Elipando (named in some sources as Elipandus) (717 - 808?) was a Spanish archbishop of Toledo and theologian. He was one of the founders of the Adeoptivi sect.
Although he affirmed Catholic teaching that Jesus is true Son of God, eternally begotten from God the Father and thus of one divine nature with the Father, he also proposed that Jesus, as the son of David, according to his human nature was the adopted rather than the natural son of God. Elipanso's assertion seemed to posit Christ's human nature as somehow existing separately from His divine personhood. Thus, it seemed to be a nuanced form of Nestorianism and came to be known as Adoptionism. However, Elipando's Adoptionism is not to be confused with another ancient heresy also called Adoptionism.
Elipando's teaching was condemned as heresy by the Councils of Ratisbon in 792 and of Frankfurt in 794. The heresy was refuted by the English theologian Alcuin who wrote, among many other works against adoptionism, a Treatise against Elipandus in four books. Paulinus II of Aquileia also composed a book refuting Elipandus unorthodox teachings for the Council of Frankfort.
| Preceded by Cixila |
Archbishop of Toledo 783-c.808 |
Succeeded by Gumesind |