arianisch

Arianism is a theological doctrine that originated in the 4th century with the presbyter Arius of Alexandria. Its central tenet is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is subordinate to God the Father and was created by Him. Arius taught that Jesus was not co-eternal with God the Father but was the first and highest of God's creations. This contrasted with the Nicene Creed, which was formulated in response to Arianism and affirmed the divinity of Christ, stating that Jesus is "true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father."

The Arian controversy deeply divided the early Christian church. While Arianism was condemned as heresy at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, it continued to have adherents and influence for several centuries, particularly among Germanic tribes like the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths. These groups often adopted Arian Christianity, which sometimes led to conflict with the Nicene Christian populations of the Roman Empire. The theological disputes were complex, involving interpretations of scripture and the nature of the Trinity. Over time, Nicene Christianity became the dominant form of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, and Arianism largely faded as a distinct theological movement.