nontrinitarian

Nontrinitarian is a term used in Christian contexts for beliefs that reject the doctrine of the Trinity—the idea that God exists as three coequal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in one divine essence. Nontrinitarian theologies typically affirm monotheism and differ on the nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In many such systems, Jesus is regarded as the Son of God or as a divine or semi-divine figure, but not as coequal with the Father. The Holy Spirit may be understood as God's active presence, as a distinct person, or as a force emanating from God, depending on tradition.

Historically, nontrinitarian currents appeared in early Christianity and persisted alongside the developing doctrine of the Trinity, formalized in the Nicene Creed (AD 325) and later creeds. Nontrinitarian positions reemerged in various reformist and dissenting movements and became distinct denominations or streams.

Prominent nontrinitarian groups include Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS; Mormons), Christadelphians, and Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist movements. Oneness Pentecostals are also described as nontrinitarian by contrast with classical Trinitarianism, though they hold a modalist understanding of God.

The label covers a broad range of beliefs with differing christologies and pneumatologies, and adherents may prefer alternative descriptors.