Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Christian Union Churches is the title assumed by a body of Christians who were represented by a convention at Columbus, Ohio, in 1863, and whose organization was effected in 1865. Their fundamental principles, as officially stated by themselves, are: (1) The unity of the Church; (2) Christ its only Head; (3) the Bible the sole … Continue reading “Christian Union Churches”

Christian Union Church of God Religious organization founded in Tennessee, August 1886 , under name “Christian Union,” reorganized in 1902 under name “Holiness Church,” and in 1907 adopted the name “Church of God.” They follow the teachings of Arminius , and also are in accord with the Methodist bodies. The requisites for membership are “profession … Continue reading “Christian Union Church of God”

Christian Union Group of churches which originated early in the 19th century for “greater freedom from ecclesiastical domination, and a closer affiliation of men and women of different creeds and lines of belief.” In 1864 at Terre Haute, Indiana, a general convention was attended by delegates from the various states and the following principles were … Continue reading “Christian Union”

Christian Socialism An economic and political system of social reorganization. It is opposed to socialism which brands private ownership of productive goods as unjust and immoral. Christian socialism is based upon private ownership, and stresses, like socialism, the social solidarity and social duties. It is one with socialism in the program of reorganization of society. … Continue reading “Christian Socialism”

Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) American sect chartered by Mrs Mary Baker Glover (Patterson) Eddy at Boston , Massachusetts, in 1879 . It teaches a theosophic, therapeutic system of “healing,” rejecting doctrinal belief as a religious basis, and claims, through a revival of the Apostolic healing of Christ (hence the name Christian), to depend … Continue reading “Christian Science”

Christian, Richard Allen a Baptist minister, was born in Charles City County, Virginia, July 27, 1798. He studied medicine in the University of Pennsylvania. In 1838 he united with a Baptist church, and not long after was ordained, and began to preach regularly, without becoming the pastor of any Church, continuing also the practice of … Continue reading “Christian, Richard Allen”

Christian Retreat, Congregation of the An order composed of two branches, the Fathers, and the Sisters, of the Christian Retreat, founded at Fontenelle, France , by Father Antoine Receveur, 1789 . The Fathers of the Christian Retreat formerly directed colleges in France , and still hold the office of chaplains to the various houses of … Continue reading “Christian Retreat, Congregation of the”

Christian Retreat, Congregation of There are two branches of this congregation, the Fathers of Christian Retreat and the Sisters. It was founded on the 19th of November, 1789, at Fontenelle, Doubs, France, by Father Antoine-Silvestre Receveur, who was declared Venerable in 1883 by Pope Leo XIII. He had an extraordinary love of the Cross, and … Continue reading “Christian Retreat, Congregation of”

Christian Reformed Church in North America A group who withdrew from the Reformed Church in America. They organized as a separate body at Holland, Michigan in 1857. In doctrine they adhere to the Belgic Confession of Faith, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort. They are strictly presbyterian in government. Two weekly periodicals are … Continue reading “Christian Reformed Church in North America”

Christian perfection A term in Christian practise for a closer conformity to Gospel ideals than salvation demands. When the young man asked Our Lord what he should do to be saved, the answer was explicit: “Keep the commandments. If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast and give to the poor. And come … Continue reading “Christian perfection”