Letter 5

From: Alcuin of York, scholar and court theologian To: Charlemagne, King of the Franks Date: ~794 AD Context: Alcuin writes to Charlemagne regarding the Adoptionist heresy, which had emerged in Spain under Felix of Urgel and Elipandus of Toledo, who taught that Christ in his human nature was only the "adoptive" Son of God. Alcuin was the primary Carolingian theologian engaged in refuting this view. To the most devout King Charles, faithful defender of the faith, from Alcuin his humble servant, The Adoptionist controversy demands our attention, and I write to give you my assessment of where things stand and what needs to be done. The position of Felix of Urgel and Elipandus of Toledo — that Christ as man is the Son of God by adoption rather than by nature — is not a minor theological quibble. It strikes at the heart of the orthodox understanding of who Jesus Christ is. If Christ's humanity is only adoptively the Son of God, then the Son of God has not truly become human, and the redemption of human nature that we believe Christ accomplished is put in question. Felix and Elipandus have significant support in Spain, partly because of the intellectual tradition they are drawing on and partly because of the political situation there [much of Spain was under Islamic rule, and the Christians living under that rule had developed theological formulations that were, in some cases, influenced by their Muslim environment]. We should be cautious about condemning them without full engagement, and we should be vigorous in presenting the orthodox position clearly and persuasively. The council I am recommending would serve both purposes: formal condemnation of the error and substantive theological engagement that gives the best possible account of why the orthodox position is correct. Your servant in the defense of the faith, Alcuin