Chalcedonian Definition
Historical Background
The Chalcedonian Definition is a doctrinal statement regarding the nature of Christ, adopted by the Fourth Ecumenical Council, held in Chalcedon in 451 AD. The council was convened to resolve the ongoing disputes regarding the nature of Christ, which had been a source of controversy within the Christian community since the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.
Theological Context
The Chalcedonian Definition was a response to the teachings of Eutyches, a monk from Constantinople, who argued that Christ had only one nature, a fusion of divine and human elements. This view, known as Monophysitism, was seen as a threat to the orthodox understanding of Christ's dual nature as both fully divine and fully human. The council's definition was intended to affirm this dual nature and to refute the Monophysite position.
The Definition
The Chalcedonian Definition states that Christ is "recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation". This statement is often referred to as the "four adverbs" of Chalcedon. It affirms that Christ has both a divine and a human nature, and that these two natures exist in Him without mingling (without confusion), without change (immutable), without division (indivisible), and without separation (inseparable).
Impact and Controversy
The Chalcedonian Definition was not universally accepted within the Christian community. Many Eastern churches, particularly those in Egypt and Syria, rejected the definition and continued to adhere to Monophysite beliefs. This led to a schism within the Christian community, with the Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian churches developing along separate lines.
Legacy
Despite the controversy, the Chalcedonian Definition has had a lasting impact on Christian theology. It remains a cornerstone of Christological doctrine in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and most Protestant churches. The definition's emphasis on the dual nature of Christ has shaped Christian understandings of the incarnation, redemption, and the nature of God.