What is Biblical Unitarianism?

Answer

Biblical Unitarianism, despite its name, is not truly biblical. The issue lies in their incorrect understanding of the nature of God and the identity of Christ. Biblical Unitarians distinguish themselves from other Unitarians (such as Unitarian Universalists) by asserting that the Bible is the ultimate source of truth—a belief that Universalists reject. The term Biblical Unitarianism originated in the 1880s when distinctions were made between Unitarians who upheld biblical inspiration and those who did not. This branch of Unitarianism, known as Biblical Unitarianism, is considered more “conservative” as it upholds the Bible as a foundational truth.

While many beliefs of Biblical Unitarians align with orthodox Christian doctrines, they deviate on a crucial point concerning their understanding of God. Biblical Unitarians reject the concept of the Trinity, teaching instead that God is a singular being (hence the term Unitarian in their name). According to Biblical Unitarianism, Jesus is not the eternal Son of God; rather, He was created by God in Mary’s womb. Jesus was later elevated by God and granted authority over creation, resembling God, but remaining a finite, distinct being with a beginning.

By denying the Trinity, Biblical Unitarians also hold an inaccurate view of the Holy Spirit, whom they equate with the Father. Their reasoning is based on the terms “holy” and “spirit,” leading them to conclude that the “Holy Spirit” is simply another designation for God the Father.

The views of God held by Biblical Unitarians are not in line with biblical teachings, as Scripture clearly indicates that the Son of God existed before all creation (John 1:1-5), that Jesus is indeed God «looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; », (Titus 2:13), and that the Holy Spirit is distinct.

Different from the Father «Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: », (Matthew 28:19).

Denominations classified as Biblical Unitarianism include the Church of God General Conference (CoGGC) and the Christadelphians.