Nestorius

NESTORIUS
UNDERSTANDING INCARNATION
PROF. M. M. NINAN
PREFACE
Whenever the name Nestorius is mentioned, the first reaction would be “the heresiarch”. Yet, the
church of the East which proclaimed Nestorius as their ancient teacher patriarch was at least once the
biggest Catholic Church extending from Jerusalem to China. I once thad the liturgy of the early
church in Malankara (present Kerala, India) which mentions Nestorius as the Patriarch to be
remembered.
As usual all the documentations and writings of the heretics were burned even if the heretic himself is
not. However in recent years an elaborate writing of Nestorius during his last years have come to
surface which gives a totally new view of what he has taught or at least intended. It appears that
Nestorius was not a “Nestorian” in the sense interpreted by the term. Nestorius was defending the
Deityhood of Jesus in the midst of all the heresies that was poping up.
I have tried to present all the sides of the story with all the relevant scriptures and their interpretations
and arguments. Thank God for the heretics, who made it possible for us to find the way through the
maze of mysteries. The formless Word took on a form - the form of a man- and tabernacled among
us. Because of that we can behold what was not beholdable. We can still experience the Trinity and
the power of love that forced the Father to send his only begotten Son of the essence of God. The
choice is still mine. He will never violate my freedom but I know He will take me back home even if I
stray far. That is the essence of incarnation.
Prof.M.M.Ninan
Normal, IL
2017