The document provides an overview of church history from the early church to the Reformation. It discusses the rise of heresies and divisions in the early church, the drift towards Catholicism, and highlights from the medieval period like the Crusades and scholasticism. It then summarizes the major figures of the Protestant Reformation like Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin and their challenges to Catholic doctrine and practices.

1. Church HistoryChurch History
John Oakes, PhDJohn Oakes, PhD
Apologetics Research SocietyApologetics Research Society

2. Why Study ChurchWhy Study Church
History?History?
 Learn the Mistakes of History →Learn the Mistakes of History →
Avoid them?Avoid them? Those who cannot learn fromThose who cannot learn from
history are doomed to repeat it.history are doomed to repeat it.
 Discover our own roots (RestorationDiscover our own roots (Restoration
Movement, Campus Ministry, ICOC)Movement, Campus Ministry, ICOC)
 Avoid swinging the pendulumAvoid swinging the pendulum
Grace ↔ LegalismGrace ↔ Legalism
Doctrine ↔ Zeal,Doctrine ↔ Zeal,
Emotion, HeartEmotion, Heart
Asceticism ↔Asceticism ↔ FreedomFreedom

3. Church History: How Should we “do”Church History: How Should we “do”
Church?Church?
 Is David Bercot Right? Are Viola and Barna Right?Is David Bercot Right? Are Viola and Barna Right?
 Will the Real Heretic Please Stand Up!Will the Real Heretic Please Stand Up!
 Pagan Christianity.Pagan Christianity.
 Assumption: If they did it, we need to do it.Assumption: If they did it, we need to do it.
 House Churches, Pacifism, Withdrawal from worldlyHouse Churches, Pacifism, Withdrawal from worldly
entertainment, Musical Instruments, Baptismentertainment, Musical Instruments, Baptism
 No! The Make an incorrect assumption.No! The Make an incorrect assumption.
 Some of these were expedients.Some of these were expedients.
 Some of these reflect cultural realities.Some of these reflect cultural realities.
 Bottom line, by faith, we trust the scripturesBottom line, by faith, we trust the scriptures
 But!!! We can learn a lot from their good examples.But!!! We can learn a lot from their good examples.

4. Week 1 John 10/10
a. Intro to Church History AD 90-325. The big picture.
b. Heresy and division.
c. Drift toward Western Catholicism.
Week 2 Robert 10/17
a. Cultural background to the early church, especially in
the 1st century.Greek, Jewish and Roman culture.
b. Evangelism and the spread of Christianity, Church of the
East to AD 500.
Week 3 John (and Robert?) 10/24
a. Augustine, Catholicism and Church Councils.
b. Medieval Christianity. Aquinas et al.

5. Week 4 John and Robert 10/31
a. Pre-Reformation: Albigenses, Waldo, Wycliffe, Huss.
b. Cultural background to the Reformation, Counter-
Reformation.
c. Reformation: Luther, Erasmus, etc.
Week 5 John and Robert 11/14
a. Reformation (cont.) Zwingli, Radical Reformation,
Anabaptists, Calvin
b. The Enlightenment and its influence on Christianity.
c. 18th century. Puritans, Baptists, Methodists, Great
Awakening.
Week 6 John and Robert 11/21
a. Background to the Restoration Movement. O’Kelly,
Stone, Campbell, Scott, Christadelphians, Lipscomb, etc.
b. Restoration Movement in 20th century. Christian
Church, Disciples of Christ, Church of Christ, ICOC.

6. How is TrueHow is True
Christianity Lost?Christianity Lost?
 Growth of splinter, heretical groups withGrowth of splinter, heretical groups with
false teachings.false teachings.
 Gradual drift of the “true church” fromGradual drift of the “true church” from
biblical practice for good and sincerebiblical practice for good and sincere
reasons.reasons.

