Theotokos

Definition

Theotokos is a Greek term meaning 'God-bearer' or 'Mother of God', used in Christian theology to refer specifically to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This title emphasizes Mary's role in the Incarnation, affirming that she gave birth to Jesus Christ, who is both fully divine and fully human. The term has significant implications for understanding Christology and has played a vital role in the development of Marian devotion and iconography.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The title Theotokos was officially affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, which declared that Mary is indeed the Mother of God due to her role in the Incarnation.
2. The concept of Theotokos helped to solidify the understanding of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human, countering heretical views that denied either aspect of his nature.
3. The veneration of Mary as Theotokos led to the development of specific forms of prayer and devotion, including the Hail Mary and other litanies.
4. In iconography, Theotokos is often represented in various artistic forms, such as icons and frescoes, frequently showing her holding Jesus or pointing towards him.
5. The theological significance of Theotokos has influenced Christian art throughout history, leading to a rich tradition of Marian images that highlight her importance in salvation history.

Review Questions

• How did the title Theotokos influence early Christian theology regarding the nature of Christ?
  • The title Theotokos significantly influenced early Christian theology by affirming that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human. This understanding was crucial in countering various heretical views that either diminished Christ's divinity or humanity. By declaring Mary as the God-bearer at the Council of Ephesus, theologians reinforced the belief that God entered into human history through her, thereby solidifying orthodox Christology.
• Discuss the impact of Marian devotion on Christian iconography following the recognition of Mary as Theotokos.
  • Following the recognition of Mary as Theotokos, Marian devotion flourished and profoundly influenced Christian iconography. Artists began to create various representations of Mary, often highlighting her maternal role and connection to Jesus. Icon types like Hodegetria emerged, where Mary is depicted pointing towards Christ, emphasizing her role as an intercessor and guide for believers. This evolution in iconography reflects the deepening theological understanding of Mary's significance within the Church.
• Evaluate how the veneration of Theotokos contributed to changes in Christian worship practices from Late Antiquity to subsequent periods.
  • The veneration of Theotokos significantly contributed to changes in Christian worship practices from Late Antiquity onward by integrating Marian prayers and hymns into liturgical life. Over time, this led to the establishment of feasts dedicated to Mary, such as the Feast of the Assumption, which celebrated her role in salvation history. Additionally, as Mary's importance grew, so did her representation in art and iconography during the Byzantine period, leading to a more prominent place for Marian elements in both public worship and private devotion among Christians.

Related terms

Iconography: The visual imagery and symbolism used in art to convey religious themes, particularly in the context of Christian art.

Council of Ephesus: A church council held in 431 AD that affirmed the title Theotokos for Mary and addressed issues related to Christology and the nature of Christ.

Hodegetria: A type of icon depicting Mary pointing to the Christ child, representing her role as the guide to Christ.