NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Plymouth Brethren

The Brethren are a Christian Evangelical movement that began in Dublin, London, Plymouth, and the continent of Europe in the late 1820s.^[1] Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Luther Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury Â· Catholic Pope Coptic Pope Â· Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box: Christianity is a monotheistic... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Luther Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Pope Â· Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box: The word evangelicalism often refers to... Nationalistic independence helped reshape the world during this decade: Greece gains independence from the Ottoman Empire in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1827). ...

History

One viewpoint states that despite what the name might suggest, the Plymouth Brethren movement didn't begin in one place, but began almost simultaneously in various places including Dublin, London, Plymouth and on the continent of Europe (according to the Open Brethren). Those involved in it were, in the beginning, largely unknown to one another, with no direct contact between the various groups.^[2]. This is essentially the Open Br. understanding, which does not support the view of the original brethren table of 1827 being in Ireland with the presence of J.N.Darby, J.G.Bellet, Edward Cronin, and William Hutchinson.

The movement found its motivation in a perceived abandonment of many of the basic truths of Christianity by the established Church, and from the beginning, the emphasis was on meeting together only in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, without reference to denominational differences. Early meetings included Christians from various denominations. The Church of England logo since 1998 The Church of England is the officially established Christian church[1] in England, and acts as the mother and senior branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, as well as a founding member of the Porvoo Communion. ...

One group began by meeting in households in Ireland, and were dubbed 'brethren' because of their practice of calling each other 'brother' instead of the titles favored by other denominations. The first meeting in England was established in 1830 in Plymouth by, amongst others, John Nelson Darby.^[3] The movement soon spread throughout the UK and by 1831, the group assembled in Plymouth had over 1,500 members. These members became known as 'The brethren from Plymouth' and soon were simply called the 'Plymouth Brethren'. The movement is also known as the Assembly Movement. The term Darbyites has also been used, although is uncommon and refers mainly to the Exclusive branch. Many within the movement refuse to accept any name other than Christians. For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... Liberty Leading the People by EugÃ¨ne Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 (MDCCCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... , Plymouth (Cornish: ) is a city of 243,795 inhabitants (2001 census) in the south-west of England, or alternatively the West Country, and is situated within the traditional and ceremonial county of Devon at the mouths of the rivers Plym and Tamar and at the head of one of the... John Nelson Darby, (November 18, 1800 - April 29, 1882) was an Anglo-Irish evangelist, an influential figure among the original Plymouth Brethren, and founder of the Darbyites. ... Leopold I 1831 (MDCCCXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ...

Internally the Bretheren focus on edification of the fellowship regarding all that the Bible teaches while their outward efforts are to share the simple Gospel in the hope of bringing others to Christ. In either case their focus is always on Jesus as the head of the church and the only means of salvation, and they look forward to the rapture of all believers by Him. However, as the movement gained popularity and spread worldwide, there grew a divergence of practice and belief. Despite the disparate nature of the movement, adherents to the Plymouth Brethren are often generalized into two main categories: Open Brethren and Exclusive Brethren. The Open Brethren, sometimes called Christian Brethren or Plymouth Brethren, are a group of Protestant Evangelical Christian churches that arose in the late 1820s as part of the Assembly Movement. ... The Exclusive Brethren are a part of the Christian Evangelical movement generally described as the Plymouth Brethren. ...

Since the 1950s the Assembly Movement has seen a decline in membership in the UK. Many groups have responded by abandoning many of the culturally unaccepted characteristics of the Assembly Movement, particularly in relation to salaried ministry and women.^[4] Others have maintained these distinctive principles while updating many traditions and practices. While yet others continue in much the same way as they have for the most part of the 20th Century. The main concentrations in the UK today can be found in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Open and Exclusive Brethren

So-called Open Brethren and Exclusive (or Closed) Brethren received these names by the references of each to the other. They differ on few theological issues and often no clear distinction is made between the two by the general public.

