unitarist

Unitarist is a term that generally refers to a person or group who believes in the unity of God, rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity. In Christian theology, Trinitarianism holds that God is one being existing in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Unitarianism, conversely, asserts that God is a single, indivisible entity, typically identifying Jesus as distinct from God, often as a prophet or a created being, but not as God incarnate.

This theological stance has manifested in various religious movements throughout history. Early Christianity saw debates about the nature of Christ, with some figures holding views that were later deemed heretical by mainstream churches, including certain forms of what would be recognized as proto-Unitarianism. The Protestant Reformation also gave rise to more explicit Unitarian movements, particularly in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Figures like Michael Servetus were persecuted for their anti-Trinitarian beliefs.

In modern times, Unitarianism is most prominently represented by Unitarian Universalism, a liberal religious movement that embraces diverse theological beliefs, including Unitarian and Universalist principles, but is not exclusively defined by them. Unitarian Universalist congregations often include individuals with a wide range of spiritual or non-religious perspectives. While historically rooted in Christianity, contemporary Unitarian Universalism is a distinct faith tradition that emphasizes reason, individual conscience, and a commitment to social justice. The term "unitarist" can also be applied more broadly to any belief system that adheres to a monotheistic understanding of God as a single entity, irrespective of Christian tradition.