7. Early Schisms and HeresiesEarly Schisms and Heresies
 Judaizers legalism Gal 1:8Judaizers legalism Gal 1:8
 Ebionites Denied deity of JesusEbionites Denied deity of Jesus
 Gnostics Deny humanity of Jesus, deep knowledgeGnostics Deny humanity of Jesus, deep knowledge
 Docetism Jesus not a physical personDocetism Jesus not a physical person
 Marcionites Jehovah an evil god. Established canon.Marcionites Jehovah an evil god. Established canon.
 Montanists Charismatics, modern-day revelationMontanists Charismatics, modern-day revelation
 Novatianists Division over purity of the churchNovatianists Division over purity of the church
 Arians Denied deity of JesusArians Denied deity of Jesus

8. Gnosticism: The Gospel of Judas
“But you [ie. Judas] will exceed all of them.
For you will sacrifice the man that clothes me.”

9. Another way to lose it: The ChurchAnother way to lose it: The Church
DriftsDrifts
 Orthodoxy vs OrthopraxyOrthodoxy vs Orthopraxy
 Heterodoxy vs HeteropraxyHeterodoxy vs Heteropraxy
 Theme: Almost all these examples of drift fromTheme: Almost all these examples of drift from
Orthopraxy started out as a reasonable and seeminglyOrthopraxy started out as a reasonable and seemingly
wise response to a real problem (heresy) at the time!wise response to a real problem (heresy) at the time!
 Irenaeus: Defended against heresy using “ChurchIrenaeus: Defended against heresy using “Church
tradition”, The rule of faith, and the authority of apostolictradition”, The rule of faith, and the authority of apostolic
succession.succession.

10. The Apostolic Church Drifts…The Apostolic Church Drifts…
 Leadership/Church OrganizationLeadership/Church Organization
 Doctrine of BaptismDoctrine of Baptism
 Asceticism, MonasticismAsceticism, Monasticism
 CreedsCreeds
 Sacerdotalism/Priesthood clergy and laitySacerdotalism/Priesthood clergy and laity
 Lord’s Supper becomes a sacrificeLord’s Supper becomes a sacrifice
 Sacramentalism: Liturgy, Church CalendarSacramentalism: Liturgy, Church Calendar
 Veneration of “Saints”Veneration of “Saints”
 HermeneuticsHermeneutics
 Allegorizing of Scripture vs Historical/Analytical approachAllegorizing of Scripture vs Historical/Analytical approach

11. Lessons Learned FromLessons Learned From
the Early Churchthe Early Church
 Avoid convenient but unscriptural organizationalAvoid convenient but unscriptural organizational
structure.structure.
 Resist the trend toward ritualism in our worship.Resist the trend toward ritualism in our worship.
 Do not overreact to false doctrines.Do not overreact to false doctrines.
 Avoid relying on creeds to defend truth.Avoid relying on creeds to defend truth.
 Do not overemphasize the importance of physicalDo not overemphasize the importance of physical
sacrifice, prayer or any other good spiritual activitysacrifice, prayer or any other good spiritual activity
 Watch for tendency to develop a clergy/laity divisionWatch for tendency to develop a clergy/laity division
 Stress good methods of Bible exegesisStress good methods of Bible exegesis

12. Highlights in 3Highlights in 3rdrd
and 4and 4thth
CenturiesCenturies
 PersecutionsPersecutions
 Decius 249-251 Valerian 253-260Decius 249-251 Valerian 253-260
 Diocletian 303-304 Galerain, LiciniusDiocletian 303-304 Galerain, Licinius
 Edict of Milan 313 Toleration of ChristianityEdict of Milan 313 Toleration of Christianity
 Constantine, Emperor of all Rome 323Constantine, Emperor of all Rome 323
 Beginning of “Christendom”Beginning of “Christendom”
 Council of NicaeaCouncil of Nicaea
 ArianismArianism
 Nicene CreedNicene Creed
 Julian the ApostateJulian the Apostate

13. Augustine (354-430) The Sovereignty ofAugustine (354-430) The Sovereignty of
GodGod
 Laid groundwork for Christendom, Medieval Christianity andLaid groundwork for Christendom, Medieval Christianity and
Reformation theologyReformation theology
 The City of God, Christendom, Church and StateThe City of God, Christendom, Church and State
 Original Sin: Mankind totally depravedOriginal Sin: Mankind totally depraved
 PredestinationPredestination
 Sacramentalism Baptism, Ordination etcSacramentalism Baptism, Ordination etc ex opere operoex opere opero
 TransubstantiationTransubstantiation
 Immaculate ConceptionImmaculate Conception
 Reacted against DonatistsReacted against Donatists
 Reacted against Pelagius, PelagianismReacted against Pelagius, Pelagianism

