Adoptionist vs adoptionism, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that both can be used, depending on the context. Adoptionist refers to a person who believes that Jesus became the Son of God at his baptism, while adoptionism is the theological doctrine that Jesus was born a mere mortal and was later adopted as the Son of God.
Adoptionism, also known as dynamic monarchianism, was a heretical belief that emerged in the early Christian church. It was condemned as a heresy by the Catholic Church in the 4th century. Adoptionism was based on the idea that Jesus was a human being who was adopted by God as his Son at some point during his life.
Adoptionist, on the other hand, is a term used to describe a group of early Christian sects that believed that Jesus was a human being who became the Son of God at his baptism. This view was also condemned as a heresy by the Catholic Church.
Despite their similarities, adoptionist and adoptionism are distinct concepts that have different implications for Christian theology. The rest of this article will explore these concepts in more detail, examining their origins, development, and impact on Christian thought.
Define Adoptionist
Adoptionist is a term used to describe a Christian belief that Jesus was not born divine, but rather became the Son of God through adoption. This belief was prevalent in the early centuries of Christianity and was particularly popular among some of the Gnostic sects. Adoptionists believed that Jesus was a human being who was chosen by God to be his son, and that he was later adopted by God at his baptism.
The adoptionist view of Jesus was rejected by the mainstream Christian church, which held that Jesus was born divine and was therefore the Son of God from the moment of his conception. The adoptionist view was seen as heretical and was condemned by several early church councils.
Define Adoptionism
Adoptionism is the theological belief that Jesus Christ was not divine by nature but became the Son of God at some point during his life on earth. This belief was popular among some early Christian sects, particularly in the second and third centuries.
Adoptionism holds that Jesus was a human being who was chosen by God to be his son and was later adopted by God at his baptism or resurrection. This view is in contrast to the orthodox Christian belief that Jesus was born divine and was therefore the Son of God from the moment of his conception.
Adoptionism was considered a heresy by the mainstream Christian church and was condemned by several early church councils. Despite this, adoptionism continued to be held by some Christian groups, particularly in the Middle Ages and beyond.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to discussing the theological concept of adoptionism, it’s important to understand the proper usage of related terms like adoptionist and adoptionism. Here’s a closer look at how to use these words in a sentence:
How To Use Adoptionist In A Sentence
The term “adoptionist” refers to someone who subscribes to the theological belief of adoptionism. Here are a few examples of how to use “adoptionist” in a sentence:
- Many early Christian adoptionists believed that Jesus was not divine from birth, but rather became divine later in life.
- The adoptionist view of Jesus’ nature was rejected by the mainstream Christian church in the 5th century.
- Some modern Christian theologians have revived adoptionist ideas in an effort to reconcile the concept of a loving God with the problem of evil in the world.
How To Use Adoptionism In A Sentence
The term “adoptionism” refers to the theological belief that Jesus was not divine from birth, but rather was “adopted” as the Son of God later in life. Here are a few examples of how to use “adoptionism” in a sentence:
- Adoptionism was a popular theological belief among some early Christian sects, but it was eventually declared a heresy by the mainstream church.
- Some scholars believe that the Gospel of Mark reflects adoptionist ideas about Jesus’ divinity.
- Adoptionism has been a topic of theological debate for centuries, with some theologians arguing that it offers a more humanistic view of Jesus’ nature than traditional Christian doctrine.
More Examples Of Adoptionist & Adoptionism Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the concepts of adoptionist and adoptionism, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Adoptionist In A Sentence
- The adoptionist view suggests that Jesus became the Son of God at his baptism.
- John the Baptist was considered an adoptionist because he believed that Jesus became the Son of God at his baptism.
- The adoptionist controversy was a major theological debate in the early Christian church.
- Some scholars argue that the Gospel of Mark reflects an adoptionist Christology.
- Adoptionist beliefs were considered heretical by the orthodox Christian church.
- The adoptionist view is often contrasted with the orthodox view of the Trinity.
- Adoptionist Christology emphasizes the humanity of Jesus over his divinity.