One distinction is that some Open Brethren gatherings allow all people, including visitors, to 'break bread' with them (similar to the practice of communion in other Christian groups). These meetings are said to have an 'open table' approach to strangers. Other Open Brethren meetings operate a "closed table" approach and only strangers carrying a letter of commendation from another meeting are allowed to 'break bread' with them. The Exclusive (or Closed) Brethren only allow those who have been formally accepted into the Assembly to break bread. This process generally involves a meeting between the Brothers (male members of the Meeting Hall who themselves break bread) wherein, after speaking with the petitioner, decide whether to accept the individual into the Meeting, allowing him or her to break bread with them from that point on. Further, should an individual backslide to a degree that this group of Brothers feel the need to meet again, they can agree to revoke this invitation to break bread. It is felt by these Exclusive Brethren that the bread and wine can be tainted by those partaking whose hearts are not pure before God.

A more distinct difference between the two groups is in the nature of relationships between meetings. Open Brethren groups are generally local assemblies that are autonomous but often informally linked with each other. Exclusive Brethren are generally "connexional" and so recognize the obligation to recognize and adhere to the disciplinary actions of other associated assemblies.

Another, less clear, difference lies in their general willingness to associate with other Christians. Some Open Brethren will hold Gospel meetings, youth events or other activities in partnership with Evangelical Christian churches, while most Exclusive Brethren support only their individual meeting, or those meetings with whom they are connected, hence the name "Exclusive".

It should be noted that through the years there were a number of sub-divisions. Within the so-called exclusives (closed brethren) a few held the term: Exclusive, while others held to the original revival of 1827 without a name.

Both Open and Closed assemblies generally maintain relations within their respective groups through common support of missionaries, area conferences, and the ministry of travelling preachers.

Notable members

John Bodkin Adams, (January 21, 1899â€“July 4, 1983) was a general practitioner in Eastbourne cleared of murdering one of his patients. ... The Septuagint: A column of uncial text from 1 Esdras in the Codex Vaticanus, the basis of Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brentons Greek edition and English translation. ... Frederick Fyvie Bruce (1910-1990) was a Bible scholar, and one of the founders of the modern evangelical understanding of the Bible. ... Aleister Crowley, born Edward Alexander Crowley, (12 October 1875 â€“ 1 December 1947; the surname is pronounced // i. ... John Nelson Darby, (November 18, 1800 - April 29, 1882) was an Anglo-Irish evangelist, an influential figure among the original Plymouth Brethren, and founder of the Darbyites. ... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Luther Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Pope Â· Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box: In conservative Christian eschatology, rapture is... For others named Jim Elliot, see Jim Elliot (disambiguation) Philip James Elliot (October 8, 1927 â€“ January 8, 1956) was an evangelical Christian missionary to Ecuador who, along with four others, was killed while attempting to evangelize the Huaorani people through efforts known as Operation Auca. ... James George Deck was born on 1 Nov 1807 in Suffock England. ... Ken Follett (born June 5, 1949) is a British author of thrillers and historical novels. ... The cover art of Pillars of the Earth, US edition The Pillars of the Earth is a historical novel by Ken Follett about the building of a cathedral in Kingsbridge (an ancient town located between Plymouth, Torbay, and Dartmoor in Southern England). ... Anthony Norris Groves (February 1, 1795 - May 20, 1853), has been described as the father of faith missions. He launched the first Protestant mission to Arabic-speaking Muslims, and settled in Baghdad, now the capital of Iraq, and later in southern India. ... Edmund William Gosse (September 21, 1849 - May 16, 1928) was an English poet, author and critic, the son of Philip Henry Gosse. ... Father and Son (1907) is an autobiography by Edmund Gosse, also intended to be a biography of his father, the zoologist Philip Henry Gosse. ... Philip Henry Gosse (April 6, 1810 â€“ August 23, 1888) was an English naturalist and science popularizer, now best known for his attempt to reconcile biblical literalism with uniformitarianism but also known for his invention of the sea-water aquarium and marine biology studies. ... John George Haigh (July 24, 1909â€“August 10, 1949) was a serial killer in England in the 1940s. ... Henry (Harry) Allen Ironside (1876-10-14 - 1951-01-15) was a Bible teacher, preacher, pastor, and author in the late 19th century and early 20th century. ... Jim McCotter (James Douglas McCotter) (b. ... The Great Commission Association of Churches (GCAC) is an evangelical Christian association of churches with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Formalized as a movement in 1970, GCAC has grown (both in adherants and in number of associated churches) through its focus on church planting in the United States, and more... George MÃ¼ller (September 27, 1805 â€“ March 10, 1898), a Christian evangelist and coordinator of orphanages in Bristol, England, cared for a total of over 100,000 orphans in his life. ... Francis William Newman (June 27, 1805 - October 7, 1897), the younger brother of Cardinal Newman, was an English scholar and miscellaneous writer. ... J H Newman age 23 when he preached his first sermon. ... Arthur Rendle Short was a professor of surgery at Bristol University and has the distinction of being the man who encouraged suspected serial killer John Bodkin Adams to practice medicine in Eastbourne. ... The University of Bristol was founded in 1876 as the University College, Bristol. ... Elsie Tu (æœè‘‰éŒ«æ©; 1913-) (also known as Elsie Elliot, nee Hume) is a social activist and former elected member of the Urban Council of Hong Kong. ... Jim Wallis Reverend Jim Wallis (born June 4, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan) is a Christian writer and political activist, best known as the founder and editor of Sojourners magazine and of the Washington DC based Christian community of the same name. ... There have been at least two notable people called Edward Wilson. ...

