Docetes were first-century heretics who denied the incarnation, asserting that the Lord was too pure to assume human flesh. According to Saint Jerome, they claimed that the Savior’s blood was still in Judea while teaching that His body was merely a ghost. The term Docetes derives from a Greek word meaning ‘appearance,’ reflecting their belief that Jesus only appeared to be human.
Docetes
Creature Types: Other
Mythological/Cultural Origins: Christian
Roles/Functions in Lore: Incarnation Denial
Literary Sources/Traditions: Early Christian Writings
Historical/Legendary Time Periods: Early Antiquity
Attributes/Powers: Incarnation, Theological Debate
Alignments/Moral Standings: Ambiguous
