Definition

Noun: 1. A Christian theological doctrine: Named after Nestorius (c. 386–c. 451 AD), the Archbishop of Constantinople, it is the doctrine that Christ exists as two distinct persons: the human person of Jesus and the divine person of the Son of God (the Logos). This emphasizes the separation between Christ's human and divine natures, as opposed to their union in a single person (hypostasis).

Usage

• Noun:
  • Nestorianism was declared a heresy by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.
  • Some scholars study the historical and theological arguments of Nestorianism.

Advanced Usage

• In historical/ecclesiastical context: Often used to describe the Christological position condemned by early church councils and its subsequent influence on churches in Persia and the East.
  • The Church of the East developed a theology often labeled as Nestorianism by its opponents.

Variants and Related Words

• Nestorian (adj): Pertaining to Nestorius or Nestorianism.
  • Nestorian theology
• Nestorian (n): A follower of Nestorianism.
  • The Nestorians established communities along the Silk Road.

Synonyms

• Dyophysitism: (Specifically, the emphasis on two natures, though not all Dyophysites are Nestorians in the heretical sense).
• Antiochene Christology: Referring to the theological school from which Nestorius's views emerged.

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Council of Ephesus: The ecumenical council that condemned Nestorius's teachings.
• Theotokos: A title for Mary meaning "God-bearer," whose rejection by Nestorius was central to the controversy.

Noun

1. the theological doctrine (named after Nestorius) that Christ is both the son of God and the man Jesus (which is opposed to Roman Catholic doctrine that Christ is fully God)