Classical Unitarianism has a rich and complex history during which major theologians produced some outstanding and influential writings.
Unfortunately, the most important texts in the development of Unitarianism are rarely found these days in proper book or e-book formats. Some books are sold as reprints but these are often poorly laid out and expensive. However, many Classical Unitarian texts are available to view, for free, in online archives. These are, for the most part, easily readable, free, and it is often possible to download PDFs which can be read on Kindles.
The following list of links will allow you to read some of the most significant classical Unitarian texts but it is far from comprehensive. Many other works are available online and you are encouraged to search for them. N.B. Some of these texts are a lot easier to read than others.
Across Britain a movement of ‘rational dissenters’ gradually adopted the name Unitarianism in the eighteenth century. Although the name was new, the core of their distinctive theology had actually been worked out in the sixteenth and seventeenth century as radical underground reformers risked everything to question some of the key doctrines of Christianity.
Michael Servetus (1509/11-1553)
Leading the way was the brilliant, speculative and brave (some might say foolhardy) theology of Michael Servetus. In the heat of the Reformation he argued against the Trinity and other key doctrines that had either been retained or developed by the Reformers. This led to his trial and gruesome martrydom.
Two Treatises of Servetus on the Trinity
But while Servetus was given a place of honour, what came to be known as Unitarianism really took cohesive shape with the writings and leadership of Faustus Socinus and, in the early days, Unitarians were known as Socinians.
Faustus Socinus (1539-1604) and Socinianism
This text was produced by the Polish Brethren, the Socinian movement centred on Raków. It was published after the death of Socinus. It represents, therefore, the beliefs of the faith community among whom Socinus had recently lived, and which looked to him for theological leadership.
There are many exisiting works by Socinus himself, and many others from the Polish Bretheren, but these have yet to be translated from Latin.
The name Unitarianism was applied to those rational dissenters who, in the eighteenth century, were influenced by the distinctive theology of Socinus and John Biddle .
John Biddle (1615-1662)
John Biddle is known as the Father of English Unitarianism. He did not read Socinian works until after he had independently developed a strikingly similar theology, albeit with some fascinating differences from Socinus.
John Biddle’s Twofold Catechism
A review of the life, character and writings of the Rev. John Biddle, … By Joshua Toulmin, … 1791
Joseph Priestley (1733-1804)
A leading intellectual of his day, was in the vanguard of the emerging Unitarian movement in England and America in the eighteenth century. His theology clearly builds on Socinus and Biddle but differs in important respects, from them and from other emerging Unitarian thinkers. By the time of Priestley we see the fruits of the Enlightenment combining with Socinian theology to create a form of Christian Unitarianism that is still recognisable today.
Institutes of Natural and Revealed Religion, Volume One
Institutes of Natural and Revealed Religion, Volume Two
A History of the Corruptions of Christianity
Theophilus Lindsey (1723-1808)
A friend of Priestley, Lindsey was an Anglican vicar who resigned his position on adopting Unitarian beliefs. He opened the first explicitly Unitarian church in London in 1774.
The apology of Theophilus Lindsey, M.A. on resigning the vicarage of Catterick, Yorkshire. 1774
Thomas Belsham (1750-1829)
Assumed leadership after the death of Lindsay, responsible for supporting the growth of Unitarianism into a nationally recognised tradition.
The importance of truth, and the duty of making an open profession of it
William Ellery Channing (1780-1842)
The pre-eminent figure as American Unitarianism emerged from the liberal wing of East Coast Congregaitonalism. Still a towering figure in the history of Unitarianism.
Works of William Ellery Channing
George Harris (1794 – 1859)
As a child he was a friend of Thomas Belsham. Became a well known minister and tutor of ministers, so forming a link between the first days of Unitarianism and ministers such as Henry Green of Brook Street Chapel.
Andrews Norton (1786-1853)
Known as ‘The Unitarian Pope’ because of his dominant position at Harvard Divinity School. He began his career fiercely contesting the Calvinism of previous generations. Towards the end he was a strong opponent of the drift away from Christianity towards Transcendentalism that affected some Unitarians.
Evidences of the Genuineness of the Gospels
Tracts Concerning Christianity
Discourse on the Latest Form of Infidelity
John Relly Beard (1800-1876)
A major figure in British Unitarianism as a minister, writer and educator. Involved in the founding of Unitarian College, Manchester.
Reasons why I am a Unitarian: in a series of letters to a friend
The religion of Jesus Christ defended from the assaults of Owenism : in nine lectures
James Martineau (1805-1900)
Hugely dominant figure in his time. Led a revolt against the Christian Unitarianism of previous generations, tried unsuccessfully to have the movement renamed as Free Christian. He developed distinctive beliefs of Free Christianity, but was also highly ecumenical, leading the movement against having any sort of creed.
His Free Christian theology is very different from Christian Unitarianism.
The Seat of Authority in Religion
Various other works by James Martineau
Robert Spears (1825 -1899)
A friendly rival of Martineau’s. More theologically conservative: as a minister, editor, denominational officer and author he was a strong voice for maintaining the Christian Unitarian (Unitarian Christian) theology.
The Unitarian Handbook of Scriptural Illustrations and Expositions
Arthur Long (1920-2006)
A very significant figure in twentieth century Unitarianism. As much of Unitarianism moved beyond, away from, and even against Christianity, he continued to preach a tolerant but distinct form of Christian Unitarianism.
“With the death of the Rev Dr Arthur Long on Saturday, 9 December [2006] our household of faith has lost its leading theologian and educator of recent times”
From more from this tribute.
Faith and Understanding: Critical Essays in Christian Doctrine