- The adoptionist controversy was a precursor to later debates over the nature of Christ.
- Adoptionist beliefs were popular among some early Christian sects, but were eventually condemned as heresy.
- Adoptionist Christology is often associated with the Ebionites, a Jewish Christian sect.
Examples Of Using Adoptionism In A Sentence
- The adoptionism controversy was a major theological debate in the early Christian church.
- Adoptionism is the belief that Jesus became the Son of God at his baptism.
- Adoptionism was a popular belief among some early Christian sects.
- Adoptionism is often associated with the Ebionites, a Jewish Christian sect.
- Adoptionism was considered heretical by the orthodox Christian church.
- Adoptionism emphasizes the humanity of Jesus over his divinity.
- Adoptionism is often contrasted with the orthodox view of the Trinity.
- The adoptionism controversy was a precursor to later debates over the nature of Christ.
- Some scholars argue that adoptionism influenced the development of Islamic Christology.
- Adoptionism reflects a more Jewish understanding of the Messiah than the orthodox Christian view.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to discussing the theology of early Christianity, the terms “adoptionist” and “adoptionism” are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the beliefs of certain Christian groups. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these terms:
Using “Adoptionist” To Refer To The Belief In Adoptionism
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the term “adoptionist” to refer to the belief in adoptionism. While the two terms sound similar, they actually have different meanings. Adoptionism is the belief that Jesus was born a human being and was later “adopted” by God as his son, whereas the term “adoptionist” refers to a person or group who holds this belief.
Therefore, it is important to use the term “adoptionism” when referring to the belief itself, and “adoptionist” when referring to the people or groups who hold that belief.
Confusing Adoptionism With Arianism
Another common mistake is confusing adoptionism with Arianism. While both beliefs involve the nature of Jesus and his relationship to God, they are not the same. Arianism is the belief that Jesus was a created being, whereas adoptionism holds that Jesus was born a human being and later “adopted” by God as his son.
To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand the differences between these two beliefs and use the correct terminology when discussing them.
Assuming All Early Christians Were Adoptionists
Finally, it is important to avoid assuming that all early Christians were adoptionists. While adoptionism was a belief held by some early Christian groups, it was not the only belief. Other groups held different beliefs about the nature of Jesus and his relationship to God.
Therefore, it is important to avoid making blanket statements about the beliefs of early Christians and to be specific about which groups held which beliefs.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to do your research and understand the differences between adoptionism, Arianism, and other early Christian beliefs. When discussing these beliefs, be specific about which groups held which beliefs and use the correct terminology to avoid confusion.
- Do your research and understand the differences between adoptionism, Arianism, and other early Christian beliefs
- Be specific about which groups held which beliefs
- Use the correct terminology to avoid confusion
Context Matters
When it comes to discussing the theological beliefs surrounding the concept of the adoption of Jesus Christ, the terms “adoptionist” and “adoptionism” are often used interchangeably. However, the choice between these two terms can depend on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
One context in which the term “adoptionist” might be used is in reference to a specific historical movement within Christianity. Adoptionism was a heretical belief that emerged in the early Church, which held that Jesus was not divine by nature, but rather was “adopted” as the Son of God at his baptism or resurrection.
On the other hand, the term “adoptionism” might be used more broadly to refer to any theological belief that emphasizes the idea of Jesus being “adopted” as the Son of God. In this context, the term could be used to describe a range of beliefs held by various Christian denominations and theologians.
Another context in which the choice between adoptionist and adoptionism might change is in a scholarly or academic setting. Depending on the specific field or discipline, one term may be more commonly used or may carry different connotations.
Examples Of How The Choice Might Change
- In a historical theology course, the term “adoptionist” might be used to specifically refer to the heretical beliefs of the early Church, while “adoptionism” could be used more generally to discuss the concept of Jesus being “adopted” as the Son of God.
- In a comparative religion course, the term “adoptionism” might be used to compare and contrast the beliefs of different religions regarding the concept of divine adoption.
- In a biblical studies course, the term “adoptionist” might be used to discuss specific passages or interpretations of scripture related to the concept of Jesus being “adopted” as the Son of God.
