History of Christianity II The Restoration Movement

A New Hope Over the next two centuries many “denominations” (names) arose. Puritans, Anabaptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Quakers, etc. The principle of interpreting the Bible for ourselves led to many disagreements. Disagreements in understanding of church structure, worship practices, etc.

Several different individuals around the same time began to propose that Christianity needed to reunited. They advocated reform and using the Bible as the primary source of reform. The simplicity of the New Testament Church attracted many. Especially in America people were advocating the independent nature of Christianity.

Presbyterians, Baptists Methodists Rice Haggard James O’Kelly Baptists Abner Jones Elias Smith Presbyterians, Baptists Barton W. Stone Thomas Campbell Alexander Campbell

James O'Kelly (1738-1826) Methodist preacher. Broke away from the Methodist church. Rice Haggard Proposed the Bible as the only guide for reform. Rice Haggard suggested that the followers of Christ be known simply as Christians.

Six Cardinal Principles of the Christian Church The Lord Jesus Christ as the only Head of the Church. The name Christian; exclude all other sectarian names. The Bible is the only creed and guide for faith. Christian character is the only test of fellowship. Right of private judgment, liberty of conscience, the privilege and duty of all. The union of all followers of Christ to the end that the world may believe.

Barton W. Stone (1772-1844) Presbyterian minister When asked, “Do you receive and adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Bible?” Stone replied, “I do, as far as I see it consistent with the word of God.”

Barton W. Stone (1772-1844) Was under suspicion for not teaching everything in the Westminster Confession of Faith. He formed a separate group: the Springfield Presbytery. 10

Cane Ridge Revival One of the largest camp meetings in U.S. history – est. 10,000 – 30,000 present Stone was one of the leading organizers. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian ministers preached. Example of the early spirit of unity within Stone’s work.

They dissolved the presbytery. Others joined Stone, but they soon realized the Springfield Presbytery was essentially another denomination. They dissolved the presbytery. “The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery.” Called themselves just “Christians” (Rice Haggard’s idea). The unity of Christianity was a primary goal. Christians should follow the Bible alone. There should be no formal organization beyond the local congregation.

Thomas Campbell Presbyterian in Ireland Came to America for health reasons. Before leaving Ireland he was interested in a group that practiced such things as Local autonomy of congregations Scripture over religious creeds Observed communion every week.

In America he preached for the Presbyterian Church. Was charged with believing there is no authority for creeds and confessions such as the Westminster Confession of Faith. His congregation formed the Christian Association of Washington. He spoke of the Bible as the only authority for matters of faith. “Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; and where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent.”

“The Declaration and Address” The Church is one and should not be divided. “In matters of faith unity; in matters of opinion liberty; in all things charity.” Nothing should be required as matters of faith unless it is clearly taught and required in scripture. Later, Campbell transformed the Christian Association into the Brush Run Church. Weekly observance of communion Baptism by immersion

Alexander Campbell Son of Thomas Campbell Came to America and worked along with his father. Began to publish a magazine: Christian Baptist. Convinced many to go back to the Bible. Concerned that “Christian Baptist” sounded too sectarian, in 1830 he began The Millennial Harbinger (1830-1870)

The Groups Unite The two groups united in 1832. Agreed to follow only the New Testament. The goal was to unite all Christians. The method was to go back to the Bible.

Challenges Though unity was achieved for the two groups, they did not always agree. Two serious disagreements caused them to divide. American Christian Missionary Society Instrumental music in worship The Civil War also strained relationships.

The Christian Church later divided again Two groups resulted Churches of Christ – primarily followers of Stone The Christian Church – followers of Campbell The Christian Church later divided again The Christian Church Disciples of Christ The attempt to reunite all Christianity was now itself divided. Key issues: How to interpret the Bible How to apply the Bible

Basic Principles of the Restoration Movement The unity of all Christians. “Let the unity of Christianity be our polar star.” – Barton Stone “We profess to stand upon the Bible alone, and contend that opinions of truth should not be made terms of fellowship.” – Stone “We seek to be Christians only, but not the only Christians.”

Basic Principles of the Restoration Movement The goal is unity among Christians, the method of achieving that goal is going back to the Bible. A tension has existed between the emphasis on Unity and the emphasis on Doctrine. Can both be equally applied? What has happened is too often we have focused on restoring the New Testament Church and given up on unity.

Basic Principles of the Restoration Movement Reformation (and Restoration) groups tend to react to existing realities. They emphasize things they see lacking in others. Luther emphasized salvation by faith. Zwingli emphasized church organization and worship. Anabaptists emphasized lifestyles of discipleship.

Basic Principles of the Restoration Movement Churches of Christ have emphasized: Church structure Proper worship Baptism Weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper Other areas need to be emphasized as well. Doctrine is important; ethics is just as important.

Basic Principles of the Restoration Movement One can stand up for what she/he believes without tearing others down. We should be confident of our beliefs and heritage. We should also show respect to those who do not agree with us and continue the dialogue.