Modalistic Monarchianism

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Introduction
Contesting traditional Trinitarian doctrines, Modalistic Monarchianism (i.e., Modalism) offers a Unitarian theological framework, seeking to maintain a strict monotheism and eliminate any model postulating intra-Trinitarian distinctions within the Godhead. Despite receiving acceptance among contemporary organizations, modalistic interpretations represent a significant departure from orthodox Christology—failing to render a biblically faithful theological framework, while proving explanatorily impotent, and appropriately receiving condemnation by early church leaders and ecumenical councils. Establishing this contention, this essay will outline the fundamental doctrines of Modalism, highlighting their explanatory impotence while …show more content…

Falling within the term Monarchianism, two distinctly independent factions exist: 1) Dynamic or Adoptionistic Monarchianism, and 2) Modalistic Monarchianism. Denying the divinity of Christ, Dynamic Monarchianism portrays Jesus as a miraculously born human, receiving divine empowerment and subsequent adoption. In contrast, Modalistic Monarchianism—which is the primary focus of this examination—represents a form of Unitarianism, propagating the numerical identity of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Under the modalistic framework, the Scriptural names Father, Son, and Holy Spirit do not represent personal designations but rather “modes or relations of the one divine person” in His interactions with …show more content…

Explicitly demonstrating this concept, the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 states, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Fourthly, the Old Testament attributes divine characteristics and activities to multiple individuals simultaneously, occasionally depicting the interaction between the persons (cf., Psalm 110:1; Isaiah

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