Nestorianism
What did Nestorius teach about Mary?
That she was only the mother of Jesus’ human nature, not the Mother of God.
What did Pelagius teach about salvation?
That humans could earn salvation by their own efforts without God’s grace.
What did Apollinarianism teach about Jesus?
That Jesus had a human body but not a human mind.
What did Macedonianism deny?
That the Holy Spirit is divine.
What council declared Mary as Theotokos (“Mother of God”)?
The Council of Ephesus (431 AD).
Why is Nestorius’ teaching wrong?
Because Jesus’ human and divine natures cannot be separated — He is one divine Person.
Why is Pelagianism wrong?
Because we are all born with original sin and need God’s grace to do true good.
Why is Apollinarianism wrong?
Because it made Jesus seem not fully human.
What did the Macedonians think the Holy Spirit was?
Just a force or servant of God.
What council reaffirmed that we need God’s grace to be saved?
The Council of Carthage (418 AD).
Who defended Mary’s title as “Mother of God”?
St. Cyril of Alexandria.
Which council first condemned Pelagianism?
The Council of Carthage (418 AD).
What Bible verse shows that Jesus had a human mind that grew and learned?
Luke 2:52 — “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature.”
Which council rejected Macedonianism?
The Council of Constantinople (381 AD).
What council expanded and completed the Nicene Creed?
The Council of Constantinople (381 AD).
What Greek title was given to Mary at the Council of Ephesus?
Theotokos — meaning “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.”
Which other council reaffirmed the need for God’s grace?
The Council of Ephesus (431 AD).
Why must Jesus be fully human to redeem us?
Because He had to take on and heal every part of human nature, including the mind.
What Bible verse shows the Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son?
Matthew 28:19 — “Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
What do all these councils have in common?
They protected the truth about who Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Spirit truly are.
What truth about Mary does the title Theotokos honor?
It honors her special role in God’s plan of salvation by bearing God in human form.
What does Pelagianism misunderstand about human nature?
It ignores original sin and overestimates human ability to save ourselves.
Which early heresy did the Church reject for denying Jesus’ full humanity?
Apollinarianism.
Why is it wrong to deny the divinity of the Holy Spirit?
Because the Spirit lives in us and makes us holy — only God can do that.
Which Church leader said, “We do not divide the one Lord Jesus Christ into two sons”?
St. Cyril of Alexandria, defending against Nestorius.