Das Konzil von Aachen 809 (review)
Thomas F. X. Noble
Das Konzil von Aachen 809. Edited by Harald Willjung. [Monuments Germaniae Histories: Concilia,Tomus II,Supplementum II.] (Hannover: Hahnsche Buchhandlung. 1998. Pp. xxv, 446.) Three times in twenty-some years the Carolingians became involved major doctrinal controversies: They disagreed with pope and Byzantines over reception of Second Council Nicaea 787 on veneration to be accorded images; they agreed but several Spanish theologians adoptive status Jesus Christ as Son God; once again problem procession Holy Spirit. The fundamental text for first these problems, Opus Caroli regis contra synodum has been recently superbly edited MGH Ann Freeman. texts pertaining adoptionist struggle could probably use a new look, are nevertheless available serviceable editions. bearing filioque quarrel 809 have until now deplorable state; indeed Willjung's impressive edition demonstrates just how deplorable. In some Frankish monks Mount Olives near Jerusalem were called heretics nearby Byzantine monastery St. Saba because singing creed used word filioque. There problems here. First, earliest creeds did not (or any variation it) there was long-standing tradition that changed way. Second, generally held doctrine Spirit proceeded from Father whereas West idea had slowly gained ground (filioque) Son. Already late antiquity various places West, Spain thought, inserted into creed. This almost certainly case world since sixth century. Third, second half eighth century, world, it common chant liturgy; elsewhere previously this rarely done, distinction later usage. Thus practice which took exception one emerged put display so speak, both theological discrepancy between East versions Nicaeno-Constantinopolitan symbolum fidei. wrote Pope Leo III complain about charge heresy lodged against them say chanted heard Charlemagne's chapel. referred matter Franks. Charlemagne, ever solicitous orthodoxy uniformity, decided call council. To prepare council, he asked significant study submit dossiers. Those dossiers were, all probability; sent court mid- then persons at studied them. When announced council actually met November 809, dossier supplied Am Salzburg taken base document preparation decree. …
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