





                               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.

















