The dispute over theotocos: why this title Saving Maria!

The dispute over theotocos: why this title Saving Maria!

Sonneberg, Deutschland - The title "Theotokos", which means something like "gods", has a central role in the Christian faith. This term was particularly shaped by Kyrill by Alexandria, who vividly pleaded for Maria to be honored in this way. Nowadays the title is still of great theological relevance and reflects the deeper understanding of the incarnation of God. The church newspaper emphasizes that this discussion affects not only mariology, but also Christianology, since it questions the nature of God and the humanity of Jesus.

A remarkable contradiction came from Nestorius, the Patriarch von Konstantinople, who rejected the term "Theotokos" and instead relied on "Christotokos". Nestorius argued that Maria only gave birth to the human nature of Christ, but not the divine. This position was considered dangerous by Kyrill because it questioned the unity of deity and humanity in Jesus and thus also endangered the salvation of humanity. In the specialist discussion, it becomes clear that these differences in opinion affected the entire Christian community and that the Council of Ephesos (431) ultimately confirmed unity in the designation and the associated theological considerations. Kyrill's defense of the title was crucial to reaffirm the truthfulness of the incarnation in Christ. This also emphasizes an article about the historical discussion between Kyrill and Nestorius on Scielo .

Maria's role and meaning

Maria itself is presented in the Gospels, especially in the Gospel of Luke, as an active protagonist. She receives the angel's message directly, not Josef, and her answer is conscious approval, as is formulated in Lukas 1,38. In this crucial scene it becomes clear that she is not only a passive mother, but also plays an important role in the proclamation. Maria also emphasizes her bliss by saying that she is blanked by all sexes (Lukas 1: 48). The blessing by Elisabeth (Lukas 1.42) also underlines its special position. The Bible clearly describes them as "gifted" and "Mag of the Lord" and represents them as the model of faith.

This honorary award and the associated veneration of Mary show how Maria is still a truly significant symbol of faith not only for the time, but also today. The theology behind the title "Theotokos" acts up to the present and asks to understand and accept the mystery of incarnation. The resistance to the degradation and confusion of identity again makes it clear that the belief in the physical incarnation of God in Jesus Christ is strongly embodied by the figure of Maria.

summarized the title "Theotokos" remains an important topic within the Christian faith community. The discussions about his meaning and theological relevance show that even in open debates, deeper truths about the nature of God and the role of people are hidden in his plan.