Understanding the Filioque Controversy - with Shane Angland

What does it mean that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father” — and why did adding “and the Son” (Filioque), lead to one of the greatest divisions in church history?

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by Shane Angland to unpack the history, theology, and ongoing significance of the Filioque controversy.

Together, they explore the origins of the Nicene Creed, the debates at the Council of Constantinople (381), and why the Western church added the Filioque clause.

They also discuss:

• The difference between eternal procession and the mission of the Spirit
• Why the East and West approach theology differently
• The role of language (Greek vs. Latin) in shaping doctrine
• How politics—not just theology—deepened the divide
• Whether this issue still matters for Christians today

If you’ve ever wondered why theology can get so complex—or why it actually matters—this episode will help you see that these debates aren’t just academic, they’re about faithfully understanding who God is.

Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org