The Rise and Spread of Arian Christianity Among the Goths

In the tumultuous landscape of fourth-century Europe, a significant religious transformation occurred as Gothic tribes embraced Arian Christianity, a decision that would profoundly influence the religious and political dynamics of the late Roman Empire and early medieval period.

Origins of Arianism: Arius and His Theological Position

An imagined portrait of Arius. Detail of a Cretan School icon, c. 1591, depicting the First Council of Nicaea (Photo: Michael Damaskinos)

The theological controversy that would eventually reach the Gothic peoples began in Alexandria around 318 CE with a priest named Arius. He proposed a radical interpretation of Christian doctrine, asserting that Jesus Christ, while divine, was created by and therefore subordinate to God the Father. This challenged the emerging orthodox position that Father and Son were of the same substance (homoousios) and coeternal.

Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE to address this theological dispute. Despite the council's condemnation of Arianism, the controversy persisted. In the decades following Nicaea, Arian Christianity gained significant support among various populations, particularly in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Gothic Encounter with Christianity

Before their conversion to Christianity, the Gothic peoples - heeding from Gotland, Scandinavia - practiced a complex polytheistic religion which was shared amongst majority of the Germanic peoples. Their belief system incorporated nature worship and warrior culture, with deities corresponding to natural phenomena and martial virtues.

The Goths' first meaningful encounters with Christianity occurred during their raids into Roman territory in the third century. These initial contacts, however, were sporadic and did not lead to immediate large-scale conversion.

Ulfilas and the Gothic Conversion

Ulfila teaching the Gospels to the Goths

The pivotal figure in the Gothic conversion to Arian Christianity was Ulfilas (311-383 CE), often called the "Apostle to the Goths." Born to a Cappadocian Christian family held captive by the Goths, Ulfilas was consecrated as a bishop by Eusebius of Nicomedia, a prominent Arian leader, in 341 CE.

Ulfilas's most significant contribution was his translation of the Bible into Gothic, creating the first written form of a Germanic language. This monumental achievement required him to devise a Gothic alphabet, combining Greek, Latin, and Runic characters. The translation excluded the Books of Kings, as Ulfilas feared these texts might further inflame the Goths' martial tendencies.

Spread of Arianism Among Gothic Tribes

The adoption of Arian Christianity by the Goths had far-reaching political consequences. When they later entered Roman territory as foederati (allied peoples), their Arian faith distinguished them from the Nicene Christian Romans, creating both a religious and cultural barrier that would persist for generations.

The Goths adapted Arian Christianity to their cultural framework, maintaining large aspects of their traditional social structure while incorporating Christian theology and practice. Their churches developed distinct liturgical traditions, though evidence of these practices remains limited.

Legacy and Historical Impact

The Gothic embrace of Arianism significantly shaped the religious landscape of early medieval Europe. As Gothic kingdoms established themselves in former Roman territories, particularly in Spain and Italy, they maintained their Arian faith, creating complex relationships with their Nicene Christian subjects.

The religious difference between Arian Goths and Nicene Romans often exacerbated political tensions. This division particularly affected the Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy and the Visigothic kingdom in Spain, until the Visigoths finally converted to Nicene Christianity under King Reccared in 589 CE.

History of the Goths - Herwig Wolfram

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.      Why did the Goths choose Arianism over Nicene Christianity?

The timing of Gothic conversion coincided with strong Arian influence in the Eastern Roman Empire, and Ulfilas, their primary missionary, was himself Arian.

2.      How long did the Goths remain Arian?

Most Gothic tribes remained Arian until the late 6th century, with the Visigoths converting to Nicene Christianity in 589 CE.

3.      What was the main difference between Arian and Nicene Christianity?

Arians believed Christ was created by and subordinate to God the Father, while Nicene Christians believed Father and Son were of the same substance and coeternal.

4.      Did all Gothic tribes convert to Arianism?

While most major Gothic groups adopted Arianism, some smaller tribes either remained pagan or converted directly to Nicene Christianity.

5.      What impact did Gothic Arianism have on medieval Europe?

Gothic Arianism created religious tensions in post-Roman kingdoms and influenced political relationships between Gothic rulers and their Roman subjects.

References

Brown, Peter. "The Rise of Western Christendom." Blackwell Publishing, 2003.

Heather, Peter. "The Goths." Blackwell Publishers, 1996.

Mathisen, Ralph W. "Roman Aristocrats in Barbarian Gaul." University of Texas Press, 1993.

Thompson, E.A. "The Visigoths in the Time of Ulfilas." Oxford University Press, 1966.

Wolfram, Herwig. "History of the Goths." University of California Press, 1988.