43%
Confidence
Belief overview
Rejection of the Nicene Trinity
The classical trinitarian doctrine is seen as a non-obligatory, late, or incorrect formulation.
2
Supportive
2
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: The 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 a result of dogmatic development after the apostolic period. In their reading, terms such as consubstantiality and trinitarian personhood would not be required by the biblical text.
Textual basis or tradition: In addition to an appeal to strict biblical language, historical arguments about the conciliar development of the doctrine are used.
Historical context: This rejection marked Socinians, Transylvanian unitarians, and other modern antitrinitarian currents.
Common objections: Trinitarian traditions argue that the conciliar formulation protects the broader meaning of the apostolic faith.
Internal variations: Some reject all trinitarian language; 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.