2nd–3rd centuries; later 8th-century Spain
Adoptionism
Jesus was born a mere man and later adopted as God’s Son at His baptism, resurrection, or exaltation.
The Central Error
It denies Christ’s eternal Sonship and preexistence. Jesus becomes Son by promotion rather than possessing the eternal divine nature.
Historic Response
Rejected by historic Trinitarian Christology; Spanish Adoptionism was condemned in the early medieval church.
Modern Echoes
Claims that Jesus was only a Spirit-anointed man and not the eternal Son of God.