33%
Confidence
Belief overview
The Holy Spirit as power or presence of God
The Holy Spirit is generally understood as the action, power, or divine presence, not a distinct coequal person.
1
Supportive
1
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: The belief interprets the Holy Spirit more as the working of God than as a separate and coequal divine person.
How the tradition understands it: In many unitarian currents, the Spirit is the energy, inspiration, presence, gift, or influence of God in creation, revelation, and moral and religious life.
Textual basis or tradition: Texts that speak of the Spirit of God in functional language are preferred over the personal trinitarian reading.
Historical context: This interpretation accompanied the unitarian critique of trinitarian doctrine as a whole.
Common objections: Critics point to New Testament passages with personal language about the Spirit.
Internal variations: Some currents speak of the Spirit in more symbolic terms, others in more experiential and devotional terms.
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.