Christadelphian

A Christian sect founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1848 by John Thomas (1805-71), who had previously been a follower of Thomas and Alexander Campbell. John Thomas wanted to return to the beliefs and practices of the earliest disciples, hence the name meaning 'brothers of Christ.' The name was adopted during the American Civil War to justify the follower's pacifism. The doctrines of the Trinity and of the pre-existence of Christ were rejected by Thomas. Christadelphians believe in the complete accuracy of the Bible. At the center of Christadelphian belief is millennialism. Specifically, it is believed that Christ will come again to establish a theocracy based in Jerusalem. Christadelphians do not agree on whether all people will be resurrected although it is most commonly believed that anyone other than a true believer will go to oblivion. Adult followers must be baptized by immersion. There are no ordained ministers and local congregations are called 'ecclesias.' Christadelphians do not take part in military service, politics, or voting.