Are Unitarians Christians?
Defining identities, including religious ones, can often be a subjective and personal matter. However, when discussing whether Unitarians are truly Christians, it is essential to understand the foundational beliefs of both Unitarianism and the Christian faith. This article will explore the religious identity of Unitarians and compare their beliefs with those of the Christian creed to provide insights on whether Unitarians can be considered Christians.
The Nature of Religious Identity
One should remember that a person's self-proclaimed identity is very different from the reality of their beliefs. For instance, in the Bible, as exemplified in Matthew 25:1-13, many will be surprised by their judgment and separation from God, despite thinking they are religious enough. Self-identification is just one part of the puzzle; the underlying beliefs and doctrines are equally important.
Creeds in Christianity
The development of creeds in the Christian faith vividly illustrates how religious belief evolves over time. The earliest followers of Christ may have had different beliefs, but over time, these were condensed into creeds that serve as a common understanding of Christian faith.
The Roman Creed (2nd Century)
This early creed reflects the beliefs of the Roman church and laid the foundation for future creeds. The Roman creed is as follows:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge both the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Nicene Creed (325 AD)
The Nicene Creed, developed at the Council of Nicea, included a more comprehensive and profound understanding of the nature of God and Christ. The Nicene Creed is:
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of the same essence as the Father.
Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, he was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made human.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, he was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, Who is worshiped and glorified together with the Father and the Son, Who spoke through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and to life in the world to come. Amen.
The Core Beliefs of Unitarians
Unitarians are a unique branch within Protestantism, characterized by their belief in the unity of God. They reject the doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that God exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Instead, Unitarians believe in one God who is indivisible in nature.
Unitarian Core Principles
1. Unity of God: Unitarians believe in one God who is not comprised of three distinct persons but is an infinite and indivisible being.
2. Emphasis on Humanity: Unitarians place a strong emphasis on human goodness, rationality, and the pursuit of moral and ethical values.
3. Open Theism: Many Unitarians adhere to open theism, which suggests that God is not omnipotent or omniscient but interacts with the world and can be influenced by human actions.
4. Guide-Based Faith: Unitarians often embrace a theocentric (God-centered) approach but stress the importance of reason and personal experience in forming their beliefs.
Comparison Between Unitarians and Christians
When comparing Unitarian beliefs to Christian creeds, several significant differences emerge. Unitarians, while sharing some theological similarities with Christians, fundamentally reject the doctrine of the Trinity, which is central to Christian understanding and practice.
Are Unitarians Christians?
The question of whether Unitarians can be considered Christians depends primarily on the understanding of what it means to be a Christian. If a Christian is defined solely by orthodoxy in the doctrine of the Trinity, Unitarians would not be considered Christians. However, if one considers Christianity to be more broadly defined by a focus on love, justice, and ethical living as taught by Jesus, many Unitarians would certainly be considered part of the Christian tradition.
Conclusion
Are Unitarians Christians? This is a multifaceted question with multiple perspectives. While Unitarians and Christians share many values and beliefs, the fundamental differences in their doctrines, particularly regarding the nature of God, set them apart. However, the extension of the definition of Christianity to include a wider range of beliefs and practices could allow for a broader inclusion of Unitarians within the Christian family.