MONARCHIANISM
(mono = one , arche = ruler)
A second and third century heresy that denies the doctrine of the Trinity maintaining that the only true God has always existed as one Person not three Persons. The teaching exists today in two forms:
Modalism
This view holds that God exists as one Person who is revealed in history in different modes using different names. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are different names for the same Person. Therefore, the Father was born at Bethlehem and crucified at Calvary, but at the same time He was called Jesus.
Currently Taught By: The United Pentecostal Church
Dynamic Monarchianism
This heresy teaches that Jesus is not God but a special man who became (or was adopted as) the Son of God (usually thought to have occurred at His Baptism).
Currently Taught By: The Watchtower
TRITHEISM
(tri=three theos=God)
– Three Persons, Three Gods
The belief that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate Gods. This is actually a form of Polytheism (the belief in more than one true God).
Currently Taught By: Mormonism
TRINITARIANISM
(trinus=triple)
Three Persons, One God
The Biblical view of God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three separate Persons who have always existed as one True God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not three Gods nor are they three names for the same Person.
Although the word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, the idea or teaching is found throughout Scripture.
Taught by: the Bible and Christians
By David Henke
