Central Casting
Written in a style of an extended Communion meditation, this book offers fresh insights about a faith tradition and identity that have been born at the Table 'that beats steadily with the love of Christ".
Thomas Campbell’s “Declaration and Address” is at the heart of our bicentennial celebration. Written in 1809, just two years after his arrival in America, the D&A is the closest thing we have to a “constitution” for our faith movement. Its thesis is that “the church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one.” That is, that by its very essence and make up the Church is not divided, but united. And Campbell believed that Christ’s by intention established the Church in a harmonious oneness. When Campbell looked out on the religious landscape, he was dismayed by how many denominations he saw. Each denomination seemed to keep to itself and, in many cases, to disdain the other denominations. Surely, thought Campbell, Christ could not have intended this. So, he acted to bring unity to the Church. And the D&A is his testament to his plan for a way to gather all Christians together under one tent and to enjoy the peace that can only be found when we are united together in Christ.
A Guide to Studying the Declaration & Address
We have produced a marvelous resource for getting to know the “Declaration and Address” and its purpose. One Church is a collection of essays by modern authors calling for unity in the 21st century. It also includes communion meditations that can be used on Great Communion Sunday. However, the book is also a great tool to learn more about the D&A itself. There is an overview of the document and an inspired restating of Campbell’s 13 Propositions. You will also want to read the masterful short biography of Thomas Campbell provided on this page.
A Modern Restating of the 13 Propositions
The following propositions are by no means intended to be a creed or something to be imposed on believers—nothing could be farther from the truth. They are designed, rather, to focus our hearts and minds on the great question of what it means to be followers of Christ. Too often we seem to have forgotten what is central to our identity as Christians and as Christ’s church. It is our hope that these ideas will stimulate serious consideration of who we are and who we ought to be. READ MORE
Thomas Campbell - A Brief Biography
Thomas Campbell is important as a transitional figure a ling between the religious traditionalism of the Old World and the innovative spirit of the New. With deep convictions and humble spirit he devoted himself to advocating the primacy of the Scriptures in the church, believing this could provide a means of restoring unity.READ MORE
Thomas Campbell's Declaration & AddresssThe Declaration and Address of this Christian Association was written by Thomas Campbell and approved for publication on September 7, 1809.The document consisted of a brief “declaration” listing nine objectives of the Christian Association and a lengthy “address” that included 13 bold propositions for Christian unity. The “grand design” of Thomas Campbell and the Christian Association was to “reconcile and unite men to God and to each other, in truth and love, to the glory of God.” READ MORE