Definitions for "Monarchianism"
Monarchianism is from the Greek [ monarchia] meaning "uniqueness of one." It was a heretical doctrine of the second and third centuries which grew out of an attempt to explain the person of Jesus so that it preserved the unity of God. Unfortunately what it actually did was effectively teach against the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. there were basically three types. Adoptionist: They believed that Christ was originally just a man (born of Mary and the Holy Spirit) but was adopted by God, and was only deified after his resurrection. Modalistic or Sabellianism: They believed the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were simply three ways in which God revealed himself, and not the three persons of the trinity. Patripassianism: They believed that there was no difference between God the Father, and God the Son, and that it was God the father who was born of Mary and went to the cross. Monarchianism in general is simply the belief that the Godhead was singular, consisting of one (monarchia). Though the name has faded, there are many today who hold to a similar Oneness theology, denying the three persons of the Godhead. [ back
Term used to describe a belief in early church history that emphasized the undivided unity and sovereignty ( monarchia) of God. It rejected any essential distinctions in God's being, thus denying the doctrine of the trinity. Historians use the term to describe two sharply differing beliefs - dynamic monarchianism and modalistic monarchianism - but this does not imply any historical association between the two groups or doctrines. Dynamic monarchianism held that Jesus was a human being who became the Son of God by reason of the indwelling of divine wisdom or the Logos. Apparently, the dynamic monarchians refused to consider Jesus as God in the strict sense of the word and did not worship Him as God. Far more influential historically than dynamic monarchianism was modalistic monarchianism (modalism). Modalistic monarchianism held that God is one individual being and that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are terms which apply to different modes of action of the one God. Unlike dynamic monarchianism, modalistic monarchianism identified Jesus Christ as God Himself (the Father) manifested in flesh.
monarchia = unity] Attempts to defend the unity of God against views of the Trinity which seemed to suggest that there are three Gods. a) Dynamic monarchianism (or adoptionism). Taught by Theodotus and Paul of Samosata. As there can only be one God, Jesus must be a mere man. b) Modalistic monarchianism. Taught by Sabellius. The view that there is only one God who appears in various modes (as a man in Jesus - so God died for a while on the cross).