Modalism
Modalism is a theological view that denies the traditional Trinitarian doctrine of God as three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) existing eternally in one essence. Instead, Modalism proposes that God is one person who reveals himself in different modes or “masks” at different times, such as the Father in the Old Testament, the Son in the New Testament, and the Holy Spirit in the Church. This view is also known as Sabellianism or Patripassianism.
Core Belief: Modalism posits that God is a single person who adopts different roles or manifestations at different times, rather than being three distinct persons existing simultaneously.
- Monarchianism: A broader theological movement that emphasizes God’s oneness, with Modalism being one form of Monarchianism.
- Sabellianism: Another name for Modalism, named after the early proponent Sabellius.
- Patripassianism: A specific form of Modalism that implies the Father suffered on the cross, as it doesn’t distinguish between the Father and the Son.
Distinction from Trinitarianism:
Trinitarianism: Affirms that God is one being existing eternally in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Modalism: Rejects the concept of distinct persons, asserting that God is one person who merely operates in different modes.
Modalism is generally considered a heresy by Trinitarian Christians because it contradicts the core belief in the Trinity. Critics argue that Modalism fails to account for the biblical passages that describe distinct actions and relationships between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For example, the baptism of Jesus, where the Father speaks from heaven, the Son is baptized, and the Spirit descends as a dove, is difficult to explain within a Modalistic framework.
