Adoptionism is a theological doctrine that emerged in the early Christian Church. It is a belief that Jesus Christ was not born divine but was adopted as the Son of God at his baptism or transfiguration. This doctrine has been a subject of debate and controversy among Christian theologians for centuries. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, origin, and associations of adoptionism.
Definitions
Adoptionism is a theological doctrine that asserts that Jesus Christ was not inherently divine but was adopted as the Son of God at some point in his life. This adoption is believed to have occurred either at his baptism or his transfiguration. Adoptionism is also known as dynamic monarchianism, which emphasizes the unity of God and denies the doctrine of the Trinity.
Origin
Adoptionism originated in the second century in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It was a response to the challenge of reconciling the monotheistic beliefs of Judaism with the Christian doctrine of the divinity of Jesus Christ. Adoptionism was developed by Theodotus of Byzantium, a Christian teacher who denied the divinity of Christ and claimed that he was a mere man who was adopted as the Son of God.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, adoptionism is “a Christological doctrine that Jesus was not divine by nature but was adopted as the Son of God.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines adoptionism as “a heretical doctrine in early Christianity that Jesus was not divine by nature but was adopted as the Son of God at his baptism.”
Associations
Adoptionism is associated with several other theological doctrines, including Docetism, which asserts that Jesus Christ only appeared to be human but was, in fact, divine. Adoptionism is also associated with Arianism, which denies the divinity of Christ and claims that he was a created being.
Synonyms
The synonyms of adoptionism include dynamic monarchianism, subordinationism, and modalism.
Antonyms
The antonyms of adoptionism include orthodoxy, Nicene Creed, and Trinitarianism.
The same root words
The root word of adoptionism is “adoption,” which means the act of legally taking a child into one’s family and raising them as one’s own. Adoptionism, however, refers to the theological concept of Jesus Christ being adopted as the Son of God.
Example Sentences
- The adoptionism doctrine was a response to the challenge of reconciling the monotheistic beliefs of Judaism with the Christian doctrine of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
- The adoptionism doctrine was considered a heretical belief by the early Christian Church.
- Adoptionism is a theological doctrine that asserts that Jesus Christ was not inherently divine but was adopted as the Son of God at his baptism or transfiguration.
- Adoptionism is associated with several other theological doctrines, including Docetism and Arianism.
- The adoptionism doctrine has been a subject of debate and controversy among Christian theologians for centuries.