Characteristics

The Plymouth Brethren are basically conservative evangelical Christians, generally dispensational in their theology, and have much in common with other conservative evangelical Christian groups. In the Open Brethren meetings, each local assembly is independent and autonomous, and therefore the characteristics of each may differ to a greater or lesser degree and therefore describing distinctive characteristics is made difficult. Closed Brethren meetings are more affiliated to one another, but characterising the Closed Brethren meetings is made even more difficult by the fact that over the years they have split many times over matters of doctrine. Essentially, therefore, the Brethren have no central hierarchy to dictate a statement of faith, and even local Assemblies tend not to give tacit adherence to any of the historic Creeds and Confessions of Faith such as are found in many Protestant denominations. This is not because they are opposed to the central sentiments and doctrines expressed in such formulations, but rather because they hold the Bible as their sole authority in regard to matters of doctrine and practice. Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Wycliffe Tyndale Â· Luther Â· Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Pope Â· Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box: As a current in Protestant Christian theology...

Like many non-conformist churches, Brethren observe only the two ordinances of Baptism and Communion. Brethren generally adhere to the practice of full immersion baptism for believers, with the exception of some Exclusive Brethren who practice household baptism.

Their notable differences lie in a number of doctrinal beliefs that affect the practice of their gatherings and behaviour. These difference can be summarized as follows:^[26]

Avoidance of traditional symbols and terms used by many other Christian groups

The Brethren normally avoid traditional symbols and words normally associated within Christendom. Most notably, they will avoid using the words "church", "congregation" and "sanctuary". Words such as "gospel hall", "chapel", “meeting hall”, "meeting", "assembly", "gathering", "the saints", “auditorium” or “meeting room" will be used to describe their group or their place of worship.

Traditionally, meetings would not have a cross displayed inside or outside their place of worship as the focus is on Christ and the Word of God. Some would say that the cross is a symbol that assists in focusing ones attention on Christ. The Plymouth Brethren view is that an unembellished room is more effective. Crosses are not typically placed inside homes or worn around the neck. Other symbols used by other denominations have been traditionally discouraged.

Pictures of Christ or other religious figures have traditionally been discouraged.

A characteristic of many meeting halls is the wall display of a verse or two of text from the Bible, thus emphasising the importance the Brethren place on scripture.

