Which statement best characterizes Nestorianism?

Nestorianism is characterized by the belief that in the person of Jesus Christ, there are two separate, distinct persons: one divine and one human. This theological perspective was derived from the teachings of Nestorius, who emphasized the distinction between Christ's human and divine natures. The position posits that these two natures can exist independently within Christ, leading to the idea of Him being two persons—one divine and one human—coexisting rather than being united in a single person. This understanding has significant implications for Christology, particularly concerning the relationship between Jesus’s humanity and divinity.

The focus on the separation of Christ into two distinct persons is at odds with the orthodox Christian understanding of the hypostatic union, which teaches that Jesus is one person with two natures that are inseparably united. This doctrinal stance led to various theological disputes in the early church and was formally condemned by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.

In recognizing the other options, affirming the dual natures of Christ aligns with traditional Christian teachings, which maintains that Christ is one person with both divine and human natures united without confusion. Denying the humanity of Jesus is not a characteristic of Nestorianism, as it does affirm the human