So within Christianity, you are either a trinitarian or not, is that right?

Question

The ones that are not are deemed evil or misguided cults. I will admit that some do strange things but the biggest is the divinity of Jesus and his role in the trinity. Am I understanding this correctly?

So long as you are a trinitarian then you can interface with other sects though you may disagree on certain things.

This is interesting since the trinity doctrine was firmly established by a pagan emperor's decree.

Historically speaking there were two major sects - the trinitarians and the non-trinitarians. The trinitarians won the council and the emperor's ear. They had better PR.

Go back even further you don't find the earliest of christians following the trinity doctrine since most were Jews.

Answer 1

There are other key elements, but yes, the concept of the trinity is critical.

There are some who will not have anything to do with other trinitarians for other reasons.

Answer 2

The doctrine fo the Trinity was beleievd by the early Christians, as far back as when Christianity was just a cult, check your history book, and yes Christians are either Trinitarian or non-trinitarian but other then that all Christians can relate

Answer 3

I think to be a Christian you need to be a Trinitarian, or a bi-intarian. (is that a word? Jesus and Yahweh?) Otherwise you'd just be a Jew. (Yahweh alone, well not counting, Adonai, and the Elohim and maybe even Leonard Nimoy's "Shekhina.")

Answer 4

I was baptized as a Christian within the Anglican Church of England, known for its adherence to the trinity doctrine. My parents were not known to be churchgoers, except during weddings or funerals and they were not bible readers. They always claimed to be Christian and raised me as such. As a child I was taught within secular school religious studies the very basics, such as the stories of Christ, Adam and Eve and Noah's ark, etc and so had little knowledge of scripture besides that.
Later I heard about the religious term trinity as I was curious as to what it meant and so began to do my own research in religious studies. I read everything I could as to what was taught in mainstream religions and discovered there was a contrast to what I believed in my understanding of Christ and his position in relation to the heavenly Father. I just couldn't see the connection that they were one and the same within a trinity and that the holy spirit is a part of this godhead. Over the years I have read scripture after scripture and several different bible translations and it does not add up. I can see inconsistences in some translations which add verses and change some scripture in support of this view. By comparing these very few verses with much earlier bible texts has given credence to their error. Even so without these spurious and incorrect verses it does not prove a trinity. A Christian has to take into and consider the entire bible canon. I have continued to research into the history of Christianity (and isn't it great that we have a wealth of information just at our fingertips) and I can see how the trinity doctrine got started with paganism by reading these historical sources. I always pray for correct understanding of scripture and desire to have the mind of Christ.-1 Co 2:15,16. I believe that all those who want to truly understand scripture, and especially the essential bible doctrines have to do their own studies and come to this conclusion.
I would be considered by those who embrace the trinity as a non Christian, someone who does no know God and his Christ. I would also be labled by most trinitarians as a false Christian who has been deceived. I will not judge and condemn others standing with God as that is not my place. I am not affiliated with any organized religion, but have my Christian contacts who are non trinitarians and have an interchange of Christian encouragement and so share the scriptures with each other. I have dedicated myself in doing God's will, been submerged by full water baptism and am committed to please Him for the rest of my life.
I fully and truly believe that the most high of all the earth is the Almighty God, the Father and maker of all his creation and that he had a firstborn of his creation whom he sent to the earth to be named Jesus. This son of God became a man in human flesh, was tested in all respects as any who are human, then died, was resurrected and given a very special position in heaven, much higher than all the angelic sons of God.-He 1:1-14. I see Christ as our redeemer and sent as the savior for mankind and acknowledge him as our heavenly king alongside His father. It is the Almighty God who said to his son to sit as His right hand until He places his enemies as a stool for his feet.-Ps 110:1; and chapter 2. Also I recognize God's position as mentioned in 1 Ki 8:27.
To teach and believe that the Almighty God, His son and the holy spirit are all one that make up a godhead of three goes against bible logic and truth. The holy spirit is God's power which he used in creation and that enlightens us to know His word the bible and His son and which teaches and leads us into all truth. God and His Christ are in union as one in purpose, mind and thought and Jesus himself said his followers be one in this same way as they are.-Joh 14-26; 16:12-16; 17:1-26.

Answer 5

I do not rope myself into certain sects to be categorized, I believe God created the universe and sent his son to die for us so we could live.

Answer 6

I'd be interested in some reference to this decree you speak of. Because as a historian, I've never heard of it. (is this another DaVinci Code issue?)

Answer 7

Sorry, your understanding of history is incorrect. Perhaps more study would help. God speed.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 8

Yea, that's the meat of it....