Fellowship, not membership

Traditionally the assemblies have rejected the concept of anyone "joining" as a member of a particular local gathering of believers, and the maintenance of any list of such members. Brethren emphasize the Christian doctrine of the one 'invisible Church' made up of all believers and enumerated in heaven in "The Lamb's Book of Life" rather than by humans. However, as a practical matter, many open U.S. assemblies, by the late 20th century, did maintain informal lists of those in regular attendance at services. This was often to comply with secular governance issues or to offer a directory of attendees for internal use. The Open Brethren emphasize that meeting attendance for the nonbeliever has no direct spiritual benefit (though it is hoped the individual may be influenced to convert). Nonbelievers are not to partake of the breaking of bread, though this proves generally difficult to enforce in larger open assemblies. Regardless, regular attendance for the believer is an act of obedience to the New Testament command that believers should not neglect assembling together.

No clergy

While much of typical Brethren theology closely parallels non-Calvinist English and American Baptist traditions on many points, the view on clergy is much closer to the Radical wing of the Protestant Reformation in rejecting the idea of clergy. Many Protestant denominations embrace the New Testament-based doctrine of the "priesthood of all believers" to varying extents. The Plymouth Brethren embrace the most radical form of that idea: there is no ordained or unordained group of people employed to function as a minister or pastor.

The spiritual leaders of Plymouth Brethren assemblies or meetings are called Elders and more practical leaders called Deacons. The concept of "elder" is based on the same Scriptures that are used to define "bishops" in other traditions. There are nearly always more than one elder (typically six to twelve) in each assembly of any size.

Plymouth Brethren groups generally recognize, from the teachings of Paul's epistles, that people are not all suited to the same role. They believe that each believer receives unique gifts and that those gifts should be employed within the assembly.

As a practical matter, many open assemblies have come to embrace the need to financially compensate an individual who has made pastoral work and public speaking his full-time occupation, and these people are sometimes salaried. Such an individual may be termed a "full-time worker." At a given assembly, there may be no full-time workers, one, or several. It is generally up to the elders and dependent on the availability of such an individual and the financial means of the assembly.

Traditionally the assemblies have placed an emphasis on New Testament passages that seem to deny speaking and teaching roles to women, except when working with children or with other women. Some women may also be full-time workers, but their efforts are often limited to these areas or to supporting roles.

Women are generally not allowed to participate in individual speech during the breaking of bread service. It is not strictly accurate to say that the assemblies reject the ordination of women. The assemblies reject the concept of ordination altogether. As a substitute practice, a full-time worker often receives a "commendation" to service that demonstrates the blessing and support of the assembly of origin, but does not connote a transfer of any special spiritual authority. Both men and women may be commended to service, but the role of women is limited. In recent years some American assemblies have loosened the rules on women participating, though others have reacted by placing more emphasis on this traditional teaching.

Weekly Remembrance Service

A distinctive practice of the Brethren is a separate weekly communion meeting, referred to as 'The Breaking of Bread' or 'The Lord's Supper'. Although specific practices will vary from meeting to meeting, there are general similarities.

Multiple Sunday services

Following the Remembrance Service, a Plymouth Brethren meeting may have at least one other Sunday service attendance at which is nearly mandatory. Whereas the point of the Remembrance Service is to recall the Crucifixion and Resurrection, the point of these other services will be to evangelize and preach the gospel. The name of these services will vary from meeting to meeting, but might be "the Gospel Hour", "the Family Bible Hour" or some other name. These services generally follow the same form and outline as most other protestant services. The congregation, seated in rows facing a lectern or pulpit, will sing hymns and choruses, listen to scripture readings and lead prayers. The last half of the service will be a planned sermon preached by one of the brethren. While children are expected to attend the Remembrance Service with their families (certainly not partaking in communion), children might attend Sunday school during these other services.

