aphthartodocetism
|a-phthar-to-do-ce-tism|
🇺🇸
/ˌæfθɑrtoʊdəˈsiːtɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌæfθɑːtəʊdəˈsiːtɪzəm/
belief that Christ's body was incorruptible / suffering only apparent
Etymology
'aphthartodocetism' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'aphthartos' and 'dokein' (via 'docetism'), where 'aphthartos' meant 'incorruptible' and 'dokein' meant 'to seem' or 'to appear'.
'aphthartodocetism' developed in theological usage (via Medieval Greek or Late Latin forms such as 'aphthartodoketismos') and eventually entered modern English as 'aphthartodocetism'.
Initially it referred broadly to the idea of Christ's incorruptibility or impassibility; over time it has been used specifically to denote the particular heretical doctrine that Christ only appeared to suffer.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the doctrinal position (regarded as a heresy) that Christ's physical body was incorruptible or impassible and that his sufferings and death were only apparent.
Aphthartodocetism was condemned by church authorities as inconsistent with orthodox Christology.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/17 07:48