Chalcedonizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To conform or adapt to the doctrines established by the council held in the ancient city renowned for its theological definitions; to promote or uphold the specific Christological beliefs associated with that council; to apply or spread the principles relating to the nature of Christ as defined in this historical ecclesiastical context
2. To bring into agreement with the established religious decrees made at a notable early Christian assembly; to advocate or support the orthodox stance on the dual nature of Christ determined there; to practice or endorse the theological viewpoints originating from the ecclesiastical decisions of a famous ancient city
3. To adopt or enforce the doctrinal outcomes from a significant fourth-century ecclesial synod; to affirm or teach the recognized dogma concerning the divine and human nature unified in one person; to disseminate the creed and theological interpretations tied to a historic council established in a well-known ancient locale

Etymology: Chalcedonize is a verb built on "Chalcedon," the ancient city on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, now part of Istanbul. The city gave its name to the Council of Chalcedon, the church gathering of 451 that defined the relationship between the divine and human natures of Christ. To chalcedonize is to accept that council's doctrine, and the verb is most often used by historians of theology. The word is formed from the place name plus the suffix "-ize," which turns a noun into a verb meaning to conform to or adopt something. The pattern is the same as in "Christianize" or "Byzantinize." Its use is specialised, and it is mostly found in scholarly writing about Christian doctrinal disputes, especially among Eastern churches that did or did not accept the council's decisions.

Synonyms: crystallizes, hardens

Antonyms: softens, melts