Some meetings have an additional meeting on Sunday evening. This evening service is not a repeat of the second service, but an entirely different service. Depending on the meeting, there will be some expectation that people who attended in the morning will return for more fellowship in the evening.

No solicitation for funds

Traditionally, Plymouth Brethren groups will not pass offering plates/money bags at their services, except for the Remembrance Service (usually the first of two meetings held on Sunday morning). It is anticipated that only the "saved" will attend the Remembrance Service and it is anticipated (especially in Open meetings) that unsaved people will attend other services.

The point of not having a collection when it is anticipated that unsaved people will be present is to avoid causing nonbelievers to think they might gain a spiritual benefit by making a donation. Some meetings might not have a collection at any service (including the Remembrance Service), but have giving boxes often located at the back of the meeting to avoid even the appearance of solicitation for funds.

No salaried ministry

See comments on clergy above. Most assemblies are governed by a board of unordained (for ordination is anathema to Plymouth Brethren) overseers or elders. The elders conduct many duties that would be typically performed by clergy of more orthodox Christian groups, including: counselling those who have decided to be baptised, performing baptisms, visiting the sick and giving general spiritual advice. Sermons are given by both elders and other members of the meeting. Visiting speakers or teachers however are usually paid to cover expenses such as the cost of travel. Full-Time missionaries are often supported by the occasional collection by assemblies known by them.

Separate roles of men and women

There is no distinction between men and women in their individual relation to Christ as believers. In that respect there is equality. However, in most Brethren meetings, the principle of headship is applied in accordance to teaching found in 1 Corinthians chapter 11, verse 3 and elsewhere in the Bible. For this reason, most meetings will be characterised by the women wearing a head covering (loaners available at the back, for women who came without a covering) and by the men taking on the responsibility of preaching, teaching, and leading the assembly into worship. In regards to family relationships, wives are to be in subjection unto their own husband "as unto the Lord", husbands are to love their wives "even as Christ loved the Church" and children are to obey their parents "in the Lord" as stated in the Letter to the Ephesians.

Other practices

Gatherings and meetings

Assemblies might also have weekly meetings which might include: preaching/teaching services, missionary reports, bible studies and prayer meetings. There is frequently a Sunday School for children and youth groups for teens. Although women do not verbally participate in the Breaking of Bread service, they take part in Sunday School, teach classes, conduct ladies meetings, and are generally very active in "Camp" work.

Openness

Some "Open Brethren" assemblies, allow any believer to participate in the Lord's Supper. In contrast some "Closed Brethren" assemblies do not permit outsiders of any sort. It is common practice for the visitor to carry a 'Letter of Commendation' from the leaders of their local meeting to inform the saints at the receiving meeting that they are in fellowship at the former locality and can be allowed to fully participate in all services from the point of their arrival. It is customary to send one of these letters even when only one service will be attended, and individuals often take these letters on holiday when they will be away from their local meeting and wish to attend another.

Music

During the weekly breaking of bread service, hymns are traditionally sung unaccompanied by any musical instrument, though many open brethren assemblies in North America now have instrumental accompaniment. Hymns sung during the other types of meeting are often accompanied by piano or electronic organ, though this practice varies from place to place. Other musical instruments are used at some assemblies. Some assemblies blend traditional hymns with contemporary praise & worship music accompanied by bands. One of the unifying features in each of the different branches of the Brethren is a common hymnbook. The first collection used among the united assemblies was "Hymns for the Poor of the Flock", 1838 and again 1840. Another such hymnbook, used by exclusive brethren (Tunbridge-Wells and Ames) dates back to 1856 is called, Hymns for the Little Flock, the first edition of which was compiled by G. V. Wigram a revision was made in 1881 by J N Darby. Also widely used among open brethren are "Believers Hymnbook", "Hymns of Light and Love" and "Hymns of Worship and Remembrance", sometimes known simply as "The Black Book". A cappella music is vocal music or singing without instrumental accompaniment, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. ... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified with the purpose of making music. ... A short grand piano, with the top up. ... Classic Hammond B-3 organ. ... See also hymn - a program to decrypt iTunes music files. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

Influence

The influence of the Plymouth Brethren upon evangelical Christianity exceeds their relatively small numerical proportion. The movement today has many congregations around the world.

