The idea that the Bible, as we know it, was "written" at the Council of Nicaea is a common misconception. Here's why the premise of your question is inaccurate and then some reasons why the Bible, regardless of its formation, doesn't explicitly lay out a "how-to" guide for ascension:
Misconceptions about the Council of Nicaea (325 AD):
* It didn't *write* the Bible: The Council of Nicaea didn't create the Bible. Its primary purpose was to address the Arian controversy, which concerned the nature of Jesus (specifically, whether he was of the same substance as God the Father or a created being). The council formulated the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the divinity of Christ and helped standardize Christian doctrine.
* Canon formation was a *process*, not a single event: The process of determining which books would be included in the biblical canon (the officially recognized collection of sacred texts) was a gradual one that took place over centuries. While the Council of Nicaea addressed theological issues, it wasn't primarily focused on defining the canon. Different regions and Christian communities used slightly different collections of texts for a long time.
* The books already existed: The books that eventually became the New Testament were written down in the first century AD. The Old Testament was passed down over many centuries, being written down and compiled over time as well.
Why the Bible Doesn't Offer a "How-To" Guide to Ascension:
Here are some reasons why the Bible doesn't offer explicit instructions for ascension, keeping in mind the different understandings of "ascension":
1. Different Interpretations of "Ascension":
* Physical Ascension: The Bible describes a few instances of individuals being taken bodily into heaven (Enoch, Elijah, and Jesus). These are seen as unique events, not as models for general human attainment. There's no implication that these ascensions are replicable through specific techniques.
* Spiritual Ascension: Some interpret "ascension" metaphorically, referring to spiritual growth, enlightenment, or union with the divine. The Bible does offer guidance on living a righteous life, developing virtues, and deepening one's relationship with God, which could be seen as pathways toward this type of "ascension."
2. Focus on Grace and Faith, Not Technique: The Christian message emphasizes salvation through God's grace and faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that humans cannot earn their way to heaven or achieve spiritual perfection through their own efforts alone. Instead, it is a gift from God, received through faith. Salvation and spiritual growth are seen as a process guided by the Holy Spirit.
3. Emphasis on Earthly Life and Transformation: While the Bible speaks of heaven and the afterlife, it also emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life on earth. Christians are called to be agents of change in the world, working for justice, compassion, and the well-being of others. The focus is not solely on escaping earthly existence but on transforming it.
4. Mystery and Transcendence: The nature of God, heaven, and the spiritual realm is ultimately beyond human comprehension. The Bible uses symbolic language and metaphors to describe these realities, acknowledging that they cannot be fully grasped through reason or technique.
5. Diversity of Biblical Texts: The Bible is not a single, monolithic book, but a collection of diverse texts written by different authors in different historical and cultural contexts. These texts offer a variety of perspectives on faith, morality, and the relationship between God and humanity. It's unlikely that all these texts would agree on a single "how-to" guide for ascension.
In summary, the Bible doesn't offer a specific set of instructions for ascension because its primary focus is on God's grace, the importance of faith, earthly transformation, and the ultimately mysterious nature of the divine. The council of Nicaea had a very specific purpose relating to Christian theology that had nothing to do with the books themselves.