Expert: Hoyt Roberson - 3/15/2010

Question
Now I do have a question (or 3).
While I've heard the names of "Barton W. Stone" and "Alexander Campbell" from those outside the Churches of Christ, I know almost nothing about them or their teachings. From what I know of Campbell, he was a Baptist minister who moved away from "authorized" Baptist teachings by taking a strong stance on acapella worship and a stronger emphasis on water baptism. He also was against the numerous creeds and extra-biblical references. Stone, I don't know at all.

Please clarify both of these two names and independant idealogies. Do you know where I might be able to find a "spirit-filled Church of Christ"?

Interestingly, the Churches of Christ preach against
"demoninationalism" yet have as much or more of a I Cor 1 mentality as any other group out there. Personally, I've been so disheartened by the state of affairs in the church at large that I've begun branching out to find somewhere closer to the truth but haven't found anything so far. Why can I not find what Jesus told the woman at the well: "worship in Spirit and in truth"?! I either find Pharisees of the truth who are dead in the Spirit or Spiritualists who love to play fast and loose with the truth.

Answer
Both Stone and Campbell, if memory serves, were originally Presbyterian ministers, went through a couple changes, and eventually decided to meld their two groups of "Christians only." In short, Campbell comes across as the more intellectually and textually-oriented of the two. He is known for his debates and writings that seek to elucidate what the text says. Stone on the other hand, comes across more open to the Spirit both in teaching and practice. However, they both agreed that the Bible ought to be the guiding principle rather than denominational precepts or traditions. So...after finding out about each others' groups, and discussing their differences for a while, they decided they had more in common than not and joined forces.

You could find more information on both at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restoration_Movement or here: http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/people/bstone.html or here: http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/people/acampbell.html

Most movements, after about their third generation, seem to "settle in," even those that start out as revolutions. Seems to be human nature. You're right though, we have often developed our own denominational attitude that rivals any others. I would caution here though that most other groups suffer the same malady. As an older Southern Baptist what they think of Campbellites, and you will likely receive a very denominational response. Ask a "tongues are the sign of regeneration" believer, and you will also get a denominational response. Churches of Christ are not unique in strongly affirming what they believe.

You might want to look through a book called "The Directory of Churches of Christ" and see if there is one that meets your needs in you neck of the woods.