restorationist

Restorationist refers to adherents or movements that seek to restore the form of the church or religion as it is believed to have existed in the early Christian era. In Christian usage, the term most commonly describes the Restoration Movement of the United States in the early 19th century, also known as the Stone–Campbell Movement.

Origins: It arose from revival and camp meetings in Kentucky and Illinois, with leaders such as Barton W. Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell advocating biblical authority, nondenominational fellowship, and unity among Christians. The movement stressed returning to New Testament practices and rejecting creeds that divided Christians.

Beliefs and practices: Restorationists assert the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice, emphasize Christian unity, and maintain congregational autonomy. Common practices include believer’s baptism by immersion and regular observance of the Lord’s Supper; worship and governance vary by congregation.

Branches: The movement evolved into several groups, chiefly Churches of Christ, the Disciples of Christ (also called the Christian Church), and related Restoration churches. Differences over organization, worship, and fellowship contributed to denominational distinctions, though all trace their roots to the same impulse to restore primitive Christianity.

Other uses: In broader usage, restorationism describes efforts to revive or reform institutions, beliefs, or artifacts to an imagined earlier form. In religious studies it may designate other groups that claim restoration of an original gospel, including some Latter Day Saint contexts and various new movements.