What theological position did Eusebius advocate regarding the Son's relationship with God?

Eusebius of Caesarea is primarily recognized for his subordinationist views concerning the relationship between the Son and God the Father. In his theological framework, Eusebius held that the Son was distinct from the Father and subordinate in essence. This perspective is rooted in the belief that while the Son was divine and played a crucial role in creation and redemption, He was not co-equal or co-eternal with God the Father. Eusebius often described the Son as being begotten by the Father, which underlines his position that the Son's divine status arose from the Father's will and action rather than a shared eternality.

This viewpoint served as a significant part of the early debates on Christology before the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which ultimately affirmed a co-equal and co-eternal relationship within the Godhead. As such, Eusebius' subordinationism distinctly marked his understanding of the hierarchy within the Trinity, placing the Father above the Son in their relational dynamic.