What does Church of the Brethren believe? The Church of the Brethren, also known as the Brethren Church, is a Protestant Christian denomination that originated in Germany during the 17th century. This denomination is known for its emphasis on peace, simplicity, and community. The beliefs of the Church of the Brethren are rooted in the teachings of the New Testament and are guided by the principles of love, humility, and service. In this article, we will explore the core beliefs of the Church of the Brethren and how they shape its worship, community life, and social action.
The Church of the Brethren holds that the Bible is the supreme authority in matters of faith and practice. They believe in the inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures and strive to live according to their teachings. One of the foundational beliefs of the denomination is the concept of the “priesthood of all believers,” which asserts that every Christian has direct access to God and the ability to interpret the Bible for themselves.
One of the central tenets of the Church of the Brethren is the belief in the Trinity, which consists of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This belief is shared by most Christian denominations and is considered essential to the faith. The Brethren also emphasize the importance of Jesus Christ’s teachings and example, particularly his message of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Another distinctive belief of the Church of the Brethren is pacifism. They reject the use of violence and military service, as they believe that Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus, who taught non-violence and reconciliation. This stance has led the denomination to take a strong stand against war and military conflict throughout its history.
The Church of the Brethren also values simplicity and humility in both personal and communal life. They believe that material wealth and power can be a distraction from the spiritual life and encourage their members to live modestly and with an attitude of service. This includes a commitment to social justice and service to those in need, both locally and globally.
The denomination places a strong emphasis on community and fellowship. They believe that the church is not just a place of worship but also a community of believers who support and care for one another. The Church of the Brethren practices baptism and communion as sacraments, which are seen as outward expressions of faith and community.
In summary, the Church of the Brethren believes in the authority of the Bible, the Trinity, the priesthood of all believers, pacifism, simplicity, humility, and the importance of community and service. These beliefs guide their worship, their interactions with others, and their social action. The Church of the Brethren is a denomination that seeks to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life, emphasizing love, peace, and justice.
