nichttrinitarisch

Nichttrinitarisch is a German term that describes Christian beliefs that do not adhere to the doctrine of the Trinity. The Trinity is a central tenet of mainstream Christianity, asserting that God is one God in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Those who are nichttrinitarisch reject this understanding of God.

Various theological viewpoints fall under the umbrella of nichttrinitarisch. These can include groups who believe Jesus is divine but not co-equal with the Father, or those who view the Holy Spirit as a force or power rather than a distinct person. Some nichttrinitarische groups may also hold a more unitarian view, believing in the oneness of God without the distinct persons of the Trinity. Historically, movements like Arianism and Adoptionism were nichttrinitarisch.

Contemporary examples of groups often identified as nichttrinitarisch include Unitarians, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Christadelphians. Their specific doctrines regarding the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit vary significantly from each other and from traditional Trinitarian Christianity. The term is used to distinguish these beliefs from the prevailing orthodox Christian understanding.