19th century Christadelphians

the christadelphian community in britain dates thomas s first lecturing tour (may 1848 – october 1850). message particularly welcomed in scotland, , campbellite, unitarian , adventist friends separated form groups of baptised believers . 2 thirds of ecclesias, , members, in britain before 1864 in scotland. in 1849, during tour of britain, completed (a decade , half before name christadelphian conceived) elpis israel in laid out understanding of main doctrines of bible. since medium bringing change print , debate, natural origins of christadelphian body associated books , journals, such thomas s herald of kingdom.

brother john thomas

in desire seek establish biblical truth , test orthodox christian beliefs through independent scriptural study not alone. among other churches, had links adventist movement , benjamin wilson (who later set church of god of abrahamic faith in 1860s). in terms of rejection of trinity, thomas views had similarities unitarianism had developed in formal way in europe in 16th century (although formally described both unitarianism , socinianism works of devil failure develop doctrine of god-manifestation). see history of unitarianism

although christadelphian movement originated through activities of john thomas, never saw himself making own disciples. believed rather had rediscovered 1st century beliefs bible alone, , sought prove through process of challenge , debate , writing journals. through process number of people became convinced , set various fellowships had sympathy position. groups associated john thomas met under various names, including believers, baptised believers, royal association of believers, baptised believers in kingdom of god, nazarines (or nazarenes) , antipas until time of american civil war (1861–1865). @ time, church affiliation required in united states , in confederacy in order register conscientious objector status, , in 1864 thomas chose registration purposes name christadelphian.

through teaching of john thomas , need in american civil war name, christadelphians emerged denomination, formed lasting structure through passionate follower of thomas s interpretation of bible, robert roberts. in 1864 began publish ambassador of coming age magazine. renamed christadelphian in 1869 , continues published under name. roberts prominent in period following death of john thomas in 1871, , helped craft structures of christadelphian body.

robert roberts john thomas had rediscovered truth. robert robert s life characterised debates on issues arose within fledgling organisation; of these debates can found in book robert roberts—a study of life , character islip collyer.

initially denomination grew in english-speaking world, particularly in english midlands , in parts of north america. in days after death of john thomas group have moved in number of directions. doctrinal issues arose, debates took place , statements of faith created , amended other issues arose. these attempts felt necessary many both settle , define doctrinal stance newly emerging denomination , keep out error. result of these debates, several groups separated main body of christadelphians, notably suffolk street fellowship , unamended fellowship.