* [[Christological Controversies and the Chalcedon Definition (G.G.)]] |
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The [[Bible]] tells us that [[Jesus]] is [[God]] in human flesh ([[John 1:1]] and [[John 1:14]]). This doctrine is called the hypostatic union and was especially defined by the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451 AD. Jesus is not half God and half man. He is fully divine and fully man. Understanding this completely is not possible in this life.
===Christological Controversies of the 4th and 5th century===
Disagreements regarding Christ's nature have occurred since the times of the early church causing considerable tension at times. The disagreements have included [[Nestorianism]] in which Jesus is considered to not only have two natures but essentially two persons and [[monophysitism]] where Jesus is thought to have only one nature.
====[[Arianism]]====
Arianism was one of the earliest major Christological heresies to arise. [[Arius]], in the third century BC, taught that Jesus was human, but not divine. This issue was addressed at the [[Council of Nicea]] and refuted. It was argued by church leaders that if Christ was not fully divine and sinless, then how could he offer a perfect sacrifice. Passages such as [[John 1:1]] were called upon as Biblical evidence of Jesus' deity.
===[[Nestorianism]]===
===[[Monophysitism]]===
===Quotes===
===Links===
* [http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddn4v5jr_42f2qhbn Essay on Christological Controversies of Fifth Century]
Today, Arianism still exists. In religions such as [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] and [[Christadelphianism]], Jesus is not believed to be God.