14. Ecumenical Church CouncilsEcumenical Church Councils
 Nicaea 325 Arianism Jesus fully divine (consubstantial withNicaea 325 Arianism Jesus fully divine (consubstantial with
the Father),the Father), homoousios vs homoiousious,homoousios vs homoiousious, Nicene CreedNicene Creed
 Constantinople 381 Holy Spirit also consubstantial withConstantinople 381 Holy Spirit also consubstantial with
FatherFather
 Ephesus 431 Jesus both human and divine, CondemnedEphesus 431 Jesus both human and divine, Condemned
Nestorius (one nature after the hypostatic union),Nestorius (one nature after the hypostatic union),
Condemned Pelagius, Mary theotokosCondemned Pelagius, Mary theotokos
 Calchedon 451 “Without confusion, without change” againstCalchedon 451 “Without confusion, without change” against
Monophysites (Alexandria) who said Jesus changed when heMonophysites (Alexandria) who said Jesus changed when he
took on human form, Without division, without separationtook on human form, Without division, without separation
against Nestorians (Antioch) who separated Jesus into twoagainst Nestorians (Antioch) who separated Jesus into two
persons. The “hypostatic union.” Protect the mystery.persons. The “hypostatic union.” Protect the mystery.
 Constantinople 553 Condemned OrigenConstantinople 553 Condemned Origen
 Constantinople II 680 Opposed Monothelitism (one divineConstantinople II 680 Opposed Monothelitism (one divine
will)will)
 Nicaea II 787 Condemned IconoclasmNicaea II 787 Condemned Iconoclasm

15. Branches of Christianity after 500Branches of Christianity after 500
 Western Christendom Rome Legalistic and HierarchicalWestern Christendom Rome Legalistic and Hierarchical
 Easter Christendom Byzantium Spiritual Experiential, MysticalEaster Christendom Byzantium Spiritual Experiential, Mystical
 Coptic Church (Alexandria, Cairo) Monophysite One nature.Coptic Church (Alexandria, Cairo) Monophysite One nature.
Alexandrine School. Focused on divine nature of Jesus andAlexandrine School. Focused on divine nature of Jesus and
minimized his humanity. Mary: Theotokosminimized his humanity. Mary: Theotokos
 Church of the East Nestorianism Dyophysite. Two Natures.Church of the East Nestorianism Dyophysite. Two Natures.
Antiochene School. Focus on human nature of Jesus and hisAntiochene School. Focus on human nature of Jesus and his
suffering. Mary: Christotokossuffering. Mary: Christotokos

16. Highlights of Medieval ChristianityHighlights of Medieval Christianity
 Final Schism of East and West 1054Final Schism of East and West 1054
 Corruption of the PapacyCorruption of the Papacy
 Celibacy of Priests mandatoryCelibacy of Priests mandatory
 Baptism by sprinkling adoptedBaptism by sprinkling adopted
 Purgatory, Cult of Saints, Indulgences, etc.Purgatory, Cult of Saints, Indulgences, etc.
 CrusadesCrusades
 11stst
1096-1099 Capture Jerusalem, Establish Feudal States1096-1099 Capture Jerusalem, Establish Feudal States
 22ndnd
1147-1149 Complete failure1147-1149 Complete failure
 33rdrd
1187-1192 Capture Acre, Mediterranean coast1187-1192 Capture Acre, Mediterranean coast
 - 8- 8thth
1270-12711270-1271
 Cult of MaryCult of Mary
 Growth of Monasticism in WestGrowth of Monasticism in West
 Dominicans (Dominic, 1170-1221)Dominicans (Dominic, 1170-1221)
 Franciscans (Francis of Assisi 1182-1226)Franciscans (Francis of Assisi 1182-1226)

