Christian Cyclopedia

Belief that God is unipersonal; held by Monarchians (see Monarchianism); anti-Trinitarian (see Trinity). See also Socinianism.

Eng. Unitarians include J. Biddle,* S. Clarke,* W. H. Drummond,* T. Lindsey,* J. Martineau,* J. Priestley.*

In Am., Unitarianism gained foothold first in King's Chapel (Episc.), Boston, Massachusetts, 1785, then in Cong. chs. in E Massachusetts (on Congregationalism see United Church of Christ, I A 1). See also Ware, Henry, Sr.; Ware, Henry, Jr.; Ware, William. Tension bet. Trinitarians and Unitarians among Congs. led to separation. W. E. Channing's* sermon on Unitarian Christianity at the ordination of J. Sparks* 1819 became the practical platform of Unitarianism. The Am. Unitarian Assoc., organized 1825 for ch. extension, was long ill supported for lack of enthusiasm to build a denomination. See also Clarke, James Freeman; Emerson, Ralph Waldo; Parker, Theodore; Unitarian Universalist Association.

Unitarianism has no creed in the common meaning of the term; holds that every individual is free to form his own religious beliefs; opposes all specifically Christian doctrines; emphasizes essential dignity and perfectibility of human nature; engages in philanthropy; promotes educ. FEM

See also Universalism.