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Concept
Christology is the branch of Christian theology that studies the nature, person, and works of Jesus Christ, focusing on his divinity and humanity. It explores how Jesus can be both fully divine and fully human, and the implications of this belief for salvation and the relationship between God and humanity.
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The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 AD, was the fourth ecumenical council of the Christian Church, which defined the two natures (divine and human) of Jesus Christ in one person, a doctrine known as the Chalcedonian Definition. This council significantly shaped Christian orthodoxy and led to a major schism with the Oriental Orthodox Churches, which rejected the Chalcedonian Definition.
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Eutychianism is a Christological doctrine that emerged in the 5th century, which posits that Christ has only one nature, a divine one, as opposed to the orthodox belief in both a divine and human nature. This view was deemed heretical by the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, which upheld the doctrine of the hypostatic union, affirming that Christ is both fully divine and fully human.
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Miaphysitism is a Christological doctrine asserting that in the person of Jesus Christ, divine and human natures are united in a single nature ('mia physis') without separation, confusion, or alteration. This belief is central to the theology of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, distinguishing it from both Chalcedonian dyophysitism and Eutychian monophysitism.
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Hypostatic Union is a theological doctrine in Christianity that describes the union of Christ's humanity and divinity in one individual existence. It asserts that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, two natures coexisting without confusion, change, division, or separation.
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Theotokos, a Greek term meaning 'God-bearer', is a title used in Christianity to affirm that Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave birth to Christ who is both fully divine and fully human. This title was officially endorsed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, underscoring the unity of Christ's divine and human natures as a core doctrine of Christian theology.
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Nestorianism is a Christological doctrine that emphasizes the disunion between the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ, proposing that these two natures exist as distinct persons. This belief was deemed heretical by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, leading to the Nestorian Schism and the establishment of the Church of the East.
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Dyophysitism is a Christological doctrine asserting that Jesus Christ has two natures, one divine and one human, which coexist without confusion, change, division, or separation. This belief was affirmed at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 and remains a central tenet in most mainstream Christian denominations, distinguishing them from Monophysitism and Miaphysitism.
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Orthodoxy refers to the adherence to accepted norms or traditional beliefs, particularly in religious, political, or cultural contexts. It often involves maintaining established doctrines and resisting changes that challenge the status quo, serving as a benchmark for 'correct' belief or practice within a community.
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Heresy is the act of holding beliefs or opinions that are contrary to the established doctrines of a religious organization, often leading to social or legal consequences for the individuals involved. Historically, heresy has played a significant role in shaping religious and political landscapes, as it challenges the authority and uniformity of dominant religious institutions.
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The Seven Ecumenical Councils were pivotal assemblies in early Christian history, held between the 4th and 8th centuries, aimed at achieving doctrinal unity across the Christian world. These councils addressed and resolved critical theological disputes, establishing foundational doctrines that continue to influence Christian theology today.
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Cyril of Alexandria was a prominent early Church Father and theologian, known for his role in the Christological controversies of the 5th century, particularly his opposition to Nestorianism. His theological work significantly contributed to the development of the doctrine of the hypostatic union, which was affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, solidifying the understanding of Christ as both fully divine and fully human in one person.
Concept
Syriac Christianity is a branch of Eastern Christianity that uses the Syriac language, a dialect of Middle Aramaic, in its liturgical practices and has a rich theological and cultural heritage rooted in the early Christian communities of the Near East. It encompasses several distinct traditions, including the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Maronite Church, each with unique historical developments and theological nuances.
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The Chalcedonian Definition, established at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, is a Christian doctrinal statement that defines the dual nature of Christ as fully divine and fully human in one person, without confusion or division. This definition aimed to resolve theological disputes about the nature of Christ and is a cornerstone of Christological orthodoxy in many Christian traditions.
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The Syriac Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations, is rooted in the traditions of the early Christian communities of the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly in the region of Antioch. It is renowned for its rich liturgical heritage, use of the Syriac language in its rites, and a strong emphasis on apostolic succession and the teachings of the early church fathers.
Non-Chalcedonian Christianity refers to Christian denominations that rejected the Council of Chalcedon's definition of the dual nature of Christ, leading to significant theological and ecclesiastical divisions. These groups, often known as Oriental Orthodox Churches, emphasize a miaphysite understanding, which asserts that Christ has one united nature that is both divine and human.
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The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian institutions, having been founded in the early 4th century, and it plays a central role in the cultural and spiritual identity of the Armenian people. It is an autocephalous church within Oriental Orthodoxy, maintaining unique liturgical traditions and theological perspectives distinct from both Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.
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Christological Controversies refer to the theological disputes in early Christianity regarding the nature and identity of Jesus Christ, particularly focusing on how his divine and human natures coexist. These debates led to significant ecumenical councils and the formation of key doctrines that shaped Christian orthodoxy, such as the Nicene Creed and the Chalcedonian Definition.
The Second Council of Constantinople, convened in 553 AD, was the fifth ecumenical council of the Christian Church, primarily aimed at resolving the controversies surrounding the teachings of Origen and the Three Chapters, which were writings by Theodore of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cyrus, and Ibas of Edessa. It sought to affirm the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon and further clarify the nature of Christ, emphasizing the unity of his divine and human natures against various heretical interpretations.
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