Monarchianism
In one sentence
An early Christian approach defending divine unity in ways that developed into modalistic and dynamic forms.
In simple terms
Monarchianism defends the sole monarchy of the one God, historically in two different ways: modalistic and dynamic.
Biblical truth
Scripture affirms one God while distinguishing Father, Son, and Spirit, creating the conceptual task faced by early Christian theology.
Key Scriptures
Deut. 6:4 · Matt. 28:19 · John 1:1–3 · John 14:16–17 · 1 Cor. 8:6
Example
The modalistic form preserves unity by making the Persons manifestations; the dynamic form by treating Jesus primarily as a man empowered by God.
Who holds it
Various second- and third-century movements later grouped under a common historical label.
Not to be confused with
Do not confuse Monarchianism with the ordinary Christian affirmation of divine monarchy; the term usually denotes specific early anti-Trinitarian models.
History
It developed before Nicene terminology was finalized, amid debate over how to preserve both divine unity and the status of Christ.
Main point of debate
The central question is whether divine unity can be protected without denying eternal personal distinctions within God.