Overall, the choice between adoptionist and adoptionism can depend on the specific context in which they are used, and can carry different connotations or meanings depending on the setting. Understanding these nuances can be important for clear communication and accurate interpretation of theological concepts.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the usage of adoptionist and adoptionism follows a set of rules, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some of the exceptions, along with explanations and examples:
1. Historical Context
When discussing historical events or figures, the rules for using adoptionist and adoptionism might not apply. This is because the terms might have had different meanings or connotations in the past. For example, in the context of early Christianity, adoptionism referred to a specific theological belief that Jesus was not born divine, but was adopted as the Son of God at his baptism. However, in modern usage, adoptionism generally refers to the broader concept of the belief that Jesus was not inherently divine, but became divine through adoption.
2. Regional Differences
The usage of adoptionist and adoptionism might also vary depending on the region or culture in question. For example, in some parts of the world, adoptionism might refer specifically to the belief that Jesus was adopted as the Son of God, while in other regions, it might be used more broadly to refer to any belief that Jesus was not inherently divine. Similarly, some regions might use the term adoptionist to refer to a specific theological position, while in others, it might be used more generally to describe any belief that emphasizes the adoption of Jesus.
3. Individual Interpretation
Finally, there might be cases where an individual’s interpretation of adoptionist or adoptionism differs from the generally accepted definitions. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as personal beliefs, cultural background, or education. For example, an individual might use adoptionism to refer to a specific theological belief that differs from the traditional definition, or might use adoptionist to describe a belief that is not commonly associated with the term.
Overall, while the rules for using adoptionist and adoptionism provide a useful framework for understanding these terms, it is important to be aware of the exceptions and variations that might arise in different contexts.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between adoptionist and adoptionism, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either adoptionist or adoptionism:
- __________ is the belief that Jesus was not divine until he was baptized by John the Baptist.
- John is an __________ because he believes that Jesus was always divine.
- __________ is the belief that Jesus was always divine.
- __________ is the belief that Jesus became divine at his baptism.
Answer Key:
- Adoptionism
- Adoptionist
- Adoptionism
- Adoptionism
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using either adoptionist or adoptionism:
- ______________________________
- ______________________________
- ______________________________
- ______________________________
Answer Key:
- Many early Christians were adoptionists.
- Adoptionism was declared a heresy by the Catholic Church in the 8th century.
- The adoptionist belief is that Jesus was a man who was adopted by God at his baptism.
- Adoptionism is a controversial topic among theologians.
By practicing using adoptionist and adoptionism in sentences, you can improve your understanding and usage of these terms. Remember, adoptionism refers to the belief that Jesus became divine at his baptism, while adoptionist refers to someone who holds this belief.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between adoptionist and adoptionism is crucial when it comes to discussing the theological beliefs of early Christianity. Adoptionism is the belief that Jesus was a human being who was adopted by God and given divine powers, while adoptionist refers to the people who held this belief.
Throughout this article, we have explored the origins of adoptionism and how it was viewed by early Christian leaders. We have also examined the arguments for and against adoptionism, as well as its impact on the development of Christian theology.
It is important to note that while adoptionism was eventually rejected by the mainstream Christian church, it played an important role in shaping early Christian thought and theology. By understanding the historical context and theological implications of adoptionism, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of early Christian beliefs.
Key Takeaways
- Adoptionism is the belief that Jesus was a human being who was adopted by God and given divine powers.
- Adoptionist refers to the people who held this belief.
- Adoptionism was a controversial belief in early Christianity and was eventually rejected by the mainstream church.
- Understanding the historical context and theological implications of adoptionism can help us appreciate the complexity and diversity of early Christian beliefs.
Continuing Your Learning
If you are interested in learning more about the history of early Christianity and its theological developments, there are many resources available. You may want to explore books and articles written by scholars in the field, attend lectures or conferences, or participate in online discussion groups.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can deepen your understanding of the nuances and complexities of language. Whether you are a writer, editor, or simply someone who enjoys reading and learning, developing your language skills can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.