17. True Christianity in the MiddleTrue Christianity in the Middle
Ages?Ages?
 Paulicians 650-900’s Asia MinorPaulicians 650-900’s Asia Minor
 Albigenses, Cathars 1000’s-1200’s Southern FranceAlbigenses, Cathars 1000’s-1200’s Southern France
 Henry the Monk 1100Henry the Monk 1100
 Arnold of Brescia 1155 ItalyArnold of Brescia 1155 Italy
 Peter of Bruys 1140 Northern ItalyPeter of Bruys 1140 Northern Italy
 Waldensians 1175-1500’s Peter Waldo, SwitzerlandWaldensians 1175-1500’s Peter Waldo, Switzerland

18. The Late Middle Ages: ScholasticismThe Late Middle Ages: Scholasticism
 Emphasis on Reason. No contradition with faith.Emphasis on Reason. No contradition with faith.
 Reliance on AristotleReliance on Aristotle
 Universities EstablishedUniversities Established
 Studied Rhetoric, Dialectic and Expounded onStudied Rhetoric, Dialectic and Expounded on
Scripture, Aristotle and Roman authors.Scripture, Aristotle and Roman authors.
 Penance emphasized, Mary more personal that JesusPenance emphasized, Mary more personal that Jesus
 Anselm (1033-1109), Abelard (1079-1142), OckhamAnselm (1033-1109), Abelard (1079-1142), Ockham
 Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274): Doctor of WesternThomas Aquinas (1225-1274): Doctor of Western
ChristendomChristendom
 Forerunner to Humanism, Renaissance andForerunner to Humanism, Renaissance and
Reformation and Counterreformation.Reformation and Counterreformation.

19. The ReformationThe Reformation
 John Wyclif England, 1324-1384John Wyclif England, 1324-1384
 John Huss Bohemia, 1374-1415John Huss Bohemia, 1374-1415
 Martin Luther Germany, 1483-1546Martin Luther Germany, 1483-1546
 Ulrich Zwingli Switzerland, 1484-1531Ulrich Zwingli Switzerland, 1484-1531
 William Tyndale England, 1494-1536William Tyndale England, 1494-1536
 John Calvin France, 1509-1564John Calvin France, 1509-1564
 John Knox Scotland, 1505-1572John Knox Scotland, 1505-1572

20. John Wyclif 1324-1384
Translated Vulgate into English
Opposed
indulgences, idols, priesthood
The Pope is the antichrist
Followers
known as Lollards
Declared heretics 1401

21. John Huss 1374-1415 Bohemia
Influenced by Wyclif
Bible the only authority
Only God can forgive
sin Burned
at the stake
Hussites virtually wiped out by the
Inquisition Brethren and
Moravian Churches

22. John Huss Burned at the stake, 1415

23. Martin Luther 1483-1546
Augustinian Monk
95 Theses in Wittenburg 1517
Studied Romans
Grace Through Faith Only
Scripture Only
Predestination
Book of James a “book of straw.”
Kept much of Catholic worship
practices

24. Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
Swiss Reformer
More radical than Luther
Rejected almost all Catholic forms of
worship. “Four bare walls and a
sermon.”
Differed on the Lord’s Supper
Lord’s Supper and Baptism are
“symbolic ceremonies.”
His influence led to the Anabaptists
Principle influence on John Calvin
Died as a soldier fighting a Catholic
Swiss canons.

25. The Anabaptist Movement (1530’s and later)
The Radical Reformation
Menno Simmons 1496-1561
Martyrdom of Anabaptists

26. The Anabaptist MovementThe Anabaptist Movement
(cont.)(cont.)
 Baptism by immersion of adults afterBaptism by immersion of adults after
confession of faith for salvation.confession of faith for salvation.
 Bible the only authority.Bible the only authority.
 Separation of church and state.Separation of church and state.
 Emphasized both life and doctrineEmphasized both life and doctrine
 Pacifists (usually)Pacifists (usually)
 Many martyrsMany martyrs
 Began evangelistic, but became exclusive andBegan evangelistic, but became exclusive and
withdrawn. (Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites)withdrawn. (Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites)
 Tended to be very schismaticTended to be very schismatic

