Theologoumena

A theologoumenon is a theological opinion — held even by saints and Fathers — that the Church permits but has never dogmatized. It is more than one person's guess, yet less than binding dogma.

Oversimplified

• A theological opinion held by ancient saints or modern theologians that doesn't contradict dogma but has not been defined by the Church.

Summary

A theologoumenon (plural theologoumena) is a theological opinion occupying the ground between private speculation and defined dogma. It is not merely one theologian's idea: classically it is the opinion of the holy Fathers of the undivided Church — carrying real weight because of whose opinion it is — yet on a matter the Church has never bound the faithful to believe.[^1] A theologoumenon may be held and taught, but it can claim no more than "probability,"[^1] and it must yield if the Church ever pronounces on the question dogmatically. The distinction matters for handling debated topics honestly: whether the Incarnation would have occurred apart from the Fall, or how far one may hope that all will be saved (see Universalism), are treated by Orthodoxy as theologoumena — held reverently, argued freely, but never confused with the defined faith. Cross-link Dogma, Holy Tradition, Universalism.

Sources

[^1]: The definition of theologoumenon given by V. V. Bolotov and cited in Fr. Georges Florovsky, "Cur Deus Homo?" — the theological opinions of the Fathers of the one undivided Church, which claim no more than "probability" and never override an authoritative dogmatic pronouncement.