docetism

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun docetism has 1 sense

Docetism - the heretical doctrine (associated with the Gnostics) that Jesus had no human body and hissufferings and death on the cross were apparent rather than real
--₁ is a kind of theological doctrine, religious doctrine; heresy, unorthodoxy

Definitions from the Web

Docetism

Description:

Docetism refers to a theological belief prevalent in the early Christian era that claims Jesus Christ only appeared to be human, but was in fact a purely divine being. This belief denies the full humanity of Jesus, asserting that his physical form was illusory.

Sense 1: Theological Belief

In its theological sense, docetism holds that Jesus Christ, despite his human appearance, was entirely divine and did not possess a true human nature.

Example Sentence: Many early Christian scholars vehemently opposed docetism, emphasizing the importance of Jesus' full humanity as well as his divinity.

Sense 2: Historical Relevance

Beyond its theological implications, docetism played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of the nature of Jesus during the early development of Christianity.

Example Sentence: The rejection of docetism by orthodox Christian theologians led to the establishment of the belief in the Incarnation, asserting that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine.

Sense 3: Contemporary Importance

In contemporary discussions, docetism is frequently examined within the context of theological and historical studies, aiming to comprehend the diverse views of early Christians regarding the nature of Jesus Christ.

Example Sentence: Scholars continue to debate the significance of docetism in understanding the diversity of early Christian beliefs and the development of orthodox Christian theology.