The Acacians (), or perhaps better described as the Homoians (from gr. hómoios) or Homoeans (), were a non-Nicene branch of Christianity that dominated the church during much of the fourth-century Arian Controversy. They declared that the Son was similar to God the Father, without reference to substance (essence). Homoians played a major role in the Christianization of the Goths in the Danubian provinces of the Roman Empire.
Supporters
Homoian theology “was a development of the theology of Eusebius of Caesarea.”
- “Homoian Arianism derived from the thought both of Eusebius of Caesarea and of Arius.” “attended the Council of Nicaea in 325,””</blockquote>
Intermediate positions
R.P.C. Hanson discusses on pages 592-595 “a shift of emphasis on the part of Germinius as far as doctrine is concerned” which illuminates the disputes in Arian circles at the time. Germinius was “appointed bishop of Sirmium in 351” and regarded by some as “one of the standard-bearers of Arianism.” He wrote:<blockquote>“There is one true God the Father, eternal, almighty; and Christ his only Son and our Lord God … born before all things, in deity, love, majesty, power, glory, love, wisdom, knowledge, like in all things to the Father …”</blockquote>“This profession of faith caused alarm … among other Homoian Arian bishops.” “The Catholic faith declared at Ariminum" read “that the Son is like the Father according to the Scriptures.” Homoians did not want to say that “he is like 'according to substance'” or even “in all respects.” “To adopt such doctrines would be to return to the false teaching of Basil (of Ancyra) condemned at Ariminum.” (See, Homoi-ousianism)
But Germinius defended his views in response to the criticism and wrote:<blockquote>“Christ the Son of God our Lord like in all respects to the Father I ingenerateness excepted. God from God, Light from Light.”</blockquote>Hanson concludes: “Clearly Germinius had by now abandoned Homoian Arianism.”