Definition

Noun: 1. A follower of the teachings of Fausto Sozzini (Socinus): A Socinian is an adherent of a Christian theological movement originating in 16th-17th century Poland, which denied the doctrines of the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and original sin, emphasizing rational interpretation of scripture.

Usage Examples

• The theological debates of the Reformation included voices from Socinians, who presented a non-trinitarian view of God.
• He was accused of being a Socinian because he questioned the traditional doctrine of the Trinity.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and theological contexts to describe a specific school of thought that was a precursor to modern Unitarianism.
• Socinianism (the related doctrine) is studied as a significant influence on the development of liberal Christian theology and religious freedom.

Variants and Related Words

• Socinianism (n): The doctrine or beliefs associated with Socinians.
  • Socinianism was declared heretical by many mainstream Christian churches of the time.

Synonyms

• Unitarian (in a historical, broad sense)
• Non-trinitarian
• Antitrinitarian

Different Meanings

• The term is almost exclusively used in its historical and religious sense. It is not used in general modern English outside discussions of theological history.

Related Idioms/Phrases

Noun

1. an adherent of the teachings of Socinus; a Christian who rejects the divinity of Christ and the Trinity and original sin; influenced the development of Unitarian theology