27. John Calvin 1509-1564John Calvin 1509-1564
 Followed ZwingliFollowed Zwingli
 Most influential theologian of the ReformationMost influential theologian of the Reformation
 Emphasized Historical/Covenantal TheologyEmphasized Historical/Covenantal Theology
 WroteWrote Institutes of Christian ReligionInstitutes of Christian Religion
 Established an autocratic theocracy in GenevaEstablished an autocratic theocracy in Geneva
 Best known for his strong emphasis onBest known for his strong emphasis on
predestination/monergism.predestination/monergism.
 God has two wills: his revealed will (1 Tim 2:3-4)God has two wills: his revealed will (1 Tim 2:3-4)
and his secret will: foreordination of soulsand his secret will: foreordination of souls
 Calvinist denominations: Presbyterian, DutchCalvinist denominations: Presbyterian, Dutch
Reformed, Puritan, Baptist, Anglican(?)Reformed, Puritan, Baptist, Anglican(?)

28. TULIPTULIP
 TTotal depravity of mankindotal depravity of mankind
 UUnconditional electionnconditional election
 LLimited atonementimited atonement
 IIrresistible gracerresistible grace
 finalfinal PPreservation of the saintsreservation of the saints
John Calvin

29. The Catholic ReformationThe Catholic Reformation
 Sought to reform RomanSought to reform Roman
Church acc to humanistChurch acc to humanist
principles.principles.
 ““Praise of Folly” attacks relics,Praise of Folly” attacks relics,
pilgrimages, monasticism,pilgrimages, monasticism,
Catholic hierarchyCatholic hierarchy
 ““On the Freedom of the Will”On the Freedom of the Will”
15241524
 Greek New Testament 1514Greek New Testament 1514
Erasmus 1466-1536

30. The Counter-ReformationThe Counter-Reformation
 Council of Trent 1545-1563Council of Trent 1545-1563
 Eliminated many Medieval excesses (indulgences, etc.)Eliminated many Medieval excesses (indulgences, etc.)
 Gave official status to many Catholic teachings.Gave official status to many Catholic teachings.
 Declared church tradition equal to biblical authority.Declared church tradition equal to biblical authority.
 Condemned Luther and others as heretics.Condemned Luther and others as heretics.
 Confirmed works sanctification.Confirmed works sanctification.
 Confirmed sacraments, especially the priesthood.Confirmed sacraments, especially the priesthood.
(opposing the priesthood of all believers)(opposing the priesthood of all believers)

31. Other Important Figures inOther Important Figures in
the Reformationthe Reformation
 William Tyndale Translated NT from Greek and OTWilliam Tyndale Translated NT from Greek and OT
from Hebrew. KJV was a revision of Tyndale.from Hebrew. KJV was a revision of Tyndale.
Martyred 1536.Martyred 1536.
 John Knox 1505-1572. Brought Calvinism toJohn Knox 1505-1572. Brought Calvinism to
Scotland. Became Presbyterian ChurchScotland. Became Presbyterian Church
 Puritans. English dissenters. CongregationalPuritans. English dissenters. Congregational
autonomy. Became Congregational Churchautonomy. Became Congregational Church
 Baptists. Added believer’s baptism to Calvinism.Baptists. Added believer’s baptism to Calvinism.
 Quakers. Literally quaked. Charismatic, emotionalQuakers. Literally quaked. Charismatic, emotional
movement. Pietist/pacifist offshoot of Radicalmovement. Pietist/pacifist offshoot of Radical
Reformation.Reformation.

