Are the Oriental Orthodox and non-Chalcedonian churches actually Monophysite heretics?

While many assume the Oriental Orthodox heresy is a settled matter of church history, scholar and historian of ideas Dr. Nathan Jacobs offers a far more nuanced assessment. In this episode, Nathan unpacks the Christological controversies surrounding the Council of Chalcedon, exploring why the non-Chalcedonians rejected the council, how their theology remains strictly Cyrilline, and the subtle Nestorian concerns hidden within Pope Leo’s Tome.

Rather than a fundamental conflict over the nature of Christ, this discussion reveals how linguistic misunderstandings, Latin theological influences, and centuries of historical division created a rift that persists to this day.

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:00:15 Last Chance for the East West Series Offer

00:01:48 Logos Cinema & Supporting Eastern Orthodox Media

00:02:42 Scholar vs. Official Church Stance

00:03:37 The Great Schism vs. The First Millennium Schism

00:04:32 Ecumenical Councils as Curators of Faith

00:06:45 Chalcedon and the Non-Chalcedonian Resistance

00:08:10 Are Non-Chalcedonians Monophysite?

00:09:00 Understanding the Centaur Metaphor (Mingled Natures)

00:10:46 Why Oriental Orthodox Christology Is Cyrilline

00:12:33 The Nestorian Controversy: Two Natures vs. Two Persons

00:15:07 Cyril of Alexandria on Human Nature

00:17:11 Theotokos: Why Mary's Title Matters

00:19:17 Is "One Nature" a Monophysite Term?

00:22:08 The Real Reason for Rejection: Pope Leo’s Tome

00:23:40 Augustine’s Influence on Personhood (Persona vs. Hypostasis)

00:26:30 Two-Person Exegesis in Western Theology

00:28:53 Why Non-Chalcedonians Were Suspicious of Leo's Tome

00:30:15 Did Chalcedon Compromise with Nestorianism?

00:32:45 Why Does the Schism Persist Today?

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Relevant Links:

​Resurrection Makes No Sense without Deification: https://youtu.be/Pwgm-7d2O2k

The Essential Doctrine the West Lost: https://youtu.be/lO1rAzvK3lQ?si=i_XIBd5lpsoYhTCj

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