Roman Catholic
Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
Affirms

John 1:1 affirms divine Word's eternal nature and full divinity

The Eastern Orthodox Church affirms John 1:1 as foundational statement of the Word's full divinity and eternal nature. The passage is central to patristic theology and is extensively expounded in the Fathers' writings. Logos theology of John 1 provided vocabulary for the ecumenical councils' defense of Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism.

In Orthodox liturgical tradition, John 1:1 is proclaimed regularly in the Divine Liturgy and is essential to Orthodox soteriology (deification/theosis). The Word's divinity is non-negotiable and confessed throughout patristic tradition and ecumenical councils.

Key Distinctions

Logos divinity:
of one substance with Father (Nicene affirmation)
Incarnation:
Creation role:

Scripture References

Sources

  • St. Athanasius, Against the Arians
  • St. John of Damascus
  • Council of Nicaea (325)