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Psilanthropism is an approach to Christology which understands Jesus to be human, the literal son of human parents. The term derives from the combination of the Greek ψιλός (psilós), "plain," "mere" or "bare," and ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos) "human." Psilanthropists generally deny both the virgin birth of Jesus, and his divinity.
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Historical figures such as Nestorius were not psilanthropists because they still maintained a divine component in their Christology. Samuel Taylor Coleridge was, however, an example of a psilanthropist. However, later in life Coleridge decisively rejected psilanthropism.
Early psilanthropism
The term is sometimes used to describe Ebionitism, which was rejected by the ecumenical councils, especially in the First Council of Nicaea, which was convened to deal directly with the nature of Christ's divinity.
Modern psilanthropism
An example of a modern psilanthropist is Uta Ranke-Heinemann who contends that the virgin birth of Jesus was meant—and should be understood—as an allegory of a special initiative of God, comparable to God's creation of Adam, and in line with legends and allegories of antiquity.
Modern psilanthropists also include some members of the Unification Church. The church's textbook, the Divine Principle does not include the teaching that Zacharias was the father of Jesus; however, according to Ruth Tucker, some members of the Unification Church hold that belief based on the work of Leslie Weatherhead.