Bible Articles
A Short History Lesson
New Testament church identity is not determined by succession. Two “groups” may have resulted from the division Paul foretold for Ephesus (Acts 20:29-31). Those present could not say one “group” was more right than the other on the basis of “name” or “origin” -- and both groups would be judged by God’s word (John 12:48). We are on dangerous ground when we consider a thing right because “the majority” within “our movement” accepts it. (2 Cor. 10:12-f.)
“Our” history is important, not as a standard of truth, but to give us a historic awareness of the search for the “Ancient Order.” And dates, the despair of history students, may humble us as we see ourselves as just another point of reference in the vast movement of time.
In 1800 Barton W. Stone was awakening to the need for Bible-bound rather than creed-bound religion. He and his followers broke with Presbyterianism, and by 1805 dissolved the Springfield Presbytery to form independent “Christian” churches.
Thomas Campbell, in a distinct movement, had formed a “cell” for independent Bible study and by 1809 had adopted the principle of “Speak Where the Bible Speaks, Be Silent Where the Bible is Silent.” This forced a rejection of infant sprinkling and led to many other reforms. Churches following these ideas joined the Redstone Baptist Association, but as they drew closer to the New Testament pattern they broke with the Baptist, formed their own Mahoning Association; then in 1830, dissolved this to operate as independent self-governing churches. Eventually the Campbell and Stone forces united.
But some, including Alexander Campbell, kept alive the desire for an organization of churches, and in 1849 the American Christian Missionary Society was formed as a media for collective activities. Pro's and con's of the matter developed liberal and conservative segmentations, as respect Bible authority; and by 1851 the papers had a brief exchange regarding instrumental music in worship. Some churches were using the instruments by 1860, and in 1864 Pendleton presented a reversal of the “Silence” argument, saying if a thing was not forbidden in scripture, it was acceptable. Arguments were “hot” and churches began to divide into so called “Anti” and “Progressive” groups. About 80% accepted the Missionary Society and the instrument, and became what we today know as “Christian Churches” or “Disciples;” while the “Anti” groups were generally known as churches of Christ. The U.S. census recognized the division in 1906.
Churches of Christ grew in number, and as they “fattened” many forgot (or many never knew) the basis for their claim to New Testament church identity. By 1946 organizational issues were revived. The new generation searched anew for the ancient order and, as in the 1800’s, some adopted a conservative view, while some adopted a liberal view of divine authority. Inter-church projects used “brotherhood” elders or executive boards as their media for operation; and objectors were again labeled as “Anti.” By 1965 the lines between these two groups were fairly well drawn.
And so we present to you this condensed history to ask – “Is your hope in a date, a segment within a movement, or in the Living Word?”
