Monothelitism
In one sentence
The teaching that Christ has one will despite having two natures.
In simple terms
Christ is acknowledged to have two natures but only one will or principle of willing.
Biblical truth
The Gospels portray Jesus’ human willing in perfect harmony with the Father’s will, while classical Christology associates will with nature.
Key Scriptures
Matt. 26:39 · John 6:38 · Luke 22:42 · Heb. 2:17 · Heb. 4:15
Example
The prayer “not my will, but yours” became an important text in the debate over the reality of Christ’s human will.
Who holds it
Historically, part of seventh-century Byzantine compromise theology; later rejected at the Third Council of Constantinople.
Opposing view
Dyothelitism
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with denying Christ’s personal unity; two wills in Dyothelitism do not mean two personal subjects.
History
It arose in the seventh century as an attempted formula of reconciliation after Chalcedonian disputes.
Main point of debate
The dispute is whether a complete human nature in Christ requires a human will alongside the divine will.