Customer Reviews

Union in Truth: An Interpretive History of the Restoration Movement

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James B. North is a beloved professor & scholar at CBS. We used this book as a textbook in our "Restoration History" class at Ozark Christian College. There are many positive things to be said about this book. It is well written, expertly researched, and is obviously the result of the love and passion the author has for the brotherhood.
A simple critique would be this: #1), the author never considers objections to the philosophical principles which undergirded the movement. This would seem necessary since this is an interpretive history. #2), There is an "pollyanna-like" rose-colored look at the presuppositions & theological positions of the movement, and North does not give a fair hearing (or a hearing at all) to other traditions outside of our own (such as Calvinism or liberalism). Because the author comes from within our Movement, he gives the impression in his writing that nothing bad could be the consequence of the Movement. I am sure the author has considered and weighed these issues, but it is unfortunate that nothing of the sort is reflected in this writing.

This book is important for those that want to know the history of the Churches of Christ and Christian Churches. I was never taught the history of my church when I was growing up, this is unlike other denominations that have classes in the beliefs of their church. I am very thankful for this book, it has explained a lot to me that I didn't know about before. It's only drawback is that it is quite comlex in that it covers a large time frame and numerous individuals.

The Restoration Movement, which saw its beginning in the early 19th century, was one of the fastest growing religious movements ever witnessed on the North American continent. Although its appeal for "the unity of all believers based on the authority of scripture" still resonates today, the movement faltered and stagnated. This book explains why in a clear way.

Granted, this work, like all of North's, is extremely readable. You do not require a vast amount of knowledge on the subject before starting this book. However, there are several instances where a clearly conversative agenda is endorsed. The most noteworthy example is the presentation of what North labels "theological liberals". Efforts are clearly taken to persuade people against these individuals. This conversative agenda is also apparent in the lack of information on the more liberal wings of the Restoration Movement. A history book such as this should not be this slanted. Three stars for the simple reason that it is readable.

I think this is a very balanced history of the Restoration Movement. It is easy to read, which is greatly appreciated.

Page 198 summarizes the theme of the book, which is also the tension in the church: the book explains how Barton Stone, Thomas and Alexander Campbell, and their successors try to resolve the polar opposites of Christian unity and biblical authority. Their emphasis on biblical authority (IMO correctly) separated their movement from Joseph Smith whose followers became the LDS (Mormon) church. The emphasis on unity is why Thomas Campbell would serve communion to any believer in Christ. This practice demonstrated that Christian communion was more important than denominational identity.

Stone explained his emphasis toward unity saying "I know of no reason, according to the Scripture, why all Christians of every name should not unite as one people." (page 159).

Page 161 notes that the followers of Alexander Campbell were more emphatic on restoring the nature and order of the New Testament church than they were on restoring a larger measure of Christian unity. Page 133 says Campbell had "scathing" things to say about other clergy. Alexander, unlike his father, was (or became later) a closed communionist (page 182).

The most interesting part of the book is pages 45-52, which describe the Cane Ridge Revival. Barton Stone was pastor of two churches in the area when the Holy Spirit began manifesting in ways they had not seen before. The experiences described are similar (if not identical) to those described at the Azusa Street Revival of 1906-1915 and Toronto of 1994 to the present. Stone and other (preachers) used the revivals to urge people to believe now. Stone rejected the Calvinistic teaching of limited atonement. This eventually caused Stone (and others) to separate from the Presbyterians.

Author James North adheres to the terms "movement" and "brotherhood" and avoids the term denomination. North says that most of their schools adopted a "statement of faith" and then points out that they were "not seen as creeds" but business arrangements (page 329). The movement does not have "bishops" but does have editors (page 241). The book itself is published by Standard Publishing, which (IMO) is the de facto conference of bishops of the movement.

Page 134 says Campbell wanted a restoring of the "ancient apostolic order" while page 219 states matter of factly that the office of apostle (and prophet) ceased. Alexander Campbell may have rejected the term "apostle" (like he rejected "denomination" and "creed") be he functioned like an apostle (as a pastor of pastors). At the same time, Campbell did not claim (or seek) the supernatural gifts of an apostle and taught that faith in Christ is only a belief of historical facts. Campbell and his followers did not seem to understand that they could never restore the "New Testament Church" when they valued a book they did not have more than a Holy Spirit they did have.

The final chapter deals with current and future issues. North covers the controversial questions facing the church. He even asks the most difficult question (page 368): would the movement be willing to dissolve for the sake of Christian unity? (by issuing a decree similar to the Last Will and Testament of The Springfield Presbytery written by Richard McNemar).

This was a very educating read for the student of the Restoration Movement or the Church History in general (American History even). This book is full of interesting and often obscure pieces of information that will intrigue as well as educate.

Highly recommended!!!