Audianism

An early Christian sect known for its unique interpretation of God’s anthropomorphism.


Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Audianism
Founder: Audius
Founded: 4th century CE
Ended: Declined in influence by the 5th century CE
Location: Roman Empire (primarily in the Eastern provinces)


Audianism, also known as Anthropomorphism, was an early Christian sect founded in the 4th century. It derived its name from its founder, Audius (or Audaeus), who advocated for a literal interpretation of biblical texts, particularly Genesis 1:27, which asserts that God created humanity in His own image. This led Audius and his followers to believe that God possesses a human form—a view that diverged significantly most other Christian sects of the time, which typically understood God as spirit, beyond physical form. The sect was also known for its adherence to quartodecimanism, the practice of celebrating Jesus’ death on the eve of the Jewish Passover rather than following the Roman tradition of observing Easter on a Sunday.

Audianism attracted attention and criticism from several notable Church Fathers, including Jerome and Cyril of Alexandria, who encountered it among some Egyptian monks and composed a short refutation of their error, attributing it to extreme ignorance. The Church Father Theodoret also wrote extensively against Audianism, emphasizing the heretical nature of its teachings and criticizing its moral and doctrinal aberrations. Furthermore, Roman Emperors such as Constantine the Great and Theodosius I legislated against the Audians, highlighting the perceived threat the sect posed to orthodox Christian beliefs.

Despite the opposition, Audianism persisted into the 380s, particularly in Syrian Antioch. However, very little concrete information about the Audians remains, and the sect’s beliefs, including its stance on quartodecimanism and the extent of its anthropomorphism, are subjects of historical speculation.

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