Interpreting Conciliar Christology

Given the interest in analytic theology circles about following “conciliar Christology,” this article describes three different patterns by which patristics scholars have interpreted relations between Ecumenical Councils past 150 years, that I label as “pendulum swing,” “synthesis of emphases,” and “Cyrillian/traditional.” The argues whereas much work on Christology belongs emphases” pattern, ascendant paradigm scholarship is Cyrillian/traditional. It makes a case councils understood themselves moving straight line development from one to another proclaiming broadly Cyrillian Christology, person Incarnate Logos subject all actions experiences incarnate Christ. significance issue for discussions Christ’s human freedom (is it nature act independently Logos, or accomplish his earthly mission?), theologians would do well be aware these currents Councils.