libterm.com Monophysitism is a Christological doctrine asserting that Jesus Christ has a single, divine nature rather than both divine and human natures. This belief was deemed heretical by the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, shaping early Christian theological debates and church divisions. Explore the rest of the article to understand the historical context and lasting impact of Monophysitism on Christian theology.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Monophysitism | Adoptionism |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Christological view that Jesus has one nature, divine only | Belief that Jesus was adopted as God's Son at baptism or resurrection |
| Nature of Christ | Single divine nature, human nature absorbed | Human by birth, divine by adoption |
| Historical Origin | 5th century, linked to Eutyches | 2nd-4th centuries, various early Christian groups |
| Church Status | Condemned by Chalcedonian Christianity as heresy | Rejected by orthodox Christianity |
| Key Doctrine | One nature of Christ: divine nature over human | Jesus as a man chosen and empowered by God |
| Impact | Influenced Oriental Orthodox Churches | Minor influence; often labeled heretical |
Introduction to Monophysitism and Adoptionism
Monophysitism asserts that Jesus Christ has a single, divine nature rather than two distinct natures, divine and human, emphasizing the unity of his nature after the Incarnation. Adoptionism teaches that Jesus was born human and was later adopted as God's Son, highlighting a progressive divine relationship rather than an inherent dual nature. Both doctrines contrast with orthodox Chalcedonian Christology, which affirms the coexistence of two natures, fully divine and fully human, in the one person of Jesus Christ.
Historical Origins of Monophysitism
Monophysitism originated in the 5th century as a Christological position asserting that Christ has a single, divine nature rather than two distinct natures, human and divine. This doctrine emerged primarily in response to the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), which affirmed the dual nature of Christ, leading to significant theological disputes and schisms within the early Christian church. Monophysitism was championed by figures such as Eutyches and found strong support in regions like Egypt and Syria, contrasting sharply with Adoptionism, which posited that Jesus was a mere human adopted as God's Son.
Roots and Development of Adoptionism
Adoptionism originated in the early Christian centuries as a theological doctrine asserting that Jesus was born a mere man and was adopted as God's Son at a specific point in his life, such as at baptism or resurrection. This belief emerged partly in response to diverse Christological debates, emphasizing the distinction between Jesus' human nature and divine sonship, contrasting sharply with Monophysitism, which posits a single, unified divine nature in Christ. While Monophysitism developed primarily within Eastern and Coptic Christian traditions between the 4th and 5th centuries, Adoptionism found traction in certain Western Christian communities during the 8th and 9th centuries, notably influencing Spanish and Frankish theological discourse.
Key Doctrinal Differences
Monophysitism asserts that Christ has a single, divine nature, emphasizing the unity of his person without separation into human and divine components, while Adoptionism claims that Jesus was born human and later adopted as God's son, highlighting a distinction between his human nature and divine sonship. Monophysitism rejects the Chalcedonian definition of two natures in Christ, contrasting with Adoptionism, which denies the inherent divinity from birth, viewing Jesus' divinity as a bestowed status. The key doctrinal difference lies in the nature of Christ's identity, with Monophysitism affirming an inseparable divine nature and Adoptionism focusing on the acquired divine sonship during his earthly life.
Christological Perspectives Compared
Monophysitism asserts Christ has a single, divine nature that absorbed his human nature, emphasizing the unity of his person. Adoptionism, by contrast, posits that Jesus was born human and was adopted as God's Son at a specific point, often his baptism, highlighting a distinction between his human and divine identities. These contrasting Christological perspectives reflect differing understandings of the relationship between Jesus' humanity and divinity in early Christian theology.
Major Figures and Proponents
Monophysitism, championed by figures such as Eutyches and Dioscorus of Alexandria, asserted that Christ has a single divine nature, effectively merging divine and human elements into one. Adoptionism found support from theologians like Paul of Samosata and Theodotus of Byzantium, who argued that Jesus was born human and was later adopted as God's son. Both doctrines faced condemnation from major councils, including Chalcedon in 451 for Monophysitism and various synods in the 3rd and 4th centuries for Adoptionism, shaping early Christological debates.
Ecumenical Councils and Official Responses
Monophysitism, condemned at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, asserts that Christ has a single divine nature, contrasting with Adoptionism, which was rejected earlier at the Council of Nicaea in 325 for claiming Jesus was adopted as God's Son. The Chalcedonian Definition affirmed the dual nature of Christ as fully divine and fully human, precisely countering Monophysite doctrine, while Adoptionism was addressed by Nicene Fathers emphasizing Christ's eternal divinity. These councils established orthodox Christology, shaping official Church doctrines and responding decisively to both heresies.
Impact on Early Christian Theology
Monophysitism, asserting Christ's single divine nature, challenged the Chalcedonian definition and fueled intense theological debates on Christ's incarnation and the balance of divine and human natures, significantly influencing early Christological doctrines. Adoptionism, which proposed that Jesus was a mere human adopted as God's Son, prompted early Church authorities to clarify the nature of Christ's divinity and humanity, shaping the formation of orthodox Trinitarian theology. Both heresies prompted the establishment of key doctrinal boundaries that reinforced the orthodox understanding of Christ's dual nature and divine sonship in early Christian theology.
Modern Interpretations and Legacy
Monophysitism, emphasizing the singular divine nature of Christ, remains influential in Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox theological traditions, while Adoptionism, which posits Jesus as a human adopted by God, is largely considered heretical in mainstream Christianity but occasionally resurfaces in modern theological debates on Christ's nature. Contemporary scholarship re-examines Monophysitism through the lens of Christological nuances, promoting ecumenical dialogue among ancient churches. Adoptionism's legacy persists in discussions about the humanity and divinity balance in Christology, impacting modern theological explorations and heterodox movements.
Conclusion: Enduring Significance in Church History
Monophysitism and Adoptionism represent significant Christological controversies that shaped early Christian doctrine and ecclesiastical identity. Monophysitism emphasized the single divine nature of Christ, contrasting with Adoptionism's view of Jesus as a human adopted by God, both influencing the development of orthodoxy and heresy. The enduring significance of these debates is evident in their impact on doctrinal formulations, ecumenical councils, and the enduring quest for theological clarity within Church history.
Monophysitism Infographic
