Aphthartodocetae

/ˌæfθɑːrtoʊˈdɑːseɪtiː/ noun

Definition

Members of an early Christian heretical sect who believed Christ's body was incorruptible and did not suffer true physical pain.

Etymology

From Greek aphthartos (incorruptible) + dokein (to seem, to teach) + -ae (Latin plural). The heresy emphasized the divine nature of Christ over his human suffering.

Kelly Says

This obscure religious term reveals an ancient theological debate that still echoes today: if Jesus was divine, could he really suffer like humans?—a question that split the early church and produced this mouthful of a word!

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