Understanding Monothelism: A Heresy That Downplayed Christ's Humanity

Monothelism is a theological position that asserts that Christ had only one will, rather than two wills (human and divine) as taught by the Catholic Church. This belief was prominent in the 7th century during the Byzantine Empire and was associated with the heresy of Eutychianism, which denied the full humanity of Christ.

The term "monothelite" was coined to describe this position, which emphasizes the unity of Christ's will rather than the distinction between his human and divine natures. Monothelites believed that Christ's divine will was the primary will, while his human will was subordinate to it. This view was seen as a way to reconcile the biblical teachings about Christ's humanity and divinity, but it was ultimately rejected by the Catholic Church as a heresy because it downplayed the full humanity of Christ.

The controversy surrounding monothelitism was a major issue in the early Christian church, with several councils and synods being held to address the issue. The Third Council of Constantinople in 680-681 condemned monothelitism and affirmed the dual wills of Christ, human and divine, as taught by the Catholic Church. This decision helped to establish the doctrine of Christology that is still accepted by the Catholic Church today.