2
theology. Regional traditions became strong. In this way, each Christian center developed its own
brand of the trinitarian theology.
One assumption upon which this paper depends is that regional influences stem from
centers, which are represented in cities that produce a legacy of learning and teaching. Cities, such as
Irenaeus`s Lyons, and Eusebius`s Nicomedia, that did not produce a series of influential thinkers or
establish of catechetical schools do not fall into the definition of an important Christian center.
2
According to W. H. C. Frend, Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, and Carthage were already the leading
sees in Christendom in the first quarter of the third century.
3
Therefore, Rome, Carthage, Antioch,
and Alexandria will serve as stops along the road to Nicea.
4
The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of the doctrine of the Trinity
within each of the major Christian centers, observing the regional variations in order to see if
geography played a role in its development. During this period, the empire was essentially divided
into two halves: the Latin West and the Greek East. This division allowed each to develop their own
answers to the Christological question.
5
In order to incorporate this cultural division into the
research, this paper is divided into two parts, the West and the East. The paper unfolds as a journey.
We travel from one major Christian center to another encounter the important figures of each city,
their ideologies, and how they influenced the overall progression toward Nicea.
2
W.H.C. Frend, The Rise of Christianity (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985), 284; New Advent,
Nicomedia, on-line encyclopedia, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ 11070a.htm; accessed
March 22, 2005.
3
Frend, The Rise of Christianity, 284.
4
Ibid., 285-86.
5
W.H.C. Frend, The Early Church (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1991), 75-6.