33%
Confidence
Belief overview
Holy Spirit as God's power or presence
The Holy Spirit is generally understood as divine action, power, or presence, not as a distinct coequal person.
1
Supportive
1
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: This belief interprets the Holy Spirit more as God's activity than as a separate and coequal divine person.
How the tradition understands it: In many Unitarian currents, the Spirit is God's energy, inspiration, presence, gift, or influence in creation, revelation, and moral and religious life.
Textual or traditional basis: Texts that speak of God's spirit in functional language are preferred over a Trinitarian personal reading.
Historical context: This interpretation accompanied the wider Unitarian critique of Trinitarian doctrine.
Common objections: Critics point to New Testament passages that use personal language about the Spirit.
Internal variations: Some currents speak of the Spirit in more symbolic terms, while others describe it in more experiential and devotional language.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Acts 17:22-31
The one God, creator and Lord of all.
Reference: Acts 17:22-31.
Content: Paul proclaims the creator God, Lord of all, in strongly monotheistic language.
Use in debate: It is used to reinforce the simplicity of biblical monotheism in a Unitarian key.
Contrary
2 Corinthians 13:13
Pauline triadic blessing.
Reference: 2 Corinthians 13:13.
Content: Paul mentions the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Use in debate: It is used by Trinitarians as evidence of triadic language; Unitarians interpret it without requiring three coequal persons.