Definition

Noun: * Athanasianism: The theological doctrine, associated with Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373), which asserts that Jesus Christ (the Son) is of the same substance (homoousios) as God the Father. This doctrine was formulated in opposition to Arianism and was central to the Nicene Creed.

Usage

• Athanasianism is used as a proper noun to name a specific historical Christian doctrine. It is typically discussed in academic contexts related to theology, church history, or early Christian studies.
• Example: The council was convened to defend Athanasianism against its critics.
• Example: A key tenet of Athanasianism is the co-eternity of the Father and the Son.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to Arianism, which held that the Son was a created being and not of the same substance as the Father.
• It can be discussed in relation to the development of the doctrine of the Trinity.

Variants and Related Words

• Athanasian (adjective): Pertaining to Athanasius or his teachings.
  • Example: The Athanasian Creed is a later statement of faith summarizing Trinitarian and Christological doctrine.
• Homoousios (noun): The Greek term meaning "of the same substance," which is the central concept of Athanasianism.

Synonyms

• Nicene Orthodoxy (in its specific Christological context)
• Homoousian doctrine

Antonyms

• Arianism
• Heteroousian doctrine (the belief that the Son is of a substance from the Father)

Noun

1. the theological doctrine taught by Athanasius that Christ the Son is of the same substance as God the Father