An early Christian sect that diverged from mainstream teachings with its unique Christological views.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Early Church
Founded: 3rd century CE
Ended: Declined in influence by the 4th century CE
Location: Roman Empire (primarily in the Eastern provinces)
Other Names: Theodotians
The Artemonians were an early Christian sect, founded by Artemon in the 3rd century, which was active in the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. They were noted for their distinctive Christological views, emphasizing the purely human nature of Jesus Christ and denying his divine pre-existence, contrasting to the orthodox Christian belief in the divinity of Christ.
The Artemonians argued that Jesus was a mere man, albeit an extraordinarily righteous one, who was chosen by God for a special mission. According to them, Jesus became the Christ or Messiah due to his moral perfection and obedience to God’s will, rather than through a pre-existing divine nature. Their position resembled the broader theological view of adoptionism, which asserted that suggesting Jesus was not always divine, but was instead “adopted” by God at a significant event in his life, like his baptism or resurrection.
The Artemonians supported their views by appealing to the teachings of the early Church Fathers, claiming continuity with the original apostolic teachings. They contended that the concept of Christ’s divinity was a later development, corrupted by external influences, and that they were preserving authentic Christian message.
The teachings of the Artemonians were condemned by Christian leaders. Church Fathers, such as Hippolytus of Rome, vehemently opposed the teachings of Artemon and his followers, labeling them as heretical. The orthodox position, which was gradually solidifying through various councils and theological debates, upheld the belief in Christ’s divine nature as a fundamental tenet of Christian faith.
Despite their influence in the 3rd century, the Artemonians gradually faded from the historical scene. Their decline can be attributed to the increasing consolidation of orthodox Christian doctrine and the corresponding marginalization of groups deemed heretical. The establishment of the Nicene Creed in 325, which clearly articulated the belief in Christ’s divine nature, further diminished the influence of the Artemonians and similar sects.
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