Brethren
The Brethren are an Anabaptist-Pietist Christian denomination.S-OF-F.HTML
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2 Beliefs 3 Brethren Groups 4 Sources 5 External Links 6 Denominations and Fellowships 7 Schools |
It originated in 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany, in the Palatinate. Early leaders included Alexander Mack, Peter Becker, and John Nass. The Brethren were at one time called Dunkers or German Baptist Brethren.
After enduring persecution for a time (see Anabaptist), the Brethren migrated to North America in three separate groups from 1719 to 1733. There they established themselves at Germantown, Pennsylvania, and from there moved south and west along with other pioneers.
Brethren beliefs are commonly found in the statement of faith sometimes known as the "Brethren Card". The following Card is one belonging to the Church of the Brethren group:
1. This body of Christians originated early in the eighteenth century the church being a natural outgrowth of the Pietistic movement following the Reformation.
2. Firmly accepts and teaches the fundamental evangelical doctrines of
the inspiration of the Bible, the personality of the Holy Spirit, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the sin-pardoning value of his atonement, his resurrection from the tomb, ascension and personal and visible return and the resurrection, both of the just and unjust (John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
3. Observes the following New Testament rites:
Baptism of penitent believers by trine immersion for the remission of sins (Matt. 28: 19; Acts 2: 38); feet-washing (John 13:1-20; 1 Tim. 5:10); love feast (Luke 22:20; John 13: 4; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Jude 12);
communion (Matt. 26: 26-30); the Christian salutation (Rom. 16:16; Acts 20:37); proper appearance in worship (1 Cor. 11:2-16); the anointing for healing in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18; Mark 6:13); laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14).
These rites are representative of spiritual facts which obtain in the lives of true believers, and as such are essential factors in the development of the Christian life.
4. Emphasizes:
daily devotion for the individual,and family worship for the home (Eph. 6: 18-20; Philpp. 4:8, 9); stewardship of time, talents and money (Matt. 25:14-30); taking care of the fatherless, widows, poor, sick and aged (Acts 6:1-7).
6. Labors earnestly, in harmony with the Great Commission, for the evangelization of the world; for the conversion of men to Jesus Christ; and for the realization of the life of Jesus Christ in every believer (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16; 2 Cor. 3:18).
7. Maintains the New Testament as its only creed, in harmony with which the above brief doctrinal statement is made.
The teachings of the other groups are similar to this, but differ mainly in emphasis and scope. Several of the groups use as a motto the clause, "the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible". Significant emphasis is placed on careful exegesis of the Bible, especially in the Grace Brethren groups. Several of the groups now maintain a larger "statement of faith" (in lieu of the above Card), but only for the purpose of clarifying their Biblical position; they maintain that the Bible is the sole authority and revise their statement of faith if they perceive any difference between it and sound Biblical doctrine.
The Brethren Church shares its early heritage with the Church of the Brethren but was separated in 1881, being the most progressive of the three groups resulting from this split at the time of H. R. Holsinger. The most conservative of the groups (the Old Order, centered in Dayton) is now known as the German Baptist church. The current Church of the Brethren was the middle (or conservative) group. This split was not really about doctrine (at the time, though the groups have drifted apart since) but over such things as the starting of Sunday Schools, the holding of revival meetings, and the use of an indoor baptistry rather than a river. The progressive group (Brethren Church) includes the group currently centered in Ashland, as well as the Grace Brethren groups.
The United Brethren (also known as Moravians) are not related directly to these groups, but descend instead from the followers of Jan Hus.
Early History
Beliefs
5. Opposes on Scriptural grounds:
War and the taking of human life (Matt. 5:21-26, 43, 44; Rom. 12:19-21; Isa. 53:7-12); violence in personal and industrial controversy (Matt 7: 12; Rom. 13: 8-10); intemperance in all things (Titus 2: 2; Gal, 5: 19-26; Eph. 5: .18); going to law, especially against our Christian brethren (1 Cor. 6:1-9); divorce and remarriage, except for the one Scriptural reason (Matt 19:9); every form of oath (Matt. 5: 33-37; James 5:12); membership in secret oath-bound societies (2 Cor. 6:14-18); games of chance and sinful amusements (1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Pet. 2:11; Rom. 12:17); extravagant and immodest dress (1 Tim. 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:1-6). Brethren Groups
Sources
External Links
Denominations and Fellowships
Schools
