Faith
When Thousands Gathered and Denominations Disappeared
Faith Facts
- In 1801, thousands of pioneer settlers traveled to rural Kentucky for a weeklong camp meeting that became known as the Cane Ridge Revival, marking a pivotal moment in American Christian history.
- About 200 believers from Churches of Christ, independent Christian Churches, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gathered to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the revival that gave birth to the Restoration Movement.
- The 1801 revival emphasized Christian unity over denominational divisions, with ministers from different traditions preaching simple gospel salvation and sharing communion together in remarkable spiritual unity.
BOURBON COUNTY, KY. — By the thousands, the believers came — Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians among them.
In covered wagons and carriages, pioneer settlers traveled to the backwoods of Kentucky for a weeklong camp meeting orchestrated by a 28-year-old Presbyterian clergyman named Barton W. Stone.
The Cane Ridge Revival of 1801 — dubbed “America’s Pentecost” by the late historian Paul Conkin — emerged as a pivotal moment in the birth of the Restoration Movement.
In the second week of August, Stone and other ministers who spoke at Cane Ridge, about 20 miles east of Lexington, endeavored to put aside confessions and creeds and simply preach Christ.
To celebrate the revival’s 225th anniversary, a crowd of about 200 filled the Cane Ridge Meeting House, where the Stone Memorial Building now encases the restored one-room log church originally built in 1791. Attendees parked in the grass alongside State Highway 537, surrounded by tobacco, soybean and corn fields.
The gathering this past Saturday drew members of a cappella Churches of Christ, independent Christian Churches and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). All three groups trace their modern-day roots to the Restoration Movement, also known as the Stone-Campbell Movement.
“We are so glad that you have made the journey here, where 225 years ago … on this very ground, something happened that changed the shape of American religious life and gave birth to the movement that many of us in this room call our faith home,” said Joel Brown, president of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society in Bethany, W.Va., the event’s organizer.
“We are here today to remember that moment, to learn from it and to let it speak to us again.”
The a cappella Churches of Christ and the independent Christian Churches each comprise roughly 1 million baptized members in the U.S., according to national surveys. Precise numbers are difficult to ascertain because of the autonomous nature of the individual congregations.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination claims 600,000 members in the U.S. and Canada, according to its website.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who has served as a deacon for the Beargrass Christian Church, a Disciples of Christ congregation in Louisville, sent a video message on Cane Ridge’s significance.
“This was an event that crossed denominational lines, uniting different groups in shared worship and communion, and it happened in a rural community just outside of Paris, Ky. That unity of the revival is just as important now as it was in 1801.”
‘Our original sense of unity’
A quarter-century after the Cane Ridge Revival, Stone reflected on it in an 1827 article in the Christian Messenger, a magazine he started.
“The doctrine preached by all was simple, and nearly the same,” wrote Stone, who in 1832 fused his Christian unity movement with that of another reform-minded minister, Alexander Campbell.
“Free and full salvation to every creature was proclaimed. All urged faith in the gospel, and obedience to it, as the way of life. All appeared deeply impressed with the ruined state of sinners, and were anxious for their salvation. The spirit of partyism, and party distinctions, were apparently forgotten. . . The spirit of love, peace, and union, were revived. You might have seen the various sects engaged in the same spirit, praying, praising, and communing together, and the preachers in the lead. Happy days!”
Scholars representing all three major branches of the Restoration Movement spoke at the 225th anniversary event.
The two from Churches of Christ were John Mark Hicks, a retired theology professor at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., and James L. Gorman, director of the Center for Restoration Studies at Abilene Christian University in Texas.
“The event formed our original sense of unity that transcends partyism, provides an alternative vision of the Holy Spirit’s work than what came to dominate Churches of Christ in the 20th century and reminds us of the constant need for evangelistic revival and renewal among disciples of Jesus,” Hicks said.
By partyism, Hicks explained that he meant “a sectarian denominationalism, allegiance to the party (specific denomination) that draws lines of fellowship and communion table as hard boundaries.”
Mac Ice, director of special collections and archives at ACU, put it this way in an email:
“It is not too much to say there is no Restoration Movement without Cane Ridge.”
Differences and connections
Inside the Cane Ridge Meeting House, the anniversary crowd waved handheld fans in the steamy old church, which has no air conditioning.
At lunchtime, attendees enjoyed box lunches in the 89-degree heat — in the shadow of Stone’s gravestone — and perused the artifacts and exhibits in the nearby Barton Warren Stone Museum.
Roughly three-quarters of the participants came from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), but a few from Churches of Christ made it a point to attend.
Greg and Kathy Pauley met at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., over a half-century ago and attend the Southside Church of Christ in Lexington.
“I literally do not know when I started reading about the Cane Ridge encampment and all the things that flowed from that,” said Kathy Pauley, 76, a grandmother of 11. “I don’t remember any particular professor at Harding bringing it up. … But I always knew that it was important.”
