Disciples’ History Moment for November 17, 2024
The famous Campbell-Rice Debate began on November 15, 1843 and ran for 18 days! It was held at St. Christian Church in Lexington, KY, between one of the Disciples’ founders, Alexander Campbell, and Presbyterian minister Nathan L. Rice. The debate was moderated by Henry Clay, who was known as “The Great Compromiser” for his role in helping to defuse North/South sectional issues. This would be Campbell’s fifth, longest, and last major public debate.
The debate focused on the function and practice of baptism, the Holy Spirit in conversion, and the effect of creeds in the church. Why the need for this debate? Because Presbyterians were losing many members to the Stone-Campbell movement, and, by then, Christians outnumbered Presbyterians 5 to 1!
Campbell’s main points in the debate were the following:
Immersion, not dipping or sprinkling, is the proper way of baptism
Baptism is for believers, not infants
Baptism is for the forgiveness of past sins
The Holy Spirit works primarily through the word of the Bible—the gospel
Campbell denied that baptism can only be administered by the ordained
Campbell argued against human creeds and confession, as they destroy Christian unity
The Bible is the primary guide for the constitution and management of the church
We as Disciples have matured beyond some of these positions, just as Alexander Campbell changed some of his own views as he grew older. Understanding scripture and how it applies to us is a continuous work for Disciples as we strive to see Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly—day by day!
Rev. Kevin K. Adams
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