Adoptionism

From Gemini AI search:

Adoptionism.

• Pre-Incarnation Divinity: Adoptionists believed Jesus was fully God before his incarnation.
• Relinquishing Divinity on Earth: However, they argued that Jesus laid aside his full divine attributes when he became human. In essence, he was "adopted" by God as his Son during the incarnation.

Key aspects of Adoptionism:

• Human Jesus: Adoptionism emphasized Jesus' full humanity and his experience of human limitations during his earthly life.
• Two Natures: It acknowledged the two natures of Christ (divine and human) but downplayed the divine nature during his earthly ministry.
• Opposition to Full Divinity: This view contrasted with the developing doctrine of the Trinity, which emphasized Jesus' full divinity throughout his existence.

Prominent Adoptionist figures:

• Theodotus of Byzantium (2nd century): An early proponent of adoptionism.
• Paul of Samosata (3rd century): Another influential figure who argued for a subordinationist Christology (Jesus subordinate to the Father).

Decline of Adoptionism:

• Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381): These councils solidified the doctrine of the Trinity, rejecting heretical views like Adoptionism and Arianism.