43%
Confidence
Belief overview
Rejection of the Nicene Trinity
Classical Trinitarian doctrine is seen as a late, non-binding, or incorrect formulation.
2
Supportive
2
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: This belief rejects the formulation of one God in three consubstantial persons, as expressed in Nicene and post-Nicene language.
How the tradition understands it: Many Unitarians regard the Trinity as the result of doctrinal development after the apostolic period. In their reading, terms such as consubstantiality and Trinitarian personhood are not required by the biblical text.
Textual or traditional basis: Alongside an appeal to strict biblical language, historical arguments about the conciliar development of doctrine are frequently used.
Historical context: This rejection marked Socinians, Transylvanian Unitarians, and other modern antitrinitarian currents.
Common objections: Trinitarian traditions argue that the conciliar formulation safeguards the broader meaning of apostolic faith.
Internal variations: Some reject all Trinitarian language, while others admit certain devotional formulas but deny their classical ontological meaning.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
John Biddle, Twelve Arguments
Classic English text against the Trinity.
Reference: John Biddle, Twelve Arguments.
Content: The work gathers anti-Trinitarian biblical arguments in the seventeenth-century English context.
Use in debate: It is an important source for early English Unitarianism.
Racovian Catechism
Classic summary of Socinianism and Polish Unitarianism.
Reference: Racovian Catechism, early seventeenth century.
Content: The text presents anti-Trinitarian doctrine, non-Nicene Christology, and biblical and rational arguments associated with Socinianism.
Use in debate: It is one of the most important historical sources for classical Unitarianism.
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.
Matthew 28:19
Classic text used by Trinitarians in debate with Unitarians.
Reference: Matthew 28:19.
Content: The text mentions the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the baptismal formula.
Use in debate: It is one of the passages most often used against Unitarianism; Unitarians respond that the formula does not by itself define Trinitarian ontology.