ARIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Arian is an adjective derived from Arianism, a religious doctrine founded by Arius, a Christian presbyter from Alexandria in the 4th century. Arianism rejects the concept of the Holy Trinity and asserts that Jesus Christ is subordinate to God the Father, thereby challenging the mainstream Christian belief in the equality and coexistence of the three persons of the Trinity. Consequently, the term "Arian" is often used to describe someone or something associated with Arianism.
In a broader sense, "Arian" can also refer to a person who adheres to or supports Arianism, or someone who promotes similar theological ideas that challenge orthodox Christian beliefs. Arians argue that Jesus Christ is not fully divine or co-eternal with God, but rather a created being with a nature different from that of God. The Arian controversy greatly impacted the early Christian church, leading to theological debates and conflicts that influenced the development of Christian doctrine.
The term "Arian" can also be used as a noun to describe an individual who follows or advocates Arianism. Nowadays, however, the word is less commonly used to describe religious beliefs and is more frequently employed as a historical or theological term to refer to the particular doctrine and its followers in the context of early Christianity.
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• One adhering to the doctrines of Arius, who taught that Jesus was inferior to God, and that the Holy Spirit is not God.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ARIAN
Etymology of ARIAN
The word "Arian" has its etymology rooted in the name of Arius, a Christian theologian from the 4th century. Arius was a presbyter in Alexandria, Egypt, and he proposed a theological doctrine known as Arianism. This teaching emphasized the belief that Christ, as the Son of God, was created by God the Father and was therefore subordinate to Him, rather than being co-eternal and co-equal with Him. This doctrine gained significant influence and caused a major theological controversy within the early Christian Church. As a result, those who followed Arius and held the belief of Arianism came to be known as "Arians". The word "Arian" has since been used to refer to both the followers of Arius as well as the theological system they adhered to.
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