apollinarianism
|a-pol-li-nar-i-an-ism|
🇺🇸
/əˌpɑlɪˈnɛriənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/əˌpɒlɪˈnɛəriənɪzəm/
Christological doctrine denying a full human rational soul in Jesus
Etymology
'apollinarianism' originates from Late Latin/English formation combining the name 'Apollinaris' (a proper name) with the suffix '-ism' (from Greek/Latin), where 'Apollinaris' comes from the Greek name 'Apollinarios' meaning 'of Apollo'.
'apollinarianism' developed from the Late Latin/Medieval Latin formation 'Apollinaris' → 'Apollinarianismus' (Medieval Latin/German theological usage) and was adopted into modern English as 'apollinarianism' to denote the doctrine associated with Apollinaris of Laodicea.
Initially the root name referred simply to 'of or relating to Apollinaris' (a personal name derived from Apollo), but over time it came to denote specifically the theological doctrine and its adherents; in modern usage it identifies the heretical Christological position rather than merely a personal descriptor.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a Christological doctrine, associated with Apollinaris of Laodicea, teaching that in the incarnate Christ the divine Logos took the place of the human rational soul (i.e., Christ had a divine mind instead of a full human rational soul); judged heretical by later ecumenical councils.
Apollinarianism was condemned by mainstream churches because it denied the full humanity of Christ.
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Noun 2
a follower of or advocate for the doctrine of Apollinaris; an adherent of apollinarian teachings.
Historically, an apollinarian often argued that emphasizing Christ's divinity protected the unity of his person.
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Last updated: 2025/09/20 07:54