Despite living in Kentucky for 24 years, she’d never made it to Cane Ridge.
“I knew it was right down the road, but this is our first time, and my husband is here because I said, ‘Honey, I signed us up.'”
Greg Pauley said he welcomed learning more about Cane Ridge and gathering with fellow believers, even those with whom he has theological differences.
“It’s just so important to me to understand both sides, and these presentations today, it was just like, ‘This is good.'”
Two ministers from the Canadian province of Ontario — Murray Hibbard of the Guelph Church of Christ and Glen Robins of the Stoney Creek Church of Christ — drove roughly 550 miles to attend.
Hibbard picked up Robins that Friday afternoon at Camp Omagh, where Hibbard had taught children’s Bible classes all week. Then the ministry friends returned home in time for each to preach Sunday morning.
“I’ve just always loved our history,” Robins said of why he wanted to mark the Cane Ridge anniversary.
“It’s been great. I appreciate that they were intentional about representing all three major streams.”
Hibbard echoed his fellow Canadian’s sentiments.
“I kind of wish our own had more attendance, but it is what it is.”
For what it’s worth, connections among those of the differing streams often overlap.
Brown, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society president, grew up in the a cappella Vancouver Church of Christ in Washington state, where his father, Craig, served as the preaching minister for 20 years.
The younger Brown attended Columbia Christian School in Portland, Ore., across the Columbia River from Vancouver, and later earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at ACU.
“I think in my experience, having been in Churches of Christ and the Disciples, the Disciples who have been Disciples for a long time have more of a recognition of a place like Cane Ridge. But I will say that … there is a much more robust group of scholars who are studying Stone-Campbell history in Churches of Christ than there is in Disciples of Christ,” Joel Brown said.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith
British Parliament Delivers Stunning Defeat to Assisted Suicide Push
Faith Facts
- The UK House of Commons voted 286-270 to reject a bill legalizing medically assisted suicide in a narrow but decisive vote
- Christian advocates are praising the outcome as an answer to prayer, with one faith leader declaring ‘God heard people’s prayers’
- The vote represents a major victory for pro-life groups who warned that legalizing assisted suicide would endanger vulnerable citizens and devalue human life
In a stunning reversal that has energized faith communities across the United Kingdom, the House of Commons has rejected a bill that would have legalized medically assisted suicide. The narrow vote—286 against and 270 in favor—represents a significant victory for those who believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
Christian leaders are celebrating the outcome as a powerful demonstration of answered prayer. Believers across Britain had been mobilizing for weeks, organizing prayer vigils and contacting their representatives to oppose the legislation.
“God heard people’s prayers,” one faith leader declared following the vote, acknowledging the grassroots movement that brought Christians together in united opposition to the bill.
The debate over assisted suicide has intensified in recent years as secular forces push to expand so-called “death with dignity” laws. Pro-life advocates have consistently warned that such legislation inevitably leads to a slippery slope where the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged face pressure to end their lives prematurely.
The British vote stands in contrast to trends in other Western nations, where assisted suicide has gained legal acceptance despite concerns from medical professionals and disability rights advocates. Countries like Canada have seen their euthanasia programs expand rapidly beyond initial safeguards, exactly as pro-life groups predicted.
For Christian conservatives, the sanctity of human life remains non-negotiable. Every life has intrinsic value as a creation made in the image of God, regardless of age, ability, or perceived quality of life. The proper response to suffering is compassionate care and support, not offering death as a solution.
The narrow margin—just 16 votes—underscores how close Britain came to abandoning its traditional protections for vulnerable citizens. It also highlights the critical importance of Christian civic engagement and the power of prayer in the political process.
This victory provides encouragement for pro-life advocates in America and around the world who continue fighting similar battles in their own nations. When people of faith stand together and make their voices heard, they can influence policy and protect fundamental values.
The vote also serves as a reminder that the culture of death continues its advance and requires constant vigilance from those who cherish life. While this particular bill has been defeated, proponents of assisted suicide will likely return with revised proposals, making continued engagement essential.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith
Christian Leader Warns Against Violent Activism Masquerading as Patriotism
Faith Facts
- A prominent Christian voice is cautioning believers against mixing violent protest tactics with genuine patriotic concern over immigration policy
- Biblical principles demand Christians question their own methods and motives when engaging in social action
- True Christian witness requires peaceful advocacy grounded in Scripture, not masked violence in the streets
A leading Christian advocate is sounding the alarm about activist movements that cloak themselves in patriotic language while abandoning Christ-centered principles. Dr. Krish Kandiah is urging believers to carefully discern between legitimate policy concerns and movements that employ un-Christian tactics.
The issue centers on how Christians should respond to controversial immigration policies. While asking tough questions about border security and national sovereignty isn’t inherently wrong, Kandiah warns that some responses have crossed clear biblical boundaries.
