valenssiteorianism

Valenssiteorianism is a theological position within Christianity that emerged in the 4th century, primarily associated with the teachings of Theodore of Mopsuestia and later refined by Nestorius. It is often misunderstood and has been historically labeled as "Nestorianism." At its core, Valenssiteorianism attempts to explain the relationship between the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ.

The central tenet of this view is the assertion of a distinct separation between the divine Logos (the Son of God) and the human Jesus. Proponents argued that these two natures, while united in purpose and action, remained fundamentally distinct entities within Christ. This distinction was often described as a "union of will" or "union of disposition" rather than a substantial, hypostatic union where the two natures are inseparable and constitute a single person.

This emphasis on distinction led to accusations that Valenssiteorianism divided Christ into two separate persons, one divine and one human, who merely coexisted or cooperated. Critics, particularly those holding to Alexandrian Christology, argued this undermined the unity of Christ and compromised the incarnation. They believed that the divine Logos truly assumed a human nature, becoming one person in Jesus Christ, a union they termed the "hypostatic union."

The theological controversies surrounding Valenssiteorianism culminated in its condemnation as heresy by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, which officially affirmed the concept of the hypostatic union. Despite its condemnation within mainstream Christianity, elements of what was perceived as Valenssiteorian thought persisted in some Eastern churches, notably the Church of the East, which eventually became known as the Assyrian Church of the East.