Coessential

/koʊɪˈsenʃəl/ adjective

Definition

Sharing the same essential nature or substance, especially used in theology to describe beings that are of one substance.

Etymology

From Latin co- 'together' + essentialis 'of essence.' Primarily a theological term dating to medieval Christianity, describing the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Christian doctrine.

Kelly Says

Coessential was a crucial theological term in the 4th-century Council of Nicaea—whether Jesus was coessential with God the Father or just similar was such a big debate it nearly split the church.

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