Arianism
Christological heresy denying the co-eternal deity of the Son of God
Arianism was the crisis that gripped the 4th-century church, sparked by the Alexandrian presbyter Arius, who argued that God the Father alone is unbegotten and without beginning, and that the Son was a created being (ktisma) brought into existence out of nothing as an instrument of creation: 'There was a time when He was not' (en pote hote ouk en).
Historical Context & Significance
Though condemned at Nicaea I (325 AD), Arianism flourished for decades with imperial patronage under Constantius II and Valens, and converted Gothic and Vandal tribes, before its definitive refutation by the Cappadocian Fathers and condemnation at Constantinople I (381 AD).
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
This movement or council is an early root foundation with no preceding parent split in the dataset.
Theological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Universal Christian confession that God Almighty is the sole Creator of all things visible and invisible out of nothing (*creatio ex nihilo*).
Universal confession that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and was raised for our justification according to the Scriptures.
Universal confession that worship (*latreia*) belongs to God alone and that gross physical idols of false gods are strictly abhorred.