Tritheism

denotes a three-god belief; i.e. belief in three independently existing deities. With regard to the doctrine of the Trinity, which attempts to preserve the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and at the same time the monotheistic unity of GOD, some theologians speak of a latent tritheism, since the distinction between Father, Son and Spirit in its peculiarities precludes the existence of three gods, even if these three are of the same substance/entity.

 

Monarchianism

(Greek: monos = only / alone + árchein = to rule) is a collective term for various Trinitarian teachings. It can be mainly divided into adoptianism and modalism. The term monarchianism was first used by the so-called “Church Father” Tertulian.

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Adoptianism

tries to preserve the unity of GOD (the Father) by teaching that Jesus Christ was born as a mere human being and was only later accepted (adopted) by GOD as a son.

 

Modalism

emphasizes the unity of GOD (as Father + Son) in the way that Father and Son were viewed as different modes of being of the one GOD. This led to the assumption that GOD, the Father himself, suffered on the cross in the form of the Son.

 

Subordinatianism

(Latin: sub = under + ordinare = to order) describes a doctrine according to which Jesus Christ is of divine nature, but is subordinate to GOD, the Father. This view was primarily represented by the “Church Father” Origen and his student Dyonysius of Alexandria.

 

Trinity to Nicea

says that there is one GOD who reveals himself in three persons (persona) or hypostases (hypostasis) as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who in their essence (ousia / substantia) are GOD in the fullest sense and at the same time differ from one another. The word Trinity (trinitas) and the term consubstantial (homoousios) do not appear in Holy Scripture.

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