“It isn’t racist to ask hard questions of our government about immigration policy,” Kandiah acknowledges. “But when we consider what form our social action should take, let’s use the Bible to ask hard questions of ourselves.”
The distinction matters deeply for Christians who value both their faith and their country. America’s founding principles align closely with biblical justice and ordered liberty. But when activists resort to violence and intimidation—even in the name of patriotism—they abandon the very values they claim to defend.
Kandiah specifically criticizes tactics that involve taking to the streets in balaclavas and using violence. Such methods, he argues, fundamentally contradict Jesus’s teachings and example. Christ never endorsed mob violence or masked intimidation, even when confronting genuine injustice.
For Christian conservatives, this presents a critical moment of reflection. Many believers share legitimate concerns about border security, cultural preservation, and national sovereignty. These aren’t fringe positions—they’re rooted in the biblical concept that nations have the right and responsibility to maintain ordered boundaries.
The challenge lies in expressing these convictions through means that honor God. Scripture calls believers to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” That wisdom includes recognizing when movements exploit legitimate grievances to justify decidedly un-Christian behavior.
True patriotism and genuine faith aren’t at odds. America’s greatest movements for justice—from abolition to civil rights—were led by Christians who combined unwavering moral conviction with peaceful, prayerful action. They changed hearts and laws without resorting to the very tactics they opposed.
Christians must remain vigilant against deception. Not every movement draped in national symbols represents godly principles. Not every leader who speaks about defending traditional values actually follows Christ’s example. Discernment requires matching rhetoric against Scripture and actions against Jesus’s teachings.
The Bible provides clear guidance for believers engaged in the public square. We’re called to speak truth, pursue justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. We’re commanded to respect governing authorities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God. We’re instructed to be peacemakers, not troublemakers.
This doesn’t mean Christians should remain silent on important issues. Border security, immigration reform, and cultural preservation are legitimate policy debates. Believers have every right—and often a duty—to advocate for laws that protect citizens and uphold order. But the means matter as much as the ends.
When movements adopt violent tactics or promote hatred, Christians must recognize that darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Only love, grounded in truth and expressed through peaceful means, can genuinely transform society.
The warning against Danny Tomo’s Patriot Platform serves as a broader cautionary tale. In an age of political polarization and cultural anxiety, Christians face constant temptation to compromise biblical principles for perceived political gains. Such compromises ultimately betray both faith and country.
America needs Christians who will stand firm on principle while modeling Christ’s character. The nation benefits when believers bring both moral clarity and spiritual fruit to public debates. Violence and intimidation offer neither.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith
Parliament Rejects Assisted Suicide in Stunning Reversal
Faith Facts
- Parliament voted against assisted suicide legislation in a reversal of a previous vote by a nearly identical legislative body
- The decision is being celebrated by Christian leaders as a victory for the sanctity of life and compassionate care
- The vote marks a significant shift in how lawmakers view end-of-life care and the protection of vulnerable populations
In a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, Parliament has voted to reject assisted suicide legislation. This decision comes despite an almost identical legislative body previously supporting similar measures, marking a dramatic shift in the national conversation about the sanctity of life.
The vote is being hailed by faith leaders and pro-life advocates as a monumental victory for hope, compassion, and the fundamental value of human life. Christian organizations across the nation have praised lawmakers for standing firm on biblical principles that affirm life from conception to natural death.
This legislative turnaround demonstrates the power of sustained advocacy and the influence of constituents who contacted their representatives to voice concerns about the dangers of legalizing assisted suicide. The bill’s defeat represents a rejection of the culture of death that has been advancing in many Western nations.
Pro-life groups emphasized that the vote protects the most vulnerable members of society—the elderly, disabled, and those suffering from serious illnesses—who might feel pressured to end their lives rather than burden their families. The decision affirms that every life has inherent dignity and worth, regardless of age, ability, or health status.
Faith-based organizations have long warned that assisted suicide laws create a slippery slope, where initial restrictions are gradually expanded to include broader categories of people. Evidence from other jurisdictions where such laws exist has shown concerning trends of scope expansion beyond the original intent.
Christian leaders note that the vote represents a choice for compassionate palliative care over death as a medical solution. They argue that society should invest in improving end-of-life care, pain management, and support for families rather than offering death as an option.
The outcome reflects growing public awareness about the risks associated with assisted suicide legislation, including potential coercion of vulnerable individuals, the devaluation of disabled lives, and the fundamental shift in the medical profession’s role from healing to ending life.
This legislative victory provides renewed momentum for pro-life advocates working to protect human dignity at all stages of life. It demonstrates that principled opposition grounded in timeless values can prevail even in an increasingly secular culture.
The vote also highlights the importance of electing representatives who will stand for biblical principles in the face of cultural pressure. It serves as an encouraging reminder that persistence in advocacy and prayer can produce tangible results in the public square.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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