The question of origins for the Churches of Christ is complex. This religious movement avoids the use of creeds and emphasizes a return to the practices of the first-century church as described in the New Testament. Therefore, adherents typically believe their faith represents the original Christianity established by Jesus and his apostles rather than being founded by a specific individual in more recent history. However, the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement, beginning in the early 19th-century United States, played a significant role in shaping the Churches of Christ. Key figures associated with this movement, such as Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell, advocated for Christian unity and a return to biblical authority.
Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the Churches of Christ. The emphasis on restoring New Testament Christianity informs their practices, including a cappella singing, weekly communion, and a focus on biblical literacy. This perspective on their origins shapes their identity and distinguishes them from other Christian denominations. The Stone-Campbell Restoration Movements focus on Christian unity continues to influence the Churches of Christ and their understanding of interdenominational relationships.
