Socinianism

Socinianism refers to an early modern Christian movement that pursued a rational, nontrinitarian interpretation of Christianity. It took its name from Lelio (Laelius) Sozzini and his nephew Fausto Sozzini, Italian theologians who advocated a nontrinitarian Christology and a reform-minded reading of Scripture. The movement grew in the late 16th and 17th centuries within the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and in Transylvania, becoming a major strand of the broader anti-Trinitarian tradition.

Key beliefs include strict monotheism and the denial of the Trinity as a divine mystery; Jesus is regarded as a fully human, morally perfect teacher and the Son of God, chosen by God but not God himself. The Holy Spirit is viewed as God’s power or influence rather than a personal divine being. Salvation is attained through faith expressed in repentance, moral living, and obedience to the teachings of Jesus, with emphasis on reason and interpretation of Scripture rather than ritual or tradition.

Organizational centers formed around congregations such as the Racovian Church in Raków (Raców) and the later Racovian Academy, which produced the Racovian Catechism (first edition around 1605–1609) as a doctrinal summary. Socinian thought spread through printed works, debate, and correspondence, reaching students and communities across the Polish–Lithuanian realm and into Transylvania and other parts of Europe.

Influence of Socinianism can be seen in the development of later Unitarian movements, especially in Transylvania, England, and the wider Enlightenment-era critique of orthodoxy. The movement faced persecution from both Catholic and Protestant authorities, contributing to its decline in the region by the 18th century. The term "Socinian" came to be used largely as a label by opponents, while several modern Unitarian denominations trace intellectual lineage to early Socinian ideas.