Eutychian
Turkey·5th century·Early Church
Eutychianism, also known as Real Monophysitism, is a Christian theological doctrine originating from the ideas of Eutyches of Constantinople. It proposes a monophysite understanding of Jesus Christ, asserting he was of one nature, with his humanity subsumed by his divinity. This Christology was rejected at the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon in 451.
Key Facts
- ›Eutychianism is a monophysite theological doctrine derived from the ideas of Eutyches.
- ›It posits that Christ was in one nature, with humanity subsumed by divinity.
- ›Adversaries labeled Eutychians as Phantasiasts, accusing their Christology of reducing the incarnation to a phantasm.
- ›Eutychianism was rejected at the Council of Chalcedon in 451.
- ›The rejection of Eutychianism contributed to the schism with Oriental Orthodoxy.
- ›Eutyches maintained Christ was of two natures but not in two natures, with human and divine natures blending.
Real Monophysitism
Council of Chalcedon
Eutyches of Constantinople, Council of Chalcedon, Nestorius, Cyril of Alexandria
About Eutychian
Eutychianism
Eutychianism, also referred to as Real Monophysitism, is a significant theological doctrine within early Christianity, stemming from the teachings of Eutyches of Constantinople (c. 380 – c. 456). This doctrine presents a monophysite perspective on the nature of Jesus Christ, asserting that Christ possessed a single, unified nature where his divinity subsumed his humanity.
Core Beliefs and Controversies
At the heart of Eutychianism was the idea that Christ's human nature was overcome by his divine nature, or that he possessed a human nature distinct from that of ordinary humanity. One formulation describes this unity as Christ's divinity consuming his humanity. Eutyches himself stated that Christ was of two natures but not 'in' two natures, suggesting a profound blending and unity after the incarnation. His adversaries, who often labeled Eutychians as Phantasiasts, accused this Christology of reducing the reality of Jesus' incarnation to a mere appearance or phantasm.
Rejection and Historical Impact
The theological stance of Eutychianism was formally rejected by the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon in 451, which established the Chalcedonian Creed. This creed affirmed Christ as one person in two natures, 'without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.' The condemnation of Eutychianism was a pivotal moment, contributing to the schism between the churches that accepted the Chalcedonian definition and those that did not, notably the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eutychianism?
Eutychianism, also known as Real Monophysitism, is a set of Christian theological doctrines derived from the ideas of Eutyches of Constantinople. It is a monophysite understanding of how the human and divine relate within the person of Jesus Christ, with Christ being in one nature and of two, with the humanity of Christ subsumed by the divinity.
Who was Eutyches?
Eutyches was a prominent figure from Constantinople (c. 380 – c. 456) whose theological ideas formed the basis of Eutychianism. He taught that the human nature of Christ was overcome by the divine or that Christ had a human nature but it was unlike the rest of humanity.
What was the main Christological claim of Eutychianism?
Eutychianism stressed the unity of Christ's nature to such an extent that Christ's divinity consumed his humanity, akin to the ocean consuming a drop of vinegar. Eutyches maintained that Christ was of two natures but not 'in' two natures, as they had united and blended.
Was Eutychianism accepted by the Church?
No, Eutychianism was rejected at the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon in 451. The Council adopted the Chalcedonian Creed, which clearly distinguished between person and nature, stating Christ is one person in two natures without confusion or division.
What was the consequence of the rejection of Eutychianism?
The reaction against Eutychianism at the Council of Chalcedon led to a significant schism within Christianity, particularly with Oriental Orthodoxy. Miaphysites, who rejected the Chalcedonian definition, also condemned Eutychianism.
Related Popes
Gelasius I
Pope Gelasius I served as bishop of Rome from 492 to 496, a period marked by his assertion of papal authority and insistence on Catholic orthodoxy. His pontificate exacerbated tensions between the Western and Eastern Churches, particularly during the Acacian schism, while surprisingly maintaining cordial relations with the Ostrogoths. Gelasius was a prolific author whose writings helped define the transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages.
Leo I
Pope Leo I, also known as Leo the Great, served as Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461. He is renowned for his theological writings, particularly the Tome of Leo, which was crucial to the Council of Chalcedon, and for his diplomatic role in persuading Attila the Hun to turn back from his invasion of Italy. Leo also significantly contributed to developing ideas of papal authority.
Agatho
Pope Agatho served as the bishop of Rome from 678 to 681. His pontificate is primarily known for his role in the Sixth Ecumenical Council, which addressed and suppressed the theological doctrine of Monothelitism. He is also noted for hearing the appeal of Wilfrid of York and is venerated as a saint.