nestorianismi

Nestorianism refers to a theological doctrine that emerged in the early 5th century, primarily associated with the teachings of the Syrian theologian Nestorius, who was Patriarch of Constantinople from 428 to 431. The doctrine centers on the nature of Christ and the relationship between his divine and human natures. Nestorius argued that Mary, the mother of Jesus, should not be called *Theotokos* (Greek for "God-bearer"), but rather *Christotokos* ("Christ-bearer"), because she gave birth only to the human nature of Christ, not to the divine nature. He believed that the two natures—divine and human—were distinct and coexisted in Christ but were not united in a single person.

The doctrine was condemned as heretical at the Council of Ephesus in 431, which affirmed the orthodox view that Christ possesses a single divine person with two natures, fully human and fully divine, united inseparably. Nestorianism was later associated with the Church of the East (also known as the Nestorian Church or Assyrian Church of the East), which preserved its distinct theological traditions and separated from the broader Christian community after the council.

Nestorianism influenced later Christian thought, particularly in Syriac-speaking regions, and had a lasting impact on the development of Christian theology in the Middle East. The movement also spread along the Silk Road, reaching as far as China, where it had a brief but notable presence in the 7th century. Over time, the Church of the East evolved its theological positions, moving closer to orthodox Christology while retaining some Nestorian influences.

Today, the term "Nestorianism" is primarily used in historical and theological contexts to describe the early Christian doctrine and its legacy within certain Christian traditions. The Church of the East remains an independent Christian denomination, maintaining its unique liturgical and theological heritage.