modalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal, academic, theological
Quick answer
What does “modalism” mean?
A Christian theological doctrine that the persons of the Trinity are not distinct, eternal persons but different modes or aspects of the one God.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian theological doctrine that the persons of the Trinity are not distinct, eternal persons but different modes or aspects of the one God.
In broader philosophical or linguistic contexts, the view that certain phenomena (like linguistic categories or mental states) are merely different modes or manifestations of a single underlying reality, rather than fundamentally distinct entities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in theological discourse in both regions.
Connotations
In theological contexts, carries a strongly negative connotation as a rejected or heretical position. Neutral in purely descriptive historical or philosophical analysis.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to specialist theological or religious studies texts.
Grammar
How to Use “modalism” in a Sentence
[Subject] espouses/advocates/rejects modalism.[Subject] is a form/example of modalism.The charge/accusation of modalism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The early church father was accused of modalising the Godhead.
American English
- Some critics claim the preacher modalizes the Trinity in his sermons.
adjective
British English
- His interpretation was deemed modalistic by the council.
American English
- The modalistic heresy was condemned in the third century.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, historical theology, and philosophy of religion papers and discussions.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in systematic theology and historical heresiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modalism”
- Confusing it with 'modality'.
- Using it to describe general flexibility or modernisation.
- Misspelling as 'modalism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, modalism has been consistently condemned as a heresy by mainstream Christian traditions (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant) since the early centuries of the Church.
Unitarianism denies the Trinity altogether, stating God is strictly one person. Modalism accepts a 'Trinity' of sorts but views the three as temporary modes or roles of the one divine person, not as distinct, co-eternal persons.
Sabellius (3rd century AD) is the figure most associated with the doctrine, hence the synonym 'Sabellianism'.
Very rarely. It might be used analogously in philosophy to describe a view where apparently distinct categories are seen as modes of one substance, but this is highly specialised and not common.
A Christian theological doctrine that the persons of the Trinity are not distinct, eternal persons but different modes or aspects of the one God.
Modalism is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Modalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊdəlɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊdəlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'mode' - modalism sees God in different *modes* (Father, Son, Spirit), not as three distinct persons.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE TRINITY IS A SINGLE ACTOR PLAYING DIFFERENT ROLES (MODES).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'modalism' primarily used?