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1990-07-01
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325 AD
A Simulation Game
Software Sharing Ministries
2020 North Fremont Street
Tacoma, Washington 98406
206-756-7980
Jesus Christ Jesus Christ
Who are you? What have you sacrificed?
Jesus Christ Superstar
Do you think you're what they say you are?
--from the rock opera
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
THE NATURE OF CREEDS
--------------------
Before we describe the actual simulation game 325 AD, it
might be best to point out a few characteristics of creeds:
Creeds have to be expressed in the language of a particular
time and place. The concepts and terms which they use are
dateable within an unique history.
Once creeds have come into being, they begin to shape history
too. The Nicene Creed influenced the piety, worship, and
cultural involvement of later generations of Christians.
Creeds are judged by history as well as produced in history.
The Nicene Creed is a notable example of a creed that had to
wait the confirmation of history. It was debated for 50
years before it became the consensus of the early church.
Creeds are examined, corrected, rejected, and confirmed by
history. In the long run, they have to be confirmed not by
some assembly so much as by the people of God themselves.
In the early church, creeds were a standard, a battle cry, a
testimony and witness to the world. During the days of the
early church persecution and oppression afforded an occasion
for a Christian confession. Today we are also called to
declare our belief. There is a need that is always present--
the need for commitment.
THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA: 325 AD
----------------------------
This simulation game focuses on the creed that eventually
came from the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.
Go back to that time and place: The business that brought
well over 300 bishops to Nicaea from all over the known world
was to find a solution to the conflict that had seriously
troubled the Eastern world for years. The cause was a new
theology about a basic mystery of Christianity.
It was a very complicated issue. A man named Arius taught
that Jesus Christ was a "pure creature, made out of nothing,
liable to fall, the Son of God by adoption, not by nature,
and called God in Scripture, not as being really such, but
only in name..." This complicated statement was new. Arius
preached that Jesus Christ was a creature, that he was made
by God, that he had a beginning, and that he was subject
to change. To Arius, Jesus Christ was neither fully God nor
fully human, but somewhere in between. This was in conflict
with those who upheld that Jesus Christ and God were one:
"Christ is eternal, like in essence to the Father, and wholly
uncreated..." At this point the arguments get even more
complicated. And more unclear. Enough to say that a bitter
controversy continued until Emperor Constantine stepped in
and called together church representatives at Nicaea.
The Council opened by an address by Constantine, who then
asked the representatives to present their views. Violent
controversy broke out as to the true nature of Jesus Christ.
Eventually through time and compromise, there came forth the
basis for what came to be known as the Nicene Creed.
The debate and controversy at Nicaea demonstrates for us
today that creeds come from real life experiences of the Holy
Spirit interfacing with social and political forces.
Again, creeds attempt to express what we assume to be the
Christian faith to be so it can be communicated to others.
Two creeds stand out in the early church: THE APOSTLES' CREED
and THE NICEAN CREED:
THE APOSTLES' CREED
-------------------
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and
earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was
conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and
buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again
from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the
right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall
come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy
Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE NICENE CREED
----------------
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in
one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten
of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light,
Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one
substance with the Father by whom all things were made;
who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and
was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius
Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he
rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into
heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he
shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and
the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in
the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth
from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and
the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by
the prophets. And we believe in one holy catholic and
apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the
remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the
dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
SEQUENCE OF SIMULATION
ACTIVITIES FOR 325 AD
----------------------
PRECOUNCIL ACTIVITIES (20-40 minutes)
---------------------
1. Form the participants into groups of 4-6 each.
2. Ask each player to use one of the poetry forms
in describing what they believe about Jesus
Christ: who he is, what he does, and so what.
The use of magazine pictures is suggested to
supplement the poem. The pictures selected
should demonstrate their belief in Jesus Christ.
3. Ask each player to share their poems within their groups.
4. Each group is now to work together in designing one poem
about Jesus Christ. This project can use any number of
poetry forms.
5. Each group is to give themselves a name, a symbol, and a
slogan based solely on this poem.
6. Ask each group to prepare a banner out of the art
materials available on their theme of Jesus Christ. These
materials can be construction paper and glue, or more
sophisticated materials such as described in the fine book
HOW IS A BANNER (see media resource list for details).
