Docetism
In one sentence
An early view holding that Christ’s human body and sufferings were only apparent or not fully real.
In simple terms
Docetism regards Christ’s humanity, body, or sufferings as merely apparent or not fully real.
Biblical truth
The New Testament emphasizes that the Word truly became flesh, Jesus had a real human body, suffered, and died.
Key Scriptures
John 1:14 · Luke 24:39 · 1 John 4:2–3 · 2 John 7 · Heb. 2:14–18
Example
If Christ only appeared human, then his hunger, pain, and death become appearances rather than a real incarnation.
Who holds it
Certain early Gnostic and related movements; the term is sometimes used more broadly for tendencies that weaken Christ’s real humanity.
Opposing view
Chalcedonian Christology
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with belief in Christ’s sinlessness; freedom from sin does not make his humanity unreal.
History
Docetic tendencies appeared very early and are already reflected in New Testament polemic against denying Christ’s coming in the flesh.
Main point of debate
The central question is whether the incarnation involved truly assuming human nature or merely appearing to do so.