Bookmarks
Concepts
Activity
Courses
Concept
Concept
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.
Concept
Incarnation refers to the theological belief that a divine entity takes on a human form, most notably exemplified in Christianity by the belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. This concept underscores the union of divine and human natures, emphasizing both the transcendence and immanence of the divine in human history.
Concept
The Nature of Christ refers to the theological understanding of Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human, a doctrine central to Christian theology known as the hypostatic union. This dual nature is foundational in explaining the role of Jesus in salvation, as it asserts that he is uniquely capable of bridging the gap between God and humanity.
Concept
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.
Concept
Divine Nature refers to the intrinsic qualities and attributes that define the essence of a deity or supreme being, often encompassing omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence. It is a central theme in theology and philosophy, shaping the understanding of the relationship between the divine and the universe.
Concept
Human nature refers to the inherent characteristics and instincts shared by all humans, encompassing aspects such as emotions, behavior, and cognition. It is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that shape individual and collective human experiences.
Concept
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.
Concept
Monophysitism is a Christological doctrine that asserts Jesus Christ has only one, divine nature rather than two natures, divine and human, as espoused by Chalcedonian Christianity. This belief emerged in the 5th century and led to significant theological debates and schisms within early Christianity.
Concept
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.
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.
Concept
Trinitarianism is a Christian doctrine that defines God as three consubstantial persons – the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit – who are distinct yet coexist in unity as one essence. This theological framework is central to most mainstream Christian denominations and shapes their understanding of the nature of God and the relationship between the divine persons.
Concept
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.
Concept
The Dual Nature of Christ refers to the theological doctrine that Jesus Christ embodies both a fully divine and a fully human nature, united in one person without confusion or division. This doctrine is central to Christian theology as it addresses the mystery of the incarnation and the nature of salvation.
Concept
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.
Concept
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.
Concept
The Council of Ephesus, held in 431 AD, was the third ecumenical council of the Christian Church, primarily convened to address the Nestorian controversy by affirming the title of Mary as Theotokos, meaning 'God-bearer'. This council was pivotal in shaping Christological doctrine and further solidifying the theological stance against Nestorianism, which separated Christ's divine and human natures too distinctly.
Concept
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
The divinity of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. This belief is foundational to the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation, emphasizing Jesus' role in salvation and his unity with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Concept
The Trinity is a central doctrine in Christianity that describes God as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial, yet one God. This doctrine is foundational to Christian theology, emphasizing the complexity and unity of God's nature beyond human comprehension.
Concept
High Christology refers to an understanding of Jesus Christ that emphasizes his divine nature and pre-existence, often focusing on his role as the incarnate Word of God and his equality with God the Father. This theological perspective is contrasted with Low Christology, which emphasizes Jesus' human aspects and historical life.
Concept
Kenosis is a theological concept in Christianity that refers to the 'self-emptying' of Jesus' own will to become entirely receptive to God's divine will. It emphasizes the humility and sacrifice of Christ, highlighting the incarnation where Jesus willingly relinquished aspects of his divinity to fully experience human life and suffering.
Concept
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.
Concept
The Divinity of Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, embodying the second person of the Holy Trinity. This belief underscores the incarnation, where God became man to offer salvation to humanity, and is supported by scriptural references and early church creeds.
Concept
Consubstantiality refers to the theological concept that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are of the same substance or essence within the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. This principle asserts that while each person of the Trinity is distinct, they are all one in being, co-equal, and co-eternal, without division or separation.
Concept
Incarnational Theology focuses on the belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the tangible and relational aspects of divine love and presence in the world. This theology underscores the importance of God's solidarity with humanity and the transformative impact of Christ's life and actions on creation.
Concept
The title 'Mother of God' is a central tenet in Christian theology, particularly within Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, affirming that the Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, who is both fully divine and fully human. This designation emphasizes the interconnectedness of Mary’s role in the Incarnation and the theological implications of Jesus’s divine nature being present in human form.
Concept
Theology of the Trinity is a central Christian doctrine that defines God as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in one divine essence, emphasizing the unity and co-equality of each person in a single godhead. This complex theological concept is vital for understanding Christian beliefs about God's nature, revelation, and the relationship between these three persons.
3