A number of doctrines that are now widely held within evangelical circles were first introduced by the Brethren or were promoted and propagated by the Brethren. In no particular order these include [2]:

Christian Missions in Many Lands (CMML) in the United States, Missionary Service Committee (MSC) in Canada and Echoes of Service in the United Kingdom, serve as support agencies for Brethren missionaries, helping with logistics and material support. These agencies help to train, equip, and support those sent from local churches. Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, kept strong ties with the Open Brethren, even though he was raised a Methodist and later a member of a Baptist Church. The concept of 'Faith Missions' can be traced back through Hudson Taylor to the example of the early Brethren missionary, Anthony Norris Groves. Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Wycliffe Tyndale Â· Luther Â· Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Pope Â· Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box: As a current in Protestant Christian theology... The subject of this article may not satisfy the notability guideline or one of the following guidelines for inclusion on Wikipedia: Biographies, Books, Companies, Fiction, Music, Neologisms, Numbers, Web content, or several proposals for new guidelines. ... Hudson & Maria Taylor in 1865 James Hudson Taylor æˆ´å¾·ç”Ÿ (May 21, 1832 â€“ June 3, 1905), was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China, and founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM) (now OMF International) who served there for 51 years, bringing over 800 missionaries to the country and directly resulting in... The China Inland Mission was a missionary society, set up by English missionary Hudson Taylor on 25 June 1865 in Brighton during a home leave. ... The Methodist movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity. ... Baptist churches are part of a Christian movement often regarded as an evangelical, protestant denomination. ...

J. N. Darby, one of the original members and perhaps the most well known of the movement, wrote over fifty books including a translation of the New Testament and is often credited with the development of the theology of dispensationalism. John Nelson Darby, (November 18, 1800 - April 29, 1882) was an Anglo-Irish evangelist, an influential figure among the original Plymouth Brethren, and founder of the Darbyites. ... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul Â· Church Fathers Constantine Â· Athanasius Â· Augustine Anselm Â· Aquinas Â· Palamas Â· Wycliffe Tyndale Â· Luther Â· Calvin Â· Wesley Arius Â· Marcion of Sinope Pope Â· Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box: As a current in Protestant Christian theology...

Many leaders of the contemporary evangelical movement came from Brethren backgrounds. These include Geoff Tunnicliffe, CEO of the World Evangelical Alliance; the late British scholar F.F. Bruce; Brian McLaren of the Emerging Church movement; 1950s Auca missionary martyrs Ed McCully, Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, Roger Youderian, and Nate Saint; Walter Liefeld, NT professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Jim Wallis, American Christian activist and founder of Sojourners Magazine; and the late preacher Dr. Harry A. Ironside who wrote the Historical Sketch of the Brethren Movement. Radio personality Garrison Keillor was raised among the Plymouth Brethren, whom he sometimes refers to as the 'sanctified brethren' in his News from Lake Wobegon monologues. The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is an organization based in Vancouver, Canada, which serves as a network for evangelical organizations and denominations around the world. ... Frederick Fyvie Bruce (1910-1990) was a Bible scholar, and one of the founders of the modern evangelical understanding of the Bible. ... Brian D. McLaren is a prominent, controversial voice in the Emerging Church movement. ... The emerging church (also known as the emerging church movement) is a controversial[1] 21st-century Protestant Christian movement whose participants seek to engage postmodern people, especially the unchurched and post-churched. ... This does not cite any references or sources. ... Look up Martyr in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... T. Edward McCully, Jr. ... For others named Jim Elliot, see Jim Elliot (disambiguation) Philip James Elliot (October 8, 1927 â€“ January 8, 1956) was an evangelical Christian missionary to Ecuador who, along with four others, was killed while attempting to evangelize the Huaorani people through efforts known as Operation Auca. ... Peter Fleming (1928-1956) was an American Christian missionary to Ecuador. ... Roger Youderian (January 21, 1924 â€“ January 8, 1956) was a Christian missionary to Ecuador, where he was killed by Huaorani Indians. ... The reconstructed frame of Nate Saints plane, on display at the headquarters of the Mission Aviation Fellowship Nate Saint (August 30, 1923 â€“ January 8, 1956) was a Christian missionary pilot to Ecuador, where he was killed by Huaorani, or Auca, Indians. ... Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) is an evangelical Christian seminary located in Deerfield, Illinois. ... Jim Wallis Reverend Jim Wallis (born June 4, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan) is a Christian writer and political activist, best known as the founder and editor of Sojourners magazine and of the Washington DC based Christian community of the same name. ... Sojourners Magazine, a bimonthly publication of Sojourners Fellowship, was first published in 1971 under the original title of The Post-American. ... Henry (Harry) Allen Ironside (1876-10-14 - 1951-01-15) was a Bible teacher, preacher, pastor, and author in the early 20th century. ... Garrison Keillor (born Gary Edward Keillor on August 7, 1942) is an American author, humorist, columnist, musician, satirist, and radio personality. ...

