Subordinationism
In one sentence
A position that regards the Son or Spirit as subordinate to the Father in nature, status, or eternal order.
In simple terms
The Son or Holy Spirit is placed below the Father not merely in redemptive role but in a deeper order of being or status.
Biblical truth
Scripture portrays the incarnate Son’s willing obedience to the Father while also attributing divine honor and nature to the Son.
Key Scriptures
John 5:18–23 · John 14:28 · Phil. 2:5–11 · 1 Cor. 15:24–28 · Heb. 1:3
Example
One may affirm the Son’s functional mission without claiming that his divine nature is inferior to the Father’s.
Who holds it
The term is applied to some early theological models and to modern debates about the eternal relations of Father and Son.
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with economic distinctions of role among Father, Son, and Spirit in the work of salvation.
History
Before Nicene terminology was fully settled, some Christian authors used hierarchical language later assessed in different ways.
Main point of debate
The dispute is whether the eternal Father-Son relation permits any asymmetry of authority without inequality of divine essence.