The Development of Catholic Trinitarian Theology

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What is Trinitarian theology?

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Trinitarian theology developed over time through God’s Revelation and guidance. The Church clarified the truth of the doctrine through Ecumenical Councils.

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What are Ecumenical Councils?

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Ecumenical Councils are gatherings of Church leaders called to resolve pressing issues in the Church.

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What was the context of the Early Church?

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Early Church communities were widespread around the Roman Empire. Communication was limited and challenging, and many people had their own theories about Jesus.

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What role did Early Ecumenical Councils play?

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Early Ecumenical Councils developed the vocabulary and the process to express the depth, breadth, and meaning of sacred truths.

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What are Christological heresies?

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Christological heresies are incorrect beliefs about Jesus that developed during the first several centuries of the Church.

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What is Docetism?

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Docetism is a heretical doctrine that said Jesus only appeared to have a human body, denying his fully human qualities.

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What is Gnosticism?

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Gnosticism refers to religious movements claiming salvation comes from secret knowledge from God or God’s agent.

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What is Arianism?

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Arianism considered Jesus to be a higher creature than humans, but less than God, denying his divinity.

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What is Nestorianism?

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Nestorianism taught that Jesus has two complete natures and is therefore two persons: one divine and one human.

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What is Monophysitism?

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Monophysitism is the belief that Christ has only a single divine nature, denying his humanity.