32. Jacob Arminius (1569-1609)Jacob Arminius (1569-1609)
 ““Arminianism”Arminianism”
 Semi-Pelagianism?Semi-Pelagianism?
 Opposed supralapsarianismOpposed supralapsarianism
 Prevenient grace. GodPrevenient grace. God
foreknows, but does notforeknows, but does not
predetermine.predetermine.
 Calvinism makes God theCalvinism makes God the
author of sin.author of sin.
 Methodists, RestorationMethodists, Restoration
MovementMovement

33. Pietist and Revivalist MovementsPietist and Revivalist Movements
 John (1703-1791) and Charles (1707-1788) WesleyJohn (1703-1791) and Charles (1707-1788) Wesley
 Stressed holiness, piety, personal relationship with GodStressed holiness, piety, personal relationship with God
 Arminian theologyArminian theology
 Reformer of AnglicanismReformer of Anglicanism
 Strong organizer: “Methodism”Strong organizer: “Methodism”
 George Whitehead Revivalist PreacherGeorge Whitehead Revivalist Preacher
 Friend of Wesley, but differed on Calvinism.Friend of Wesley, but differed on Calvinism.
 Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening (1730s and 40s)Jonathan Edwards and the Great Awakening (1730s and 40s)
 ““A sinner in the hands of an angry God.”A sinner in the hands of an angry God.”
 Sought an outward sign of God’s grace.Sought an outward sign of God’s grace.

34. The Enlightenment and the ChurchThe Enlightenment and the Church
 Isaac Newton and the Mechanical Universe 1687 Principia.Isaac Newton and the Mechanical Universe 1687 Principia.
 DesCartes and Rationalism.DesCartes and Rationalism.
 David Hume, Voltaire and others begin to apply skepticism toDavid Hume, Voltaire and others begin to apply skepticism to
Christian TheologyChristian Theology
 Deism: Intellectual/Rational revision of Christianity Deny trinity,Deism: Intellectual/Rational revision of Christianity Deny trinity,
virgin birth, resurrection of Jesus, etc. Joseph Priestly establishesvirgin birth, resurrection of Jesus, etc. Joseph Priestly establishes
the Unitarian Church. Franklin, Washington, Jefferson all deists.the Unitarian Church. Franklin, Washington, Jefferson all deists.
 John Locke and logical empiricism.John Locke and logical empiricism.

35. TheThe
Stone/CampbellStone/Campbell
MovementMovementRestoration or Reformation?Restoration or Reformation?

36. InfluencesInfluences
 Francis Bacon and inductive logic: the scientificFrancis Bacon and inductive logic: the scientific
approach to the facts of the Bible.approach to the facts of the Bible.
 John Locke: the “Christian Philosopher”John Locke: the “Christian Philosopher”
 The Scottish school of Common Sense PhilosophyThe Scottish school of Common Sense Philosophy
(Adam Smith, Thomas Reid, etc.)(Adam Smith, Thomas Reid, etc.)
 The Seceder Presbyterians, the Sandemanians andThe Seceder Presbyterians, the Sandemanians and
other radical restorationist sects.other radical restorationist sects.

37. James O’Kelly
We are “Christians simply”

38. Rice Haggard 1769-1819Rice Haggard 1769-1819
“One thing I know, that whenever non-
essentials are made terms of communion, it
will never fail to have a tendency to disunite
and scatter the church of Christ.”

39. Barton W. Stone 1772-1844Barton W. Stone 1772-1844
The heart of the movementThe heart of the movement
The Cane Ridge Revival
The Last Will and Testament of the
Springfield Presbytery
“Let Christian Unity be our Polar Star.”
“I do, so far as I see it consistent with
the word of God.”

40. The Presbytery of Springfield, sitting at Cane Ridge, in
the county of Bourbon, being, through a gracious
Providence, in more than ordinary bodily health, growing
in strength and size daily; and in perfect soundness and
composure of mind; but knowing what it is appointed for
all delegated bodies once to die: and considering that the
life of every such body is very uncertain, do take, and
ordain this our Last Will and Testament, in manner and
following,….
And with that the Springfield Presbytery no longer
existed and the Stone movement began.

41. Thomas Campbell 1763-1851Thomas Campbell 1763-1851
Emigrated to Pennsylvania 1807
Suspended by Presbyterian
Church
The Declaration and Address 1809
Principles for unity of Christians.

