Primacy of Scripture over conciliar creeds

What it is: This belief holds that doctrines should be evaluated primarily by the biblical text, rather than by later creeds or councils as final binding authorities.

How the tradition understands it: Many Christian Unitarians argue that simple biblical language should prevail over later metaphysical definitions. This does not necessarily mean rejecting all historical tradition, but it does relativize its normative status.

Textual or traditional basis: 2 Timothy 3, Acts 17, and critiques of post-apostolic tradition are recurring references.

Historical context: This principle flourished in reforming, rationalist, and restorationist environments.

Common objections: Critics argue that no reading of Scripture is neutral and that rejecting creeds does not eliminate interpretive assumptions.

Internal variations: Modern liberal currents may expand the role of reason to the point of also relativizing classical biblical authority.