Is Oneness Modalism ?

[Scott Hutchinson]

Alot of people in the church world call Oneness Pentecostals , Modalists.
But I understand the Oneness doctrine does necessarily mean Modalism.
So is the doctrine of the Oneness of God modalistic ?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

Alot of people in the church world call Oneness Pentecostals , Modalists.
But I understand the Oneness doctrine does necessarily mean Modalism.
So is the doctrine of the Oneness of God modalistic ?

It's probably a form of modalism, just as you might find trinitarians that have a form of Trinitarianism..

In fact Modalism was called a Trinitarian heresy.

I would say there are very close similarities

[Barb]

I should leave this discussion to the brethren, but since it's early in the thread, I'll jump in.

This is from The Godhead Discussion by Jerry Hayes...p. 1... Modalistic Monarchianism Defined...if his views are not yours or if his facts are not accurate, please do not crucify the messenger. The paragraphing is altered by me to accomodate forum reading...


The word monarch is taken from two words; mono, meaning one; and arch, meaning ruler. Thus in religion a monarchian is one who believes in one Supreme Being.

The term modal which is the root of the word modalist or modalistic, simply means: mode.

When expressing the Oneness view of God one might say that they hold a monarchian view. This would tell us that they believed God was one only Being, but in the Christian faith there is the existence of Father, Son, and Holy spirit. How can we maintain the monarchian view of God presented in the Old Testament, and at the same time embrace the New Testament teaching of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Enter the word modal. (From the word mode: a particular form or variety of something; a form or manner of expression; a manifestation, form, or arrangement of being; a particular form or manifestation of an underlying substance. Modal: of or relating to structure as opposed to substance).

Therefore, we say that God is one only 'hypostasis' (substance or Being), which is manifested in creation in different modes, without altering His 'hypostasis' (substance or Being).

Thus God exists modally as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: with each mode being 'homoousios': of the same substance,essence, individual.

[Scott Hutchinson]

Someone said once that if you believe God exists as Father,Son,Holy Ghost you weren't a Modalist ,became Modalism teaches that God became Father,Son,Holy Ghost like actors putting on and taking off masks.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

Someone said once that if you believe God exists as Father,Son,Holy Ghost you weren't a Modalist ,became Modalism teaches that God became Father,Son,Holy Ghost like actors putting on and taking off masks.

I think you are referring to successive modalism which taught the Father changed into the Son and was ONLY the Son then he changed into the Holy Ghost and is now ONLY the Holy Ghost

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I think you are referring to successive modalism which taught the Father changed into the Son and was ONLY the Son then he changed into the Holy Ghost and is now ONLY the Holy Ghost

That is the doctrine that all of us are accused of. It is much in error. I believe in similtaneous modes. Father and Son existing at once.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

That is the doctrine that all of us are accused of. It is much in error. I believe in similtaneous modes. Father and Son existing at once.

Well I believe the are similtaneous as well, however Im not sure I would consider the HG another mode in the same sense I woul call Father and Son a mode or form or being of the same personal Deity. Spirit seems to take more of the meaning of the very essence of being of The God...both Father and Son share the same Spirit. Both are somehow manifest to the church via Spirit

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

Someone said once that if you believe God exists as Father,Son,Holy Ghost you weren't a Modalist ,became Modalism teaches that God became Father,Son,Holy Ghost like actors putting on and taking off masks.

I've seen God explained as putting on different masks and playing different roles. I've also seen those masks or roles referred to as personas and that was used to explain the trinity.

[Scott Hutchinson]

Maybe I can find that link mentioned this.

[Scott Hutchinson]

PRAX here check out this articles of faith from this church.
http://christtemplemuncie.org/articles.html