Since 2004, some groups of heterodox Exclusive Brethren have become politically active. Formerly, they embraced non-involvement 'in the things of the world' because they are 'citizens of heaven'. These heterodox Taylor Exclusive Brethren have been responsible for the production and distribution of political literature in Australian, United States, Swedish, Canadian and New Zealand national elections.^[27] For more details, see Exclusive Brethren#Politics. The Exclusive Brethren are a part of the Christian Evangelical movement generally described as the Plymouth Brethren. ...

Notes and references

^ H.G.Mackay. "Assembly Distinctives". Everyday Publications Inc. 1981.
^ H.G.Mackay. "Assembly Distinctives". Everyday Publications Inc. 1981.
^ E.A.Livingstone. "The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church". Oxford University Press. 2000.
^ G.Brown. "Whatever Happened to the Brethren?" Partnership, Patternoster Press. 2003.
^ Cullen, Pamela V., "A Stranger in Blood: The Case Files on Dr John Bodkin Adams", London, Elliott & Thompson, 2006, ISBN 1-904027-19-9
^ http://www.ccel.org/bible/brenton/
^ [1]
^ http://www.homeoint.org/seror/biograph/cronin.htm
^ http://www.hermetic.com/crowley/confess/chapter1.html
^ http://www.newble.co.uk/writers/Darby/writings.html
^ http://jimelliot.blogspot.com/
^ http://www.dnzb.govt.nz
^ http://web.ukonline.co.uk/d.haslam/groves/AboutANG.htm
^ http://www.biographi.ca/EN/ShowBio.asp?BioId=39672
^ http://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/famous_criminal/38/home/1/John_Haigh_The_Acid_Bath_Murderer.htm
^ http://www.gotell.gracenet.org/m_harry_ironside.htm
^ http://emergent-us.typepad.com/emergentus/2005/08/brian_mclaren_o.html
^ http://www.stempublishing.com/authors/Biographies/chmackintosh.html
^ http://www.mullers.org/history.html
^ http://www.newblehome.co.uk/newberry/biography.html
^ http://sof.wellington.net.nz/maindonald0501.doc
^ http://www.spurgeon.org/s_and_t/pb2.htm
^ W.Melville Capper and Douglas Johnson, "Arthur Rendle Short", Inter Varsity, 1954
^ http://www.wordsearchbible.com/
^ http://www.mybrethren.org/history/framhist.htm
^ Harold G. Mackay. "Assembly Distinctives". Everyday Publications Inc. 1981.
^ Marr, David. "Hidden prophets", Sydney Morning Herald, 2006-07-01. Retrieved on 2006-07-01.

Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Bibliography

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