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Dogmatic Letter
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Dogmatic Letter

work by Leo the Great
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The Dogmatic Letter, also known as the Tome of Leo, was a significant theological work by Pope Leo I in the 5th century. It addressed complex Christological controversies of the time, particularly concerning the nature of Jesus Christ.1234

The letter affirmed that Christ is one person with two distinct natures: fully divine and fully human. These natures, it stated, coexist without confusion, alteration, division, or separation. This formulation aimed to balance the theological emphases of the Alexandrian and Antiochene schools, which had previously held differing views on Christ's dual nature. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE endorsed Leo's Tome as the definitive statement on Christology, establishing it as a foundational doctrine for much of Christianity.42351

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. patristic literature - The Chalcedonian Fathers
  2. St. Leo I
  3. Jesus - The settlement at Chalcedon
  4. Jesus - The parties
  5. Who Were the Most Influential Popes?: Top Questions

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