Elipandus

Elipandus of Toledo (c. 718 – c. 808 AD) was the Archbishop of Toledo in the late 8th century and is known for promoting Adoptionism (also called Adoptionist heresy), a theological doctrine concerning the nature of Jesus Christ.

Elipandus's Adoptionist views held that Jesus was the Son of God by adoption, not by nature, especially with regard to his humanity. While maintaining that Jesus was divine, Adoptionists asserted that in his human form, Jesus was adopted by God the Father. This contrasted with the orthodox Christian belief that Jesus was both fully God and fully human from the moment of his conception, being of the same substance as the Father (homoousios).

His views were strongly opposed by figures such as Beatus of Liébana and Alcuin of York, who defended the orthodox Trinitarian doctrine. The controversy surrounding Adoptionism led to a series of synods and theological debates, ultimately being condemned as heresy by the Council of Frankfurt in 794 and the Council of Rome in 798. Despite these condemnations, Elipandus continued to advocate for his beliefs until his death. The Adoptionist controversy significantly impacted the theological landscape of the Carolingian period.