42. Alexander Campbell 1788-1866Alexander Campbell 1788-1866
The mind of the movementThe mind of the movement
Joined Thomas from Scotland 1809
Believers only baptism 1812
Campbell/Walker Debate 1820
The Millennial Harbinger 1830
Bethany College 1840

43. Walter Scott (1796-1861)Walter Scott (1796-1861)
First evangelist in the movement
“Restored the gospel” in 1827
The five step “plan” of salvation
Scott’s: faith, repentance, baptism,
remission of sins, Holy Spirit
CoC today: hear, believe, repent, confess,
be baptized

44. The crowning event of the earlyThe crowning event of the early
years:years:
1824 Stone and Campbell met for the first time
1831 Decided to form a unified movement
Problems:
1. Christian (Stonites) or Disciple (Campbellites)
2. Emotional vs intellectual movements (preachers vs
teachers)
3. Teaching on baptism
4. Ordination of ministers
5. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

45. Hermeneutics of the MovementHermeneutics of the Movement
“Command, Example and Necessary Demonstrations.”
“Where the Bible speaks, we speak, where the Bible is
silent, we are silent”
Sought Bible “facts.” Weak on principles. Tended
toward legalism.

46. The Turning Point:The Turning Point:
Were they a unity movement (a reformation) or a restoration
movement?
Stone and Campbell favored reformation (example; the
Christadelphians)
Walter Scott, Benjamin Franklin, Tolbert Fanning, David Lipscomb and
others moved toward restoration. Sought “the perfect pattern.”

47. The Dominating Influences in theThe Dominating Influences in the
MovementMovement
 The Colleges (Bethany College, David LipscombThe Colleges (Bethany College, David Lipscomb
College, etc.)College, etc.)
 The Periodicals (editor/bishops) (The MillennialThe Periodicals (editor/bishops) (The Millennial
Harbinger, The American Christian Review, TheHarbinger, The American Christian Review, The
Gospel Advocate, Firm Foundation, etc.)Gospel Advocate, Firm Foundation, etc.)
 These were forces for unity and for divisionThese were forces for unity and for division

48. Points of disunity/divisionPoints of disunity/division
 Evangelism and inter-church organization (the Missionary Society)Evangelism and inter-church organization (the Missionary Society)
 The Civil War: pacifism, slavery, etc. (The Missionary SocietyThe Civil War: pacifism, slavery, etc. (The Missionary Society
supported the North)supported the North)
 The “instrument.” Moses Lard: “No preacher should enter aThe “instrument.” Moses Lard: “No preacher should enter a
church where an organ stands.”church where an organ stands.”
 Daniel Sommer and David Lipscomb.Daniel Sommer and David Lipscomb.
 1906 US Census acknowledged two separate groups: The1906 US Census acknowledged two separate groups: The
Church of Christ and the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ.Church of Christ and the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ.

49. David Lipscomb (1831-1917)
“Father” of the Church of Christ
Founder of Lipscomb University
Editor of the Gospel Advocate 1866-
1917
Daniel Sommer
“Watchdog” for the brotherhood.
“Daniel Sommer was a militant who left a
legacy of legalistic wrangling and divided
congregations.”

50. Other ControversiesOther Controversies
 One cup, Sunday School, “anti” churchesOne cup, Sunday School, “anti” churches
 PremillennialismPremillennialism
 For the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ; The EcumenicalFor the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ; The Ecumenical
Movement. Open Membership.Movement. Open Membership.
 UCMS (United Christian Missionary Society) vs. NACC (NorthUCMS (United Christian Missionary Society) vs. NACC (North
American Christian Convention)American Christian Convention)
 Two denominations by about 1950Two denominations by about 1950

51. Lessons to be learnedLessons to be learned
 Unity is extremely difficult to maintain without strong hierarchicalUnity is extremely difficult to maintain without strong hierarchical
structurestructure..
 Separating essential matters from the non-essential is harder thanSeparating essential matters from the non-essential is harder than
we think.we think.
 A movement without a strong hierarchical structure needsA movement without a strong hierarchical structure needs
instruments to maintain unity.instruments to maintain unity.
 Careful thinking about theology, church structure and history areCareful thinking about theology, church structure and history are
required for long term growth and unity.required for long term growth and unity.
 It is extremely difficult to avoid overreacting to groups with whom weIt is extremely difficult to avoid overreacting to groups with whom we
disagree.disagree.

