What is the filioque clause? (Nicene Creed)
The filioque clause is one of the most debated additions in the history of Christian theology. The word filioque is Latin for “and the Son.” It was inserted into the Nicene Creed to affirm that the Holy Spirit proceeds not only from the Father but also from the Son. What does the filioque clause mean, why was it added, and why did it become so controversial?
This article will explore the meaning of the filioque clause, its historical development, biblical basis, the objections raised against it, and its significance for understanding the Gospel and the life of the church.
1. Meaning of the filioque clause
The phrase filioque means “and the Son.” When attached to the Creed, it changed the wording from:
“The Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father”
to:“The Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.”
The intent of the filioque clause was to affirm the full divinity of the Son and to guard against heresies, especially Arianism, which denied Christ’s equality with the Father.
In theological terms:
The Father is the source of the Spirit.
The Son shares equally in sending the Spirit.
The Spirit is not subordinate but fully divine, proceeding from both.
This short phrase carried enormous weight because it touched the heart of Trinitarian theology.
2. Historical background of the filioque clause
The filioque clause was first added at the Third Council of Toledo in Spain in 589 AD. King Reccared, who had recently converted from Arianism, introduced it to demonstrate his kingdom’s adherence to Nicene orthodoxy.
Key developments
589 – Council of Toledo: First official insertion of the filioque clause into the Creed.
Frankish adoption: Spread through Western Europe, especially in Frankish territories.
Rome’s hesitation: For centuries, the popes approved the doctrine but resisted altering the liturgy of the Creed.
1014 – Coronation of Henry II: The clause was sung in Rome for the first time at Mass under Pope Benedict VIII.
1215 – Fourth Lateran Council: Formally promulgated in the Western Church.
1274 – Council of Lyons: Specified the Spirit proceeds eternally from both Father and Son.
While the West embraced the filioque, the East rejected it. This disagreement eventually contributed to the Great Schism of 1054, dividing Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
3. Biblical foundations for the filioque clause
Supporters of the filioque clause argue that Scripture shows the Spirit coming from both Father and Son.
John 14:16 – The Father will send the Helper.
John 15:26 – The Spirit proceeds from the Father, but Jesus will send Him.
John 16:7 – “If I go, I will send him to you.”
Acts 2:33 – The exalted Christ pours out the Spirit, received from the Father.
Romans 8:9 – The Spirit is called the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ.
Galatians 4:6 – God sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.
Philippians 1:19 – Refers to the “Spirit of Jesus Christ.”
From these texts, Western theologians concluded:
The Spirit is of the Father as the eternal source.
The Spirit is given through the Son, who shares in the Father’s divine authority.
This balance protects the unity of the Trinity and the equality of the persons.
4. Objections to the filioque clause
The Eastern Church strongly opposed the filioque clause, raising several objections:
Unlawful change – The Creed was an ecumenical statement. Altering it without a universal council was viewed as illegitimate.
Theological concern – The Father was understood as the sole source (arche) of the Trinity. Adding the Son appeared to create two sources for the Spirit.
Confusion of relationships – Eastern theologians argued that this blurred the personal distinctions within the Trinity.
Threat to unity – They feared that such an addition would divide rather than unify the church, which ultimately proved true in 1054.
Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, went so far as to label the filioque heretical, though Western Christians did not see it that way.
5. The filioque clause and the Gospel
The filioque clause has deep implications for the Gospel. The Spirit’s procession is not a remote doctrinal detail but directly tied to salvation:
The Father sends the Son into the world (John 3:16).
The Son accomplishes redemption and gives the Spirit (John 20:22).
The Spirit applies salvation, uniting believers to Christ (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Romans 8:9 emphasizes that “anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Galatians 4:6 shows that God sends “the Spirit of His Son” into our hearts. These texts demonstrate that the Spirit is inseparable from the Son’s saving work.
For believers, the Spirit is the down payment of the kingdom to come (2 Corinthians 1:22). His presence assures us that the promises of God will be fulfilled when Christ returns and the new creation is revealed (Revelation 21:1–4).
Thus, the filioque clause points beyond doctrinal debate to the lived reality of Christian hope: the Spirit, who is of the Father and through the Son, secures our inheritance.
6. Mystery and humility in Trinitarian doctrine
Even as the church debates the filioque clause, it must recognize the mystery of God’s nature. The Trinity is revealed in Scripture but not exhaustively explained.
Paul confesses the depth of God’s wisdom as “unsearchable” (Romans 11:33).
Jesus promises the Spirit will guide the church into all truth (John 16:13).
Believers live in hope, awaiting the final unveiling of God’s glory (1 John 3:2).
The filioque clause invites humility. While East and West disagree, both traditions affirm the Spirit’s full divinity and His role in the life of believers. Ultimately, the Spirit points us to Christ, and Christ brings us to the Father.
Conclusion
What is the filioque clause? It is the phrase “and the Son,” added to the Nicene Creed to declare that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both Father and Son. First inserted at Toledo in 589, it shaped centuries of theological debate and contributed to the division between East and West.
Supporters see it as biblical and necessary to affirm Christ’s divinity. Opponents view it as an unlawful alteration that disrupts Trinitarian balance. At its heart, however, the filioque clause reminds us of the Spirit’s role in salvation: He is of the Father and through the Son, applying redemption and sealing believers for the kingdom to come.
