Adoptionism meaning

Adoptionism is the belief that Jesus was adopted as God's son at his baptism by John the Baptist, rather than being inherently divine.


Adoptionism definitions

Word backwards msinoitpoda
Part of speech Adoptionism is a noun.
Syllabic division a-dop-tio-nism
Plural The plural of adoptionism is adoptionisms.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) a,o,i
Consonants (6) d,p,t,n,s,m

Adoptionism is a theological belief that emerged in the early centuries of Christianity. It centers around the idea that Jesus Christ was not born the Son of God, but rather became the Son of God through adoption. This notion stands in contrast to the traditional Christian belief in the eternal divinity of Jesus.

Origins of Adoptionism

The origins of Adoptionism can be traced back to the early Christian communities in the East, particularly in areas such as Syria and Palestine. Proponents of Adoptionism believed that Jesus was a man who led a righteous life and was chosen by God to be His Son at a specific point in his earthly existence.

Key Tenets of Adoptionism

Adoptionism asserts that Jesus was a human being who was elevated to the status of divine Sonship either at his baptism or at his resurrection. This belief implies that Jesus was not inherently divine but was granted divine status by God. Followers of Adoptionism view Jesus as a model of virtue and obedience rather than as the eternal incarnation of God.

Controversies and Rejection

Adoptionism faced significant opposition from the mainstream Christian church, which viewed it as a heretical doctrine. The First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD explicitly condemned Adoptionism as incompatible with orthodox Christian teaching. Subsequently, Adoptionism was deemed a heresy and was rejected by the majority of Christian communities.

Impact and Legacy

Although Adoptionism was ultimately rejected by the broader Christian tradition, its influence persisted in some pockets of Christianity. The belief system continued to have followers in certain regions despite being labeled as heretical. Adoptionism played a role in shaping theological discussions and debates within Christianity and contributed to the development of more orthodox positions regarding the nature of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Adoptionism is a theological perspective that challenges the traditional understanding of Jesus Christ's nature and divinity. While it was ultimately deemed heretical by the Christian church, Adoptionism remains a topic of historical interest and serves as a reminder of the diverse beliefs that characterized early Christian thought.


Adoptionism Examples

  1. The study of adoptionism in early Christianity is intriguing to many scholars.
  2. Some historians argue that adoptionism was a significant theological belief in the early church.
  3. Adoptionism posits that Jesus was adopted as God's son at his baptism.
  4. Critics of adoptionism believe that it undermines the divinity of Jesus.
  5. The controversy surrounding adoptionism led to debates within the Christian community.
  6. Adoptionism gained popularity in certain regions before it was deemed heretical.
  7. Adoptionism challenged traditional views on the nature of Jesus Christ.
  8. Some modern theologians still find value in exploring adoptionism as a historical concept.
  9. Adoptionism influenced the development of early Christian doctrine.
  10. The debate over adoptionism shaped the trajectory of Christian theology.


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  • Updated 25/06/2024 - 18:53:02