecumenical councils of the early church. Starting with the Apostles Creed on to the 3rd Council of Constantinople, Rushdoony explains the battles the early church fathers waged against the errors which threatened to destroy the historical, apostolic faith. From the earliest days of the church, Greek humanism  found inroads into the church through corrupt heterodox leaders. Yet the true "most holy" faith prevailed by the providential power of God and the faithful labors of godly men, "taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ".  God used these early councils to establish "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" . This book is a readable and is very helpful in understanding early church history.