Thursday, October 11, 2007

Heresies of the Holy Trinity By Rev. Charles J. Paul


Modalism A Trinitarian heresy, which treats the three persons of the Trinity as different "modes" of the Godhead. A typical modalist approach is to regard God as active as Father in creation, as Son in redemption, and as Spirit in sanctification. i.e. God exists as Father, Son and Spirit in different eras, but never as triune.

Arianism A major early Christological heresy, which treated Jesus Christ as the supreme of God's creatures, and denied his divine status. The Arian controversy was of major importance in the development of Christology during the fourth century.

Docetism An early Christological heresy, which treated Jesus Christ as a purely divine being who only had the "appearance" of being human.

Ebionitism An early Christological heresy, which treated Jesus Christ as a purely human figure, although recognizing that he was endowed with particular charismatic gifts which distinguished him from other humans.

Sabellianism An early trinitarian heresy, which treated the three persons of the Trinity as different historical manifestations of the one God.
Macedonianism Believes The Holy Spirit is a created being.

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