What is the Trinitarian/non-Trinitarian debate?

Question

I grew up in the church and have studied church history, and I am familiar with the concept of the trinity, so I have that down. I just hadn't realized it was a big debate. What are the two sides saying, and why?

Answer 1

Please read this:

The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “The formulation ‘one God in three Persons’ was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to the title the Trinitarian dogma. Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective.”—(1967), Vol. XIV, p. 299.

Even the Catholics recognize that the bible doesn't teach the trinity.

Answer 2

There are those that claim the Trinity teaches tri-theism (or polytheism). Others believe that the Trinity is really God performing three roles. This is called Modalistic Monarchianism. Still, others believe that Jesus was never fully human, but just a spirit being. This is called Docetism. This is just a sampling of such debates preceding the Nicean Creed of 325.

Many claim that Constantine had a significant role in Church and doctrinal formation, but this is false. The word Trinity was in use in the 2nd Century, and the concept long before (as it is written in the Bible).

As mentioned below, Michael Servetus denied the Trinity and was considered politically dangerous by both Catholics and Protestants. Catholics had him in jailed but he escaped to Geneva where is was found listening to John Calvin preaching. Ironically, he had critizied the Trinity in Calvin's magnum opus The Institutes of the Christian Religion, but marking up the pages and sending the book back to Calvin. Servetus was charged with heresy and burned at the stake. Calving served as an expert witness in the trial and begged for an easier execution by beheading. He also visited Servetus often in jail to discuss these matters and urge him to rethink his views.

Answer 3

Google or Wiki info about a guy named Michael Servetus. He is considered one of the original non-Trinitarians, or Unitarians and held in great esteem by our denomination.