Arianism
In one sentence
The teaching that the Son is not eternal or consubstantial with the Father but is the highest created being.
In simple terms
The Son is above all creation but is not eternal God in the same sense as the Father.
Biblical truth
Scripture distinguishes the Son from the Father while also attributing to Christ divine names, works, honor, and existence before creation.
Key Scriptures
John 1:1–3 · John 5:18–23 · John 8:58 · Col. 1:15–17 · Heb. 1:1–12
Example
An Arian reading treats texts about the Son’s primacy and being sent as evidence of derived and unequal being.
Who holds it
Historically, Arius and related fourth-century movements. Nicene Christianity rejected Arianism.
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with distinctions of role within Trinitarian theology; Arianism concerns the Son’s very status and nature.
History
The controversy around Arius formed the central context of the Council of Nicaea in 325 and later fourth-century Trinitarian debates.
Main point of debate
The key question is whether the Son is eternal and consubstantial with the Father or has a beginning and a derived nature.