Primacy of Scripture over conciliar creeds

What it is: The belief holds that doctrines should be evaluated primarily by the biblical text, and not by later creeds or councils as binding final authorities.

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

Textual basis or tradition: 2 Timothy 3, Acts 17, and the critique of post-apostolic tradition recur.

Historical context: The principle flourished in reformist, rationalist, and restorationist environments.

Common objections: Critics argue that no biblical reading is neutral and that the rejection of creeds does not eliminate interpretive presuppositions.

Internal variations: Modern liberal currents can expand the role of reason to the point of relativizing classical biblical authority as well.