Nontrinitarianism facts for kids
Nontrinitarianism is a belief system within Christianity. People who are Nontrinitarian do not believe in the idea of the Trinity. The Trinity is a belief that God is made up of three different "persons" (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) but is still one being. Nontrinitarians believe that God is one single being, not three in one.
This idea has been around for a long time. Some groups believed this even before the year 325. In that year, a big meeting called the First Council of Nicaea happened. At this meeting, Christian leaders decided to define the idea of the Trinity. Later, Nontrinitarian beliefs appeared again in groups like the Cathars between the 11th and 13th centuries. It also came up during the Age of Enlightenment in the 1700s and in the Restorationism movement in the 1800s.
Today, many groups that do not believe in the Trinity are often called Unitarians.
Contents
What is the Trinity?
The Trinity is a core belief for many Christians. It teaches that God is one, but exists in three distinct persons:
- God the Father (the creator)
- God the Son (Jesus Christ)
- God the Holy Spirit (God's presence and power)
These three are seen as equally God and working together as one. Nontrinitarians disagree with this idea. They believe that God is only one person, not three.
Modern Groups
Several Christian groups today do not believe in the Trinity. They have different reasons for their beliefs.
Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses are a well-known group that does not believe in the Trinity. They teach that God is one person, named Jehovah. They believe that Jesus is God's Son and was created by God. They often use the Bible to explain why they do not accept the Trinity.
Mormons
Mormons, also known as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also do not believe in the traditional Trinity. They believe that God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings. They see them as united in purpose, but not as one single being.
Seventh-day Adventists
The Seventh-day Adventists did not believe in the Trinity when their church first started. For about 50 years, their founders believed that there was one supreme God and that Jesus Christ was His only Son. This belief was stated in 1873. The church's official teaching on the Trinity changed many years later, after the original founders had passed away.
Images for kids
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The First Council of Nicaea meeting. This picture shows Arius (who had different beliefs) below the feet of Emperor Constantine and the bishops.
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An altar showing a three-headed god, possibly Lugus. This shows how some ancient cultures had ideas of gods with multiple forms.
See also
In Spanish: Antitrinitarismo para niños
