Theological clarification

The fourth century brought about  ecumenical councils that sought to clarify and articulate key theological doctrines.  So often people want to interpret these events as doctrines imposed on believers, top down. This is not the case, at all. 
One really important point to remember is this.  Just like today, the fourth century had those who were faithful to the faith as it had been believed and taught by the apostles. But it also had those who wanted to philosophize, to scholaticize and to filter the faith through worldly standards.  In short, the ecumenical councils were a response to theological deviations from the historic faith.
We are very much in the same position today.  Since the schism of the church of Rome, the rise of the enlightenment and the appearance of the Protestant Reformation, many deviations from the historic faith have arisen.  It is the responsibility of the faithful to explain, articulate and defend the historic faith. 
The truth must be told and defended.  People need to hear the gospel, the good news of the apostolic faith.
And like the ecumenical councils of the past, it will be deep,  complex and articulate.  And that's okay.