Semi-Arianism
In one sentence
Fourth-century positions affirming the Son’s likeness to the Father while avoiding Nicene consubstantiality.
In simple terms
The Son is regarded as exalted and like the Father, while the Nicene affirmation of full consubstantiality is avoided or rejected.
Biblical truth
Scripture distinguishes Father and Son while attributing divine glory, works, and eternity to the Son.
Key Scriptures
John 1:1–3 · John 5:18–23 · John 17:5 · Col. 1:15–17 · Heb. 1:3–12
Example
A formula of “similar essence” could be used as an alternative to the Nicene “same essence.”
Who holds it
Various fourth-century groups and theologians occupying positions between Nicene confession and strict Arianism.
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with one precisely defined church; “Semi-Arianism” groups several historically distinct positions.
History
The term belongs to the complex post-Nicene controversies in which several formulas for the Son’s relation to the Father were proposed.
Main point of debate
The main question is whether saying the Son is like the Father is sufficient or whether Scripture requires confessing full equality of divine essence.