Plymouth Brethren

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Plym

JohnNelsonDarby

Plymouth Brethren Chapel, Broadbridge Heath

Plymouth Brethren are a conservative, non-denominational Evangelical Christian movement, whose history can be traced back to Dublin, Ireland, in the late 1820s. The group emerged as part of a wave of Evangelical revivalism that was sweeping the British Isles, emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the priesthood of all believers, and the importance of gathering in the name of Jesus Christ alone, without the need for a formal clergy or church structure. This emphasis on simplicity and biblical fidelity has led to the movement being considered part of the broader fundamentalist tradition within Christianity.

Beliefs and Practices

The Plymouth Brethren hold to the inerrancy of the Bible, viewing it as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. They practice believer's baptism and celebrate the Lord's Supper weekly, in accordance with their interpretation of New Testament teachings. Their meetings are characterized by a lack of formal liturgy or ordained clergy, with male members free to speak or pray as they are led by the Holy Spirit.

Distinctive to the Plymouth Brethren is their practice of separation from what they perceive as the moral corruption of the world. This includes abstaining from political involvement and maintaining a degree of separation from those not part of their community, including other Christians who do not share their views on separation.

History

The Plymouth Brethren began with a small group of dissatisfied Anglicans and other Evangelicals who began meeting independently in Dublin around 1827. The movement quickly spread to England, where it became associated with the city of Plymouth, giving the group its name. Early leaders included John Nelson Darby, whose development of Dispensationalism had a profound influence not only on the Brethren but also on the wider Evangelical world, particularly in the United States.

As the movement grew, it inevitably experienced divisions, the most significant of which occurred in the early 1840s, leading to the distinction between the "Open Brethren," who maintain a more inclusive stance on fellowship and ministry, and the "Exclusive Brethren," who practice a stricter separation from the world and tighter control over congregational life.

Impact

The Plymouth Brethren have had a significant impact on Christianity, particularly through the dissemination of Dispensationalism and the development of the Schofield Reference Bible, which has been influential in the spread of Premillennialism and Christian Zionism in the United States. Despite their general avoidance of the public sphere, the Brethren have also contributed to the fields of education and business, with some members establishing successful enterprises that adhere to Brethren principles.

Controversies

The Exclusive Brethren, in particular, have been the subject of controversy, due to their practices of shunning ex-members and alleged attempts to influence politics behind the scenes. These controversies have led to public scrutiny and criticism of the group's more insular practices.

Conclusion

The Plymouth Brethren represent a unique and influential strand of Evangelical Christianity. Their emphasis on biblical authority, simplicity of worship, and separation from the world continues to appeal to those seeking a more literal interpretation of Christian discipleship, even as it challenges the broader cultural and religious trends of the modern world.