October’s Pick: Richardson on Principles

The anti-creedal position and independent nature of the American Restoration Movement created some confusion among members about their identity. The lack of any official statement also made the church vulnerable to attack from opponents eager to spread lies about what its leaders taught.

A close friend of Alexander Campbell and editor of The Millennial Harbinger, Dr. Robert Richardson was in a good position to write a short book that highlighted the movement’s central teachings. Here is an outline of the chapters, with the headings from the Reed edition in brackets:

• Introduction
• Chapter I: Distinction between Faith and Opinion.
• Chapter II: The Christian Faith.
• Chapter III: Basis of Christian Union.
• Chapter IV: Remedial Institutions [or Patriarchal, Jewish, and Christian Institutions]
• Chapter V: Commencement of the Church.
• Chapter VI: [The] Action and Design of Baptism
• Chapter VII: [The] Agency of the Holy Spirit [in Conversion and Sanctification]
• Chapter VIII: Weekly Communion
• Chapter IX: Church Government
• Conclusion

Please submit posts on this book to stonecampbellbookclub@gmail.com prior to November 30, 2010. They can be in a variety of formats (review, Q&A, devotional, critique, etc.) depending on what the contributor believes will stimulate discussion. Those with the Reed edition are encouraged to read the introduction that places Principles within the context of Richardson’s life and the movement’s history.

Available copies of Robert Richardson’s Principles:

The Principles and Objects of the Religious Reformation, Urged by A. Campbell and Others, Briefly Stated and Explained. 2d ed. Bethany, VA: A. Campbell, 1853. Url: http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/rrichardson/porr/PORR00A.HTM.

Principles of the Reformation: A Classic Summary of the Guiding Principles of the Early Stone-Campbell Movement. Introduction by Carson E. Reed. Edited by Carson E. Reed. Orange, CA: New Lead Books, 2002. ISBN: 0-9714289-6-4.

Welcome Mat

Greetings sisters in Christ,

Welcome to an online ladies’ bible study for women from Church of Christ, Christian Church, and Disciples of Christ congregations. Sadly, many of us, whether having grown up in the church or joined later in our lives, are unfamiliar or even unaware of our Restoration Movement heritage. The purpose of this blog is to change that.

In 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) we’re given a goal: “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” This requires studying God’s Word, reading books on doctrine and theology, and discussing thoroughly what we learn. It also requires understanding and being able to explain our doctrines such as Christian unity, baptism, and communion. To learn more about these topics, we’ll read the works of Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone, and others from the American Restoration Movement. We’ll discuss different views and even critiques by opposing authors. It won’t be an easy task, but it’ll certainly be a rewarding one.

Although this blog has been created to serve the needs of believing women in Church of Christ, Christian Church, and Disciples of Christ congregations, others are welcome to join in on the discussions. We can share the common goal of searching for the truth by discussing everything in a friendly and polite manner. Participants of any church heritage may submit add their blog links to the SCBC Members page. If there are any questions or suggestions, please direct them to stonecampbellbookclub@gmail.com. A working schedule can be found on the SCBC Resource page. Thank you for joining us.

Old-Fashioned Campbellette