Miaphysitism
In one sentence
A Christological formula of the one incarnate nature of the Word in which divinity and humanity are united without confusion.
In simple terms
Divine and human are united in the “one incarnate nature of God the Word” without confusion, change, or destruction of humanity.
Biblical truth
Scripture speaks of one Christ who is simultaneously truly God and truly human.
Key Scriptures
John 1:14 · Phil. 2:6–8 · Col. 2:9 · Heb. 2:14–18 · 1 John 4:2
Example
The Miaphysite formula emphasizes the unity of the incarnate Christ but does not teach that humanity dissolved into divinity.
Who holds it
Oriental Orthodox churches, including Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, and others.
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with Eutychianism or crude Monophysitism in which the human nature is effectively lost.
History
Miaphysite language draws especially on Cyril of Alexandria and became characteristic of non-Chalcedonian Oriental traditions.
Main point of debate
Modern ecumenical discussion often concerns how far Miaphysite and Chalcedonian formulas are substantively compatible despite different terminology.