St. Nick: Punch Heresy in the Face (Metaphorically)

Beyond the mall Santa is Nicholas of Myra—a fourth-century bishop remembered for hidden generosity, bold justice, answered-prayer miracles, and a fierce defense of Christ’s divinity. Nate and David sip goldenrod tea and Mystic Monk coffee, then trace Nicholas’ story: born to wealthy Christian parents in Lycia; orphaned and generous; elected bishop; and famed for anonymous dowries that rescued three daughters from exploitation. They walk through sailor rescues and famine relief, his reputation for exorcism and temple-toppling prayer, and the medieval tale that made him patron of children.

Center stage is Nicaea (AD 325): why Arianism (the Son as a created being) guts the gospel, how Athanasius argued homoousios (“of one substance with the Father”), and the much-loved tradition of Nicholas confronting Arius—our tongue-in-cheek “punch heresy” moment that symbolizes pastoral zeal for truth. The episode closes with takeaways for Advent: radical charity, spiritual courage, and doctrinal fidelity—letting Nicholas point us to Christ.

Key Threads We Explore

The real Nicholas: bishop, giver, defender—not a cozy myth Dowries in secret (Matt 6:3) and justice for the vulnerable (Prov 31:8–9) Miracles in famine and at sea; prayer against idols; deliverance ministry Nicaea 101: Arius vs. the creed; why homoousios matters Advent application: almsgiving, fasting from noise, courageous witness

Scripture & Terms (mentioned)

John 1:1–3; Matthew 6:3; Matthew 19:21; Proverbs 31:8–9; 1 Samuel 5; John 6.

Terms: Arianism, homoousios, Council of Nicaea, veneration vs. worship.

Resources Mentioned

Athanasius, On the Incarnation Charles W. Jones, Saint Nicholas of Myra, Bari, and Manhattan John the Deacon, Life of Saint Nicholas

Try This Week

Quiet almsgiving for someone in need (no spotlight, no selfie). Read John 1 and pray the Nicene Creed slowly. Fast from screens after dinner; use the time for intercession.

Merch & Support

Limited “St. Nicholas: Punch Heresy (Metaphorically)” tee + mugs/shirts at freshgroundtheology.com

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Next Up

➡️ Advent of God Made Flesh: Beyond the Flannelgraph — the why of the Incarnation.