Binitarianism
In one sentence
A model of deity in which divine unity is primarily described in terms of Father and Son.
In simple terms
Father and Son are treated as two personally distinct bearers of deity, while the Holy Spirit is understood differently from classical Trinitarianism.
Biblical truth
The New Testament clearly associates Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with divine action and distinguishes them; the issue is how to describe the Spirit’s personhood and deity.
Key Scriptures
Matt. 28:19 · John 1:1–3 · John 14:16–17 · Acts 5:3–4 · 2 Cor. 13:13
Example
A binitarian scheme may speak of Father and Son as two divine Persons while treating the Spirit primarily as God’s power or presence.
Who holds it
It has appeared in some historical and modern groups; it is not the position of Nicene mainstream Christianity.
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with Trinitarianism, which confesses the personhood and deity of the Holy Spirit with the Father and Son.
History
The term is used for several different models, so its historical application requires care.
Main point of debate
The debate centers on whether New Testament texts require recognizing the Holy Spirit as a third eternal divine Person.