Theology is an interaction. First Arius gave a theological interpretation on the role of Christ and God. Second the leaders of the Church considered it carefully and came up with their decision. Then Arius did not accept the decision. He then was removed and excommunicated or cut off from the communion of the Church. This problem led to discussion and consensus. The lived faith in the worship service experience led to a consensus about the most appropriate expression. The final result was the Nicene Creed, the oldest and most important creed. Most dogmas came out of disputes. Over the last two thousand years there have been many more disputes within Christianity.
excommunicated
Marcion canon (140 CE)
One of the earliest attempts at solidifying a Christian canon or list of books was made by Marcion of Sinope (85-160 CE). He rejected the Hebrew Scriptures, so that other Christian leaders denounced him. Thus, he was excommunicated from the proto-orthodox Christian Church community. However, he was the first to publish his own list of New Testament books around the year 140 CE, that included 10 letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke.
Judah has been unfaithful (Mal 2:11-2:12)
“Judah has been faithless.
An abomination
Has been committed
In Israel,
As well as in Jerusalem.
Judah has profaned
The sanctuary of Yahweh
That he loves.
He has married
The daughter of a foreign god.
May Yahweh cut off
From the tents of Jacob
Anyone who does this!
May Yahweh cut off
Anyone who witnesses,
Who answers,
Who brings an offering
To Yahweh of hosts!”
Yahweh, via Malachi, noted that Judah had not been faithful. There was an abomination in Jerusalem itself. Judah had profaned the sanctuary of Yahweh. Judah had married the daughter of a foreign god. Perhaps this indicates a non-Jewish woman. Thus, Yahweh was going to cut them off from the tents of Jacob. Anyone involved in any kind of false worship of a foreign god would be cut off from being a witness or bringing offerings to Yahweh. They should be excommunicated.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 