CREATING THE ENVIRONMENT (5-20 minutes)
------------------------
We have found it best at this time to give some infor-
mation about the nature of creeds, confessions, and the
Council of Nicaea. Highly recommended is the sound filmstrip
COUNCIL OF NICAEA (see media resource list for details).
Whatever means you select, provide time for each small group
to reflect on the information. It is important that all the
players understand the nature of the Council of Nicaea and
why, basically, it was convened.
THE COUNCIL: PARTICIPANT'S INSTRUCTIONS (1-2 hours)
---------------------------------------
Emperor Constantine has assembled various Christian
traditions from throughout the known world.
You and your group have been summoned to represent
your tradition.
The Emperor has called the Council together in order that a
statement, a confession, on Jesus Christ can be drawn up.
He has decreed that the Council is limited to a maximum of 75
words in their confession and that the structure and rules
for the Council are:
1. The Council shall elect an Archbishop who shall moderate
the Council under the guidance of Emperor Constantine.
2. Each group will select two of their members to be bishops.
These bishops will be the only ones permitted to vote.
The other group members will act as advisors and
negotiators for the bishops.
3. The Council will begin with each group presenting their
banners and poems.
4. Each group then shall have about 15 minutes in which to
come up with a proposal to submit to the Council. They may
submit words, phrases, or complete statements that could
be included in the confession.
5. After each group has submitted their proposal, one of the
bishops of that group must give a one minute speech on why
it should be included in the confession.
6. The Archbishop shall then call for free discussion among
the representatives for 5-10 minutes. This is the time
that bishops and their advisors may talk freely with other
groups.
7. After the free discussion period, the Archbishop calls
for votes on the various proposals. The proposals with at
least 3/4 majority shall become a part of the confession.
8. Steps #4-7 will continue until the Archbishop and the
Emperor determine there is sufficient material from which
to design the confession.
9. Each group then is given 10-20 minutes to draw up a
confession based on the various proposals that received
majority votes as well as those materials suggested by the
Archbishop and the Emperor.
10. Each group then submits their proposed confession, and
bishops make their speeches as before in step #5. Again
there is 5-10 minutes of free discussion between groups.
11. The Archbishop calls for a vote. The proposal with 3/4
majority of votes becomes the confession of the Council.
If there is not enough votes, the simulation continues,
with the groups returning to steps #9-10, compromises made
until a proposal passes.
NOTES ON GAME ADMINISTRATION
----------------------------
This simulation works well with 4th through 7th grade. It has
often been used in youth programs as well as with adults.
Excellent for use in a confirmation class.
We have found it best that the game administrator role play
the part of Emperor Constantine. Play the part any way you
want. Improvise! Where appropriate, use gowns, etc.
Having the participants dress up as 4th century bishops and
clergy adds a lot to the game.
Creating a creative climate for the simulation is very
important. The use of media, discussions, art work, etc. all
will help a great deal. We highly suggest the use of the
sound filmstrip COUNCIL OF NICAEA. The enclosed list of media
resources suggests other possibilities.
Use the sequence of simulation activities as a model, change
it as you see fit. Many times it is appropriate to meet with
a few of the players ahead of time in order to get their
ideas and sharing of leadership.
Work at a pace that is neither hectic nor a drag. It will
take a couple of hours to play. This may mean a couple of
classroom sessions in sequence. Perhaps a retreat. Play the
simulation however it fits your players and the time you have
available.
Work closely with the Archbishop. You may want to select this
person before the simulation begins, or let the participants
select a candidate. Explain to this player ways to moderate
the Council meeting (this is up to you). While the Council
representatives are working on their proposals, go over
procedures of the simulation run.
Have the groups write their various proposals and poems on
large pieces of newsprint for all to see. Post these in a
conspicuous place. The use of an overhead projector and
transparencies is an excellent idea.
Keep the process of confession designing going until you and
the Archbishop think there is enough material to be voted on.
Don't expect another Apostle's Creed or Nicaea Creed. The
confession must arrive out of the participant's life style,
insights, and language.
You may want to reproduce the participant's instructions
for all the players. This can be copied, or on a large
piece of newsprint, or on an overhead transparency.
Be sure to follow through with discussion activities that
enable the participants to reflect on their simulation
experiences. Reflection on one's experiences is where
authentic learning takes place. Become a facilitator for this
to happen!
