Adoptionism

/əˈdɒpʃənɪzəm/ noun

Definition

Another term for the theological doctrine that God adopted rather than begot Jesus, or more broadly any doctrine emphasizing adoption as a spiritual process.

Etymology

A variant formation of 'adoptianism,' using the suffix '-ism' but with slightly different morphological construction. Both terms describe the same 8th-9th century theological controversy in Christianity.

Kelly Says

The word 'adoptionism' was so theologically loaded that being associated with it could get you exiled—language wasn't just descriptive, it was a weapon in religious power struggles that determined whose interpretation of Christianity would win.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.