lundi 29 octobre 2018

Church Of Christ Services Waco Beliefs And Practices

By Patrick Allen


When looking for a place of worship in a local area or while away from home, it can often be difficult to find one at which a visitor feels comfortable and welcome. Although, there are more options in some areas than others. For example, there are a number of Church of Christ services Waco, Texas as well as other denominations.

Unlike other denominations, the Church of Christ was one of the first independent congregations to form during the restoration movement. While this is the case, it was the advocate, James O'Kelly whom represented the Methodist Episcopal church which withdrew from the Baltimore Conference in 1793.

The reason provided for withdrawing from the Baltimore conference was to establish what would be a more primitive version of Christianity based solely on the Bible. In most cases, it is reported that the earliest history of the Church of Christ dates back to the reformation movement. In some cases, members see the Disciples of Christ to be the origin of the Church of Christ while there are others whom disagree.

The return to a primitive place of worship which focused primarily on the New Testament was so popular that some 6,000 plus members joined in the movement. After which, some years later, the New England Baptists, led by Abner Jones and Elias Smith begin a similar movement with regards to one of the earliest Baptist congregations.

At the time, many religious leaders were concerned about members using alternative creeds and denominational names to describe oneself and others. As a result, it was the Baptists whom began the tradition of those whom believed in Christ being referred to as Christians rather than by a title associated with a specific denomination. As such, the Baptists were the first to view all believers simply as Christians.

After which, a number of Presbyterian ministers followed suit in preaching and teaching solely from the Bible, which at the time was referred to as the "only sure guide to heaven." Thomas Campbell and son, Alexander were the last to take similar steps in 1809. At which time, the two agreed that nothing older than the New Testament should be bound upon those identifying as Christians.

The four movements eventually became a strong force in the restoration movement. It should be noted that none of those involved advocated for a new branch of Christianity. Rather, to a return to the original primitive place of worship as described in the Bible.

When it comes to acceptance and differing beliefs, there are some member churches within each denomination which are more welcoming of LGBTQ+ individuals than others. In most cases, these are congregations which have withdrawn and set up new and contemporary churches while still holding onto to original belief systems. In most cases, Episcopal and Unitarian Universalist houses of worship host welcoming congregations. Although, there are some Baptist and Church of Christ congregations whom if not accept, at least tolerate alternative lifestyles.

While there are some member branches of the Baptist and Church Of Christ which now accept and welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community, there are far more which have held on to laws and traditions found in the Old Testament. In most cases, these churches will welcome visitors but when it comes to accepting or welcoming those of difference, it is often out of tolerance rather than acceptance.




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