THE "INTERNATIONAL CHURCHES OF CHRIST" ALIAS "THE BOSTON MOVEMENT #2

• Report rights infringement
• published: 25 Feb 2012
• views: 2168

Yet another Campbellite "Restoration Movement" (Church of Christ) splinter religious sect has arisen on the scene led by Alexander Campbell follower Kip McKean. What's going on with this new, aggressive group of Campbellites who believe water baptism & doing good works will earn them a way into heaven? Larry Wessels, director of Christian Answers of Austin, Texas/ Christian Debater (YouTube channel: CANSWERSTV; websites: BIBLEQUERY.ORG, HISTORYCART.COM & MUSLIMHOPE.COM) is joined in studio by Bob L. Ross, director of Pilgrim Publications (website: PILGRIMPUBLICATIONS.COM) & author of the books, "Campbellism: Its History & Heresies," "Acts 2:38 & Baptismal Remission," & "The Restoration Movement" to discuss this new "works for salvation" Campbellism system. This is part 2 in a 2 part series. The "main-line" Church of Christ developed from an original "reformation" / "unity" effort inaugurated by Thomas Campbell in 1809. The original group formed "The Christian Association of Washington, Pennsylvania" & at first sought "communion" with the same Presbyterian Church Synod which had earlier "censured" Thomas Campbell for his diversions. After being spurned by the Presbyterians, the "Christian Association" decided to "assume the character of an independent Church," & this was accomplished on May 4, 1811 at Brush Run. A short time later, under the leadership of Alexander Campbell, the son of Thomas, the majority of the small church arranged for immersion in water June 12, 1812, & the act was performed for seven members by a Baptist minister, Matthias Luce, in Buffalo Creek. 1823 - October: Alexander Campbell debates with W. L. McCalla and for the first time introduces the theory of "baptism in order to the remission of sins", but is still identifying himself with the Baptists (see Campbell-McCalla Debate, pp. 124, 338, 339, 345; Campbell-Rice Debate, p. 473). 1827 - Walter Scott (another Campbellite) "arranges" the "ancient gospel" and makes "experiments" with it; baptizes William Amend on November 18, 1827 and claims to have restored the gospel. (see Life of Elder Walter Scott by Baxter, Chapter VI; Memoirs of Alexander Campbell, Vol. 2, pp. 208-220). 1832 - Union of Campbell's "Disciples" with Barton Stone's "Christians". (Memoirs of Alexander Campbell, Vol. 2, Chapter XI). Campbell was "the head of the reformation." (Voice of the Pioneers, published by the Gospel Advocate, p. 47). The "Reformation" is another term for the "Restoration Movement and according to Alan Highers the "Restoration Movement" is the same as the Church as a whole" (Memphis Meeting, Vol. 1, p. 37). Hence, Alexander Campbell was the head of the church. It's true, the Restorationists do not like to admit this fact, but sometimes they slip up and the truth breaks through. Here is what others say about Campbell: One of our "founding fathers" — Garrison & Degroot (History, p. 180) "Master Spirit" — Robert Richardson (Memoirs of A.C.., Vol. 1, p. 402). "Regulated the entire movement" — Richardson (op. cit., Vol. 2, p. 669). "Prophet and Leader" — Restoration Reprint Library catalog, 1968. "Restored Church" — Paul McClung ("Restoring the New Testament Church," p. 7). 6 "Leader of the Movement" — H. Leo Boles (Biographical Sketches, p. 17). To illustrate how highly Restorationists regard Campbell, an article in "The Spiritual Sword" of October, 1976 refers to Campbell at least 100 times. This same magazine calls Campbell a "restoration giant" (SS/April, 1973, p. 33). Is it any wonder Restorationists are commonly called "Campbellites"? Where would their church be if it had not been for Campbell? If he indeed restored the church, and if salvation is in the church, they owe their salvation to him. "Men now living are in the debt of Alexander Campbell for having written and preached so faithfully these marvelous truths" (SS/Oct., '76, p. 29). HISTORY OF THE BOSTON MOVEMENT In the 1970s, a new & aggressive "evangelism" began to assert itself under the leadership of Chuck Lucas at the Crossroads Church of Christ in Gainsville, Florida. Methodology (technique, procedure, etc became the utmost importance, necessitating "seminars" & "manual" type instruction). "Crossroadsism" eventually collapsed along with the ministry of Lucas, but not before it was absorbed & transplanted to Boston, Massachusetts by Kip McKean & his associates in 1979. They have effectively used the basics of "Crossroadsism" & added a few touches of their own creating the current "International Churches of Christ" or as it is commonly called, "The Boston Movement." McKean is committed to the Campbellite "restoration-of-the-church" ideology, plus he has added a "reconstruction" ideology. The latter is the term for proselytizing "churches of Christ" already existing. He has also instituted a Roman Catholic style church hierarchy system. Type "LARRY WESSELS CHURCH OF CHRIST" in the YOUTUBE search box for more videos.