Campbellite

Campbellite is a mildly pejorative term[1] referring to adherents of certain religious groups that have historic roots in the Restoration Movement, among whose most prominent 19th-century leaders were Thomas and Alexander Campbell. Members of these groups generally consider the term Campbellite inappropriate, saying that they are followers of Jesus, not Campbell.[2][3][4]: 85–87 [5]: 91–93  They draw parallels with Martin Luther's protest of the name Lutherans[6]: 162, 163  and the Anabaptists' protest of the name given to them by their enemies. With specific reference to the early Restoration Movement, "[t]he terms Campbellism and Campbellites were universally rejected by those to whom they were applied."[4]: 86 

  1. ^ The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary describes the term as "sometimes offensive". Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. Entry on "Cambellite."
  2. ^ see, for example, Weldon E. Warnock, "Why I Am Not A Campbellite," Guardian of Truth XXIX: 23, pp. 705, 727, December 5, 1985
  3. ^ See also Wayne Jackson, "Alexander Campbell and Christ's Church," Christian Courier (accessed 11-15-2012)
  4. ^ a b Monroe E. Hawley, Redigging the Wells: Seeking Undenominational Christianity, Quality Publications, Abilene, Texas, 1976, page 86 ISBN 0-89137-512-0 (paper), ISBN 0-89137-513-9 (cloth)
  5. ^ James D. Bales, The Faith Under Fire, Lambert Book House, Shreveport, Louisiana, 1867
  6. ^ V. E. Howard, What Is the Church of Christ? 4th Edition (Revised) Central Printers & Publishers, West Monroe, Louisiana, 1971