I just finished reading "The Apostasy that Wasn't," by Rod Bennett, which is an account of the run-up, event, and aftermath of the Council of Nicaea.. It puts a big emphasis on the sheer apostolic obstinacy of Athanasius
Athanasius Contra Mundum!
Usually the trouble was fomented by heretical bishops. Rich and powerful ones. Athanasius was just a deacon at Nicaea, practically the youngest (and poorest) person there!
If it were not for heretics, i.e. "wayward bishops with creative new ideas," doctrine would remain undeveloped because there wouldn't have been questions that urgently needed answering.
I mention this because it is amazing how every detail of true Christology had to be hammered out, not because folks didn't have anything else to do, or enjoyed splitting hairs and minting new words (homoouisos? dang) but because they were being massively challenged by people in high places (emperors, archbishops of major sees, etc) who denied the full divinity of Christ, the full humanity of Christ, Christ as possessing two natures, or Christ as being one undivided Person.
The history of the Council of Ephesus will show you why a clarification like "Mother of God" was needed, because it will show what question was being answered.
Sorry Holy Ghost; but your words are just not adequate to portray the TRUTH of the matter.
Not to worry: Rome has yer b ack!