MODALIST Meaning and
Definition
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Modalist refers to a theological concept, primarily used in the context of Christian theology, that subscribes to the belief that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not distinct persons of the Trinity, but instead different modes or manifestations of one divine being. The term originates from the Latin word "modus," meaning mode or method.
In the modalist viewpoint, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not seen as separate entities, but rather as different ways God reveals himself to humankind. This perspective suggests that the Father became the Son in the incarnation and then became the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, manifesting himself in different forms throughout history. Consequently, modalism denies the independent coexistence and distinction of the three Persons of the Trinity.
Modalism has been considered a heretical doctrine by mainstream Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church and various Protestant traditions. The concept challenges the traditional understanding of the Trinity, which asserts that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons who share one essence. Critics argue that modalism undermines the richness of the Trinitarian relationship and diminishes the significance of each person within the Godhead.
The issue of modalism has been a topic of theological debate since the early centuries of Christianity, particularly during the debates surrounding the nature of Christ and the formulation of the Nicene Creed. Orthodox Christianity asserts the distinctness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while modalism proposes a more unitarian view of God.
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In theol., one who views the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as modes of being, and not as having distinct personality.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MODALIST
- nodalist
- kodalist
- jodalist
- midalist
- mkdalist
- mldalist
- mpdalist
- m0dalist
- m9dalist
- moxalist
- mocalist
- modzlist
- modslist
- modwlist
- modqlist
- modakist
- modapist
- modaoist
- modalust
- modaljst
Etymology of MODALIST
The etymology of the word "Modalist" can be traced back to the Latin word "modus", meaning mode or manner. In theology, "Modalism" refers to a belief in the Trinity that states that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not distinct persons within the Godhead but rather different modes or manifestations of the same divine being. The term "Modalist" is derived from this theological concept and is used to describe someone who holds or advocates for this belief.
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