libterm.com Nestorianism, a Christological doctrine originating in the early 5th century, emphasizes the disunion between the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. This belief, often associated with Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, was declared heretical by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD due to its challenge to orthodox understanding of the Incarnation. Discover more about the historical context, key teachings, and lasting impact of Nestorianism in the rest of this article.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Nestorianism | Communicatio Idiomatum |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Christological doctrine emphasizing two separate persons in Jesus Christ - one divine, one human. | Doctrine of communication of properties attributing divine and human characteristics to one person, Jesus Christ. |
| Origin | Attributed to Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople (5th century). | Developed in Chalcedonian Christology post Council of Chalcedon (451 AD). |
| Key Belief | Strong distinction between Christ's two persons. | Unity of Christ's person, sharing both divine and human attributes. |
| Christological Implication | Dual persons result in division of natures. | One person with two natures communicating properties. |
| Church Status | Condemned as heresy by the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). | Accepted orthodox doctrine in Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions. |
Introduction to Nestorianism and Communicatio Idiomatum
Nestorianism is a Christological doctrine emphasizing the disunion between the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ, proposing that these two natures exist in separate persons. Communicatio Idiomatum, a key concept in orthodox Christology, refers to the communication of properties between the divine and human natures within the single person of Jesus, allowing divine attributes to be ascribed to the human nature and vice versa. The debate between Nestorianism and Communicatio Idiomatum centers on the understanding of the union of Christ's two natures and the implications for the personhood and attributes of Jesus.
Historical Background and Origins
Nestorianism emerged in the early 5th century, attributed to Nestorius, the Archbishop of Constantinople, who emphasized a clear distinction between the human and divine persons of Christ, leading to accusations of heresy at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. Communicatio Idiomatum, rooted in Chalcedonian Christology, articulates the theological concept that the properties of Christ's divine and human natures are shared or communicated within the single person of Jesus, affirming the unity without confusion or division. The historical conflict between Nestorianism and Communicatio Idiomatum reflects early Christological debates centered on preserving the mystery of the Incarnation while addressing divergent understandings of the relationship between Christ's two natures.
Key Theological Concepts Explained
Nestorianism emphasizes a strict distinction between the divine and human natures of Christ, leading to the assertion of two separate persons rather than a unified person. The Communicatio Idiomatum, a key Chalcedonian doctrine, explains the communication of properties between Christ's two natures, affirming that the divine and human attributes are ascribed to one person without confusion or separation. This theological framework preserves the unity of Christ's personhood while maintaining the integrity of both natures in the incarnation.
Christological Differences: Natures of Christ
Nestorianism posits a clear distinction between the divine and human natures of Christ, effectively treating them as two separate persons, which challenges the unity of Christ's personhood. Communicatio Idiomatum, a doctrine rooted in Chalcedonian Christology, affirms that the attributes of both divine and human natures are fully communicated to the single person of Christ without confusion or separation. The key Christological difference lies in Nestorianism's dual-person approach versus Communicatio Idiomatum's unified person who fully embodies both natures simultaneously.
The Doctrine of Personhood in Each View
Nestorianism asserts a strict distinction between the divine and human persons in Christ, effectively proposing two separate personhoods coexisting in one body. The doctrine of Communicatio Idiomatum, however, emphasizes the unity of one person in Christ who shares both divine and human properties inseparably. This theological difference centers on how personhood is understood, with Nestorianism dividing it and Communicatio Idiomatum integrating it into a single personhood reflecting both natures.
Scriptural Interpretations and Support
Nestorianism emphasizes the distinction between Christ's divine and human natures, often interpreting Scriptures such as Matthew 1:23 and John 1:14 to support two separate persons in Christ, which leads to a division in the incarnation. Communicatio idiomatum, rooted in biblical texts like Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 2:9, affirms the communication of properties between the divine and human natures in the single person of Jesus Christ, preserving both natures without confusion or division. Scriptural support in this doctrine highlights the mystery of the hypostatic union, where the attributes of both natures are ascribed to the one person, countering Nestorian separation.
Major Controversies and Church Councils
Nestorianism, condemned at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD), argued for a clear separation between the divine and human natures of Christ, effectively proposing two distinct persons. The doctrine of Communicatio Idiomatum, affirmed at the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), maintained the unity of Christ's single person while fully sharing attributes of both divine and human natures. The major controversies centered on Christological identity, with Nestorianism emphasizing duality and Communicatio Idiomatum emphasizing the inseparable communication of properties within the incarnate Word.
Influence on Christian Denominations
Nestorianism, emphasizing the disunion of Christ's human and divine natures, profoundly influenced the development of the Church of the East, shaping Eastern Christian theology with its distinct Christological perspective. In contrast, the doctrine of Communicatio Idiomatum, which asserts the communication of properties between Christ's divine and human natures, profoundly impacted Chalcedonian Christianity, particularly in shaping the theological frameworks of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. These divergent Christological views catalyzed doctrinal divisions, influencing the ecclesiastical structure, liturgical practices, and theological emphasis within various Christian denominations.
Lasting Impact on Christian Theology
Nestorianism, emphasizing the disunion of Christ's human and divine natures, profoundly influenced Christological debates, prompting the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) to affirm the unity of Jesus Christ against perceived duality. The doctrine of Communicatio Idiomatum, which asserts the interchangeability of divine and human attributes in the single person of Christ, shaped orthodox theology by safeguarding the mystery of the Incarnation and informing key creeds such as the Chalcedonian Definition. This ongoing theological tension between Nestorian perspectives and Communicatio Idiomatum continues to impact Christian doctrinal formulations on the nature of Christ and the understanding of salvation.
Conclusion: Comparative Analysis and Relevance Today
Nestorianism, which emphasizes a disunion between Christ's divine and human natures, contrasts sharply with the Communicatio Idiomatum doctrine that asserts the full exchange of attributes between these natures in one person. This distinction remains crucial in contemporary Christological debates, influencing modern theological discussions on the incarnation and the nature of Christ's personhood. Understanding this comparison helps clarify orthodox positions against heresies, underscoring its ongoing relevance in faith traditions and ecumenical dialogues.
Nestorianism Infographic
