Select Page

Docetism

Docetism

Docetism was a Gnostic heresy that was condemned by the Early Church with several variations concerning the nature of Christ. Generally, it taught that Jesus only appeared to have a body and that He was not really incarnate (Greek, “dokeo” = “to seem”). This error developed out of the dualistic philosophy which viewed matter as inherently evil and that God could not be associated with matter and that God, being perfect and infinite, could not suffer.

Please see Heresies for more specific information.

Return to Dictionary of…

Theology // Philosophy // Science // People // False Terms