Page 214 - Prophet Jesus (Pbuh): A Prophet Not A Son, Of God

212 Prophet Jesus (pbuh): A Prophet, Not A Son, of God

Socinianism, turned from the true path by anti-Trinitarians and neo-
Arianists who, it is feared, will destroy Christianity, is corrupting
the thoughts of Christians." 84
At the same time, Michael Servetus (d. 1553), a Spanish theologian
and physician, who propagated similar ideas, was burned at the stake by
Calvin because of his rejection of the trinity. As he was burned, his anti-
trinity book was hung round his neck. Servetus maintained that

Christianity has been corrupted at the Council of Nicaea, and wrote that
it was necessary to return to pre-Council of Nicaea sources. Attacks
aimed at the Socinians began in 1638. Their college in Rakow was closed,
and many adherents were burned alive.
The Unitarian movement, which assumed the mantle of the
Socinians, was born in Transylvania towards the end of the sixteenth cen-
tury, later spread all over Europe and particularly in Poland. Its emer-
gence is described in the following terms on a Unitarian church website:

Early Christians held a variety of beliefs about Jesus, including the
belief that he was not divine but Wayshower. However the doctrine
of the Trinity – God as Father, Son and Holy Ghost – was enforced
all those who believed differently were denounced as heretics.
Sixteenth century, Christian humanists studied the Bible closely and
could not find the Trinity in the scriptures. They affirmed – as did
Jesus, according to the Gospels – the unity, or oneness, of God.
Hence they acquired the name Unitarian. Unitarians preached and
organized churches according to their own rational convictions in
the face of overwhelming orthodox opposition and persecution.
They reacted by advocating religious freedom for all. Since "faith is
the gift of God," people should not be forced to adhere to a faith they
did not choose. 85
A document known as the Racovian Catechism, which was pub-
lished by Polish Unitarian priests and laid special emphasis on the idea
of the One God, became one of the movement's most important texts.