Theodotus of Byzantium

Theodotus of Byzantium (Ancient Greek: Θεόδoτoς Theodotos; also known as Theodotus the Tanner, Theodotus the Shoemaker, Theodotus the Cobbler, and Theodotus the Fuller;[1] flourished late 2nd century) was a dynamic monarchian theologian from Byzantium, one of several named Theodotus whose writings were condemned as heresy in the early church.

Theodotus held the profession of a leatherworker or fuller in Byzantium. He taught that Jesus was a virgin born man and, though he later received the spirit of God upon baptism (that is to say, he received the Christ in the form of a dove, thus according to Hippolytus agreed with Gnostics[2]), he was not himself God until after his resurrection.[3] This Christology, now referred to as "Dynamic Monarchianism" by modern scholars, was declared heretical by Pope Victor I, and Theodotus was excommunicated. Eusebius in referencing Theodotus' beliefs, refers to the group calling the correct "preaching [to] have been delayed" ultimately "until the times of Victor". He argued that " if Victor agreed with their opinions", why were they cast out?[4] Meanwhile, Hippolytus lists Theodotus's denial of Christ during persecution as the reason for his beliefs.[5]

Ultimately, Theodotus' following seems to have been quite small, and later having a "fruitless attempt" at establishing a church in Rome.[6]


See also

References

  1. ^ Reinhold Seeberg, Text-Book of the History of Doctrines, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1956), 163
  2. ^ "Henry Wace: Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century A.D., with an Account of the Principal Sects and Heresies. - Christian Classics Ethereal Library". www.ccel.org. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  3. ^ Hippolytus. "Refutation of All Heresies". New Advent. Retrieved April 7, 2025. But (among the followers of Theodotus) some are disposed (to think) that never was this man made God, (even) at the descent of the Spirit; whereas others (maintain that he was made God) after the resurrection from the dead.
  4. ^ "CHURCH FATHERS: Church History, Book V (Eusebius)". www.newadvent.org. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  5. ^ "Henry Wace: Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century A.D., with an Account of the Principal Sects and Heresies. - Christian Classics Ethereal Library". www.ccel.org. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  6. ^ "Theodotus and His Teachings". ccel.org. Retrieved 2025-05-15.

Sources


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