Christian Churches and Churches of Christ - Part 1

Robert asks about the differences between “the Christian Church” and the “churches of Christ.” What are these differences – if any – and are they important?

Let's take a few different articles to deal with this question . . .

First, it should be recognized that there are three different groups that run in this same thread. There are the “churches of Christ” and then there are those called “the Christian Church” and in the same vein – yet far more liberal – is the Christian church brand, “Disciples of Christ.”

Typically speaking – though autonomy (or independence of congregations) may impact this – the most liberal group of these three is “Disciples of Christ,” then the middle group would be “the Christian Church” and then the “churches of Christ” would be the most conservative. However, with that said, it is worth noting that some of the groups called “the Christian Church” would be (far?) more conservative than some groups wearing the name “church of Christ.” (Some of “the Christian Church” groups in places like – oh, for instance – the Deep South might be far more conservative than some of those “churches of Christ” in Abilene, Texas, or California.) So, while there might be a generalized assessment, here, it's worthy of recognizing that it's “case-by-case” work . . . Not too long ago, congregations of the “churches of Christ” – usually the more conservative group – went on the record as having no problem with female preachers or elders, don't see problems with using mechanical instruments of music in worship and – even in some of the bizarre cases – don't see problems with the LGBTQ+ movement. So, again, it's “case-by-case” work . . .

What would I recommend if you have a buddy that is “Disciples of Christ,” “Christian Church” or “church of Christ”? Well, I'd encourage starting a friendly conversation, finding out precisely where your buddy is and see exactly how committed he is to serving God (as He has revealed Himself in the ONLY objective way possible, that is, through the biblical text). If your buddy is “weak” or loose on the notion of needing “biblical authority” for “all things religion,” then that's the place where we'll have to start . . . But, if your buddy is “strong” and solid on the need for having “biblical authority” for “all things religion,” – well, then, you're a step ahead of the game and on a good path already . . .

So, which groups are more keen on “biblical authority” and which groups aren't?

More later (in part 2) . . .