52. Book Recommendations:
Reviving the Ancient Faith (Hughes)
The Stone Campbell Movement (Garrett)
Into All Nations (Foster Stanback)
The Search for the Ancient Order (West)

53. Crossroads/Boston/ICOCCrossroads/Boston/ICOC
MovementMovement
 1960’s “College Chairs” Within CoC1960’s “College Chairs” Within CoC
 1967 Chuck Lucas 141967 Chuck Lucas 14thth
Street CoC (Crossroads CoC)Street CoC (Crossroads CoC)
 Soul talksSoul talks
 Prayer partnersPrayer partners
 Emphasis on evangelismEmphasis on evangelism
 After 1975 “campus ministries”After 1975 “campus ministries”
 Tom Brown, Andy Lindo, Kip McKean, etc…Tom Brown, Andy Lindo, Kip McKean, etc…
 Many church splits resultedMany church splits resulted
 1979 Kip McKean, Lexington/Boston CoC1979 Kip McKean, Lexington/Boston CoC
 ““sold out” disciples only in the churchsold out” disciples only in the church
 Amazing growthAmazing growth
 Emphasis on world evangelismEmphasis on world evangelism
 Vertical discipling trees, uniformity and simplicity of methodologyVertical discipling trees, uniformity and simplicity of methodology

54. Boston/LA/ICOC movementBoston/LA/ICOC movement
(cont.)(cont.)
 Chuck Lucas resigns at Crossroads CoC 1985Chuck Lucas resigns at Crossroads CoC 1985
 Official split with CoC 1986Official split with CoC 1986
 Who’s fault was it?Who’s fault was it?
 Church Reconstructions 1988Church Reconstructions 1988
 You are in or you are outYou are in or you are out
 Evangelization Proclamation 1994Evangelization Proclamation 1994
 Kip McKean removed as world evangelist/head of theKip McKean removed as world evangelist/head of the
movement November, 2001movement November, 2001
 Kreite letter/ICOC structure falls apart Feb 2003Kreite letter/ICOC structure falls apart Feb 2003
 Attempts at para-church organization, the “unity letter”Attempts at para-church organization, the “unity letter”

55. Hermeneutics of CoC and ICOCHermeneutics of CoC and ICOC
 Alexander Campbell: “Where the Bible speaks, weAlexander Campbell: “Where the Bible speaks, we
speak, where the Bible is silent, we are silent.”speak, where the Bible is silent, we are silent.”
 Kip McKean: Where the Bible speaks, we are silent,Kip McKean: Where the Bible speaks, we are silent,
where the Bible is silent, we speak.”where the Bible is silent, we speak.”
 CoC: Strong emphasis on Bible Study, Bible collegesCoC: Strong emphasis on Bible Study, Bible colleges
 Kip McKean: Anti-intellectual tendency and skeptical ofKip McKean: Anti-intellectual tendency and skeptical of
theological training.theological training.

56. Where Should We Go FromWhere Should We Go From
Here?Here?
 Balance of autonomy and cooperationBalance of autonomy and cooperation
 Finding a healthy model for “discipling”/implementing one anotherFinding a healthy model for “discipling”/implementing one another
passagespassages
 Meeting the needs of mature disciples without losing our simpleMeeting the needs of mature disciples without losing our simple
evangelistic plea—continuing to raise up young leadersevangelistic plea—continuing to raise up young leaders
 Appointing and finding the best role for elders and a balance withAppointing and finding the best role for elders and a balance with
the role of evangelists (and teachers as well)the role of evangelists (and teachers as well)
 Our formal and informal relationship with mainline CoC and otherOur formal and informal relationship with mainline CoC and other
groups.groups.

57. AIM/www.douglasjacoby.com
www.evidenceforchristianity.org
(sign up for our newsletter)
Apologetics Research Society (ARS)

58. The crowning event of the earlyThe crowning event of the early
years:years:
1824 Stone and Campbell met for the first time
1831 Decided to form a unified movement
Problems:
1. Christian (Stonites) or Disciple (Campbellites)
2. Emotional vs intellectual movements (preachers vs
teachers)
3. Teaching on baptism
4. Ordination of ministers
5. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit