Doketic

/doʊˈkɛtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the belief that Jesus Christ only appeared to have a physical body but didn't actually have one.

Etymology

From Greek 'dokesis' meaning 'appearance' or 'seeming,' derived from 'dokein' (to seem). The term emerged in early Christian theological debates to describe a heretical view that challenged the physical reality of Christ's incarnation.

Kelly Says

Docetism was so controversial in the early church that some scholars think the Gospel of John was partially written to argue against it—it's one of the oldest theological 'Twitter wars' we know about!

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