[Alex Murphy]

I thought this was a good introduction to the "Restoration" movement of the 19th century, and to (some of) the various churches that arose from of it. For those wishing to "cut to the chase", here's the core excerpt:

"This theme took shape as the Restoration Movement in early nineteenth-century America, which was characterized by a determination to adhere rigorously to the Bible, especially in matters of congregational organization and practice. As led by Thomas and ALEXANDER CAMPBELL and BARTON W. STONE, these Christians intend (in paraphrase) to "speak where the Scriptures speak" and "to be silent where the Scriptures are silent." In practice, the focus fell less on theology than on how to organize congregational life and how to carry out public worship. The recovery and duplication of "New Testament Christianity" was its hallmark from the beginning.

The passion to restore the patterns of Primitive Christianity continues to animate these "Independent Christian Churches." Indeed, that is their stock-in-trade, their only reason for existence.
[caps and emphasis in the original]

[PetroniusMaximus]

"It is as firm in its conviction that we are "Christians only" (a slogan from the first generation of the movement) as it is in its rejection of "we are the only Christians."


Frome my experience, many of them do believe they are the "only Christians" (and that other denominations have gone astray) - though they are sort of quiet about it.

[suzyjaruki]

especially in matters of congregational organization and practice
how to organize congregational life
patterns of Primitive Christianity

Hi Alex! I was wondering how this is worked out in real life. How is congregational life organized? What patterns of Primitive Christianity are followed?

[ovrtaxt]

Well, no instruments during worship makes for a lame singalong- but I can get past that. The real rough part is dealing with the 'no makeup on women' policy.

Ugh.

[bremenboy]

here is a good link on the Restoration movement

http://www.traces-of-the-kingdom.org/

[hosepipe]

Denominations are clubs... most with a handshake and clubhouse...
There was/is/will be only one church.. club membership is meaningless..

AND club recruitment is a business..