Church History, Part Eight – Part 8

Survey of Church History
Part 8: The American Restoration Movement
Religious and Political Upheaval in England
Discovery of the New World
The Pilgrims sought religious freedom
Mayflower’s Voyage
Mayflower Compact 1620
America’s first civil law contract was signed before leaving the Mayflower
Religious Liberty 1638
Roger Williams received permission to form the colony of Rhode Island in which religious liberty was protected for all
The Great Awakening 1740
The Principle of Protecting Religious Freedom
Patrick Henry was a great champion of religious liberty
Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia 1787
George Washington first President 1789
Early American Churches
Each Denomination had its own Creed
James O’Kelley 1793
O’Kelley objected to Bishop Asbury’s power over the of appointment of preachers
Six Principles of the Christian Church
The Lord Jesus Christ is the only head
The name Christian without sectarian names
The Bible is our only creed and rule of faith
Christian character is the only test of membership
Right of private judgment & liberty of conscience
The union of all followers of Christ
Independent Christian Church – Lyndon Vt 1801
The Appeal of the Frontier
Cane Ridge Camp Meeting Revival 1801
August 1801 – the largest and most famous camp meeting revival in American history
Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian preachers all preached repentance
Last Will and Testament of Springfield Presbytery 1804
“We will that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the Body of Christ at large; for there is but one body, and one spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling”…
“We will that our name of distinction with its Reverend title, be forgotten, that there be but one Lord over God’s heritage, and his name one”…
“We will that our power of making laws for the government of the church forever cease, that the people may have free course to the Bible, and adopt the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus”…

Churches of Christ or Christian Churches
Called themselves Christians and practiced believer’s immersion, but did not make it a test of fellowship
Objection to the doctrine of the Trinity and the substitionary view of the atonement
By the 1820’s the Stone Movement grew to 12,000 members in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri
The Campbells Come from Ireland to America
Thomas and Alexander Campbell became dissatisfied with the Old Light, Anti Burgher, Seceder Presbyterian Church
Thomas Campbell in Western Pennsylvania
Soon drew criticism for allowing all types of Presbyterians to take the Lord’s Supper
Campbell longed for unity and an end to the divisions among the Presbyterians
The Declaration and Address 1809
Fervent call to Christian unity
Strong condemnation of division among Christians
Differences not based on clear teachings of NT are the causes of division
Simple confession of faith in Christ, not agreement with creeds, the only requirement
Desire to return to purity of 1st century church
Appeal for love and understanding among Christians
Alexander Campbell arrives in America 1809
Pledged to devote his life to promoting Christian unity
Joined the Baptist Association for 15 years
Editor “The Christian Baptist” 1823-1830 and “The Millenial Harbinger” 1831-1866
The Stone-Campbell Movements
Called Christians
Promoted the spirit of Christ, thought Campbell too rigid in doctrine
Called Disciples
Thought Stone was too lax in doctrine, unorthodox in views of Trinity and Atonement

Growth of the Restoration Movement
1834-1860 the Churches of Christ were the fastest growing movement in America
Walter Scott baptized over 10,000 people
Plan of Salvation
Survey of Church History
Part 8: The American Restoration Movement
Survey of Church History
Part One: Establishment and Spread of the Church in the First Century
Survey of Church History
Part Two: The Beginning of Apostasy
Survey of Church History
Part 3: Development of the Papacy and Roman Catholicism
Survey of Church History
Part 4: The Middle Ages to Early Efforts for Reform
Survey of Church History
Part 5: The Reformation in Germany and Switzerland
Survey of Church History
Part 6: The Reformation in England and Scotland
Survey of Church History
Part 7: Christianity and Religious Freedom in the New World