Books The Filioque: History of a Doctrinal Controversy (Oxford Studies in Historical Theology) 1st Edition by A. Edward Siecienski (Author)

The book "The Filioque: History of a Doctrinal Controversy" by A. Edward Siecienski offers a detailed historical and theological examination of the Filioque clause, a Latin term meaning "and the Son," which was added to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church in the Middle Ages. This addition, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, became one of the major causes of division between the Eastern Orthodox and Western (Roman Catholic) churches.

The controversy centers on differing understandings of the procession of the Holy Spirit. The Western Church embraced the doctrine of the double procession—meaning the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son—while the Eastern Church emphasizes procession from the Father alone as stated in the original Creed.

The Filioque clause was introduced gradually, becoming firmly established in the Western Church by the 11th century, whereas the Eastern churches rejected it as a theological error and an unapproved alteration of a foundational document.

Siecienski's work analyzes:

The historical origins and development of the Filioque controversy.

The theological implications regarding the nature of the Trinity and the relationships among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

How the clause contributed significantly to the East-West Schism of 1054.

The ongoing dialogue and debates within Christian theology concerning the clause.