DISCUSSION ACTIVITIES
---------------------
Read the various confessions of the church: the Nicene Creed,
the Apostle's Creed, your denominational creed-- plus the
confession the Council arrived at. Are there any
similarities? Major differences? What was left out? What is
unique to each?
Explore the feelings of developing a confession. Why was it
important to develop creeds and confessions in the early
church? Is it important today? Why? Does it make a
difference?
What personal concerns were expressed during the designing of
the confession? How did each player contribute to the final
confession decided upon?
Prepare a banner based on the Council's confession. Display
it in the church sanctuary and have a couple of players
report on its meaning.
Create filmstrips, slides, or multimedia presentations on the
Council's confession. Show these at a congregational meeting
or family night.
BASIC RESOURCE MATERIALS
NEEDED FOR GAME
------------------------
Poetry Forms: enough for each player and team
Large pieces of construction paper (3' x 5') or large sheets
of newsprint
Marking pens of various colors
Small bottles of glue
Collections of old magazines
Banner making materials
Filmstrip: COUNCIL OF NICAEA (if possible)
see media resource listings for details
MEDIA RESOURCES
---------------
BOOKS ON CONFESSIONS AND CREEDS:
Baillie: GOD WAS IN CHRIST [Scribner's & Sons]
Cullman: THE EARLIEST CHRISTIAN CONFESSIONS [Lutterworth]
Kelly: EARLY CHRISTIAN CREEDS [Longmans, Green & Co.]
McGiffert: THE APOSTLE'S CREED [Scribner's & Sons]
Outler: THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION AND THE UNITY WE SEEK
[Oxford University Press]
Walker: A HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH [Scribner]
BANNER MAKING:
Jurack: HOW IS A BANNER [Christian Art Associates, 1801
W. Greenleaf Ave., Chicago IL 60626]
SOME RECORDINGS DEMONSTRATING CREEDS:
ALLELU (F.E.L. Records)
THE AMERICAN FOLK SONG MASS (F.E.L. Records)
CEREMONY (A&M Records)
GODSPELL (Bell Records)
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Decca Records)
KOL NIDRE (Reprise Records)
THE MASS FOR PEACE (Avant Garde Records)
MASS FOR YOUNG AMERICANS (F.E.L. Records)
MASS IN F MINOR (Reprise Records)
PRAISE THE LORD IN MANY VOICES, Part I & II (Avant Garde)
REJOICE (Scepter Records)
THE UNIVERSE IS SINGING (GIA Records)
FILMS:
IT'S ABOUT THIS CARPENTER [New York University, Film
Library, 26 Washington Pl., New York NY 10003]
NEW BORN AGAIN [Grailville, Loveland OH 45140]
FILMSTRIPS:
CHRISTIANS AT CORINTH [Lutheran Church Supply Store,22
West Madison St., Chicago IL 60602]
COUNCIL OF NICAEA [United Church of Christ, Office of Audio-
Visuals, 1720 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis MO 63103]
IMAGES OF CHRIST SERIES [Thomas Klise Co., P.O. Box 3418,
Peoria IL 61414]
POETRY FORMS
------------
We have found that most of the young players of 325 AD need a
framework in which to express themselves about Jesus Christ.
Poetry is one of the several excellent vehicles to do this.
Two basic poetry forms that we have found that are most
appropriate in this simulation are Topic/Cinquain Poems and
Haiku Poems. The first form is the simplest.
A TOPIC POEM is composed of five lines. The first line
contains only one word, a noun-- and usually the topic of the
poem. The second line contains two adjectives relating to the
noun. The third line has three verbs. The fourth line has a
four word comment. The fifth line is a single word which is
synonymous with that used in the first line. See example
below:
A CINQUAIN POEM is much like the TOPIC POEM, but tra-
ditionally the fourth line is composed of four words that
describe a feeling about the title (first line).
____ Christ
____ ____ Self Giving
____ ____ ____ Loving, Resurrecting, Healing
___ ___ ___ ___ Is One With God
____ Brother
HAIKU POEMS are a little more difficult. It is composed
of three lines having 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively:
Jesus My Brother
He led me through a desert
He gives me more life
These poetry forms should be made available to the players
with brief explanations for writing.