82. But I am not needlessly critical on this
point. For I had rather use an expression that is new than commit
sin by rejecting it. So, then, we will pass by this question of
innovation, and see whether the real question is not reduced to
something which all our fellow-Christians unanimously condemn.
What man in his senses will ever declare that there is a third
substance, which is common to both the Father and the Son? And
who that has been reborn in Christ and confessed both the Son and the
Father will follow him of Samosata in confessing that Christ is Himself
to Himself both Father and Son? So in condemning the blasphemies
of the heretics we hold the same opinion, and such an interpretation of
ὁμοούσιον we not
only reject but hate. The question of an erroneous interpretation
is at an end, when we agree in condemning the error.