Why I am Not a Christadelphian

There are potential dangers of identifying as "a Christadelphian”, such as hiding behind the group and diluting free will. The purpose of church should be facilitating each person's unique relationship with Christ, not conformity to rules, and the Christadelphian values of non-hierarchy and church autonomy support this individualism.

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Why I am Not a Christadelphian

Anthony Whitehorn

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Community Discussion

This comment is regarding your statement that we, Christadelphians, are not hierarchical and that we are egalitarian. I don't know if that is true in the U.K. but it is not true in North America. Most ecclesia here are governed by a male Arranging Board and operate in the complementarian fashion as set out in the scriptures.

- Don

Thank you for this observation. I realize that my use of the word ‘egalitarian’ may have come across as a statement in the current gender debate (egalitarian vs complementarian). I didn’t mean it in that specific way here, but rather in a broader sense, that in the ecclesia we are all equal before God. Specifically, I highlighted the aspect of egalitarianism in the context of comparing us to having a centrally ordained priesthood which is a the practise of the “mainstream churches”. Furthermore, from the earliest days, ecclesias were exhorted to view the ABs not as exercising a governing authority, but as ‘servants’ carrying out the will of the ecclesia (Robert Roberts, Ecclesial Guide, Sect 16-17). The other aspect of being non-hierarchical is the lack of central authority that rules over all ecclesias. Instead, each ecclesia has the autonomy to conduct its own affairs. To quote the Ecclesial Guide again, "There ought to be no interference of one ecclesia with another” (Sect 42). I truly believe that the method of identifying the most appropriate people to undertake roles for the Ecclesia by the members of the Ecclesia is in keeping with what Jesus would want. Each Ecclesia will therefore prayerfully make their own choices which may be different across the world. This is a testament to the great gift of autonomy which is a strength of our community.

- Anthony Whitehorn

Having just been disheartened because of a new Iranian Christadelphian convert wanting someone removed from general WhatsApp group because they had been accepted by an Anglican Church I found your view point refreshing. To be fair It might be that he thought the group was for Christadelphians only but it had a feel of intolerance. The request made me recall the Christadelphian that said the differences in doctrine between our community and others meant that the others weren’t proper Christians! You rightly focussed on the ‘what my church gives me’ and I’m not now disheartened because my church does help me grow. I liked that view Anthony and will use it myself in due course ( I might give you credit!) Picking up from your own comments we are different and as the apostle Paul noted we can’t all be the same or have the same gifts. My understanding from this is not least it reminds me that we learn at different rates and accepting this view as I do I find it helps me tolerate differences on the basis the other person is still learning or perhaps it’s me! A bit like Paul’s advice to strong and weak in respect of what foods to eat. Yes I grew up with the phrase “it’s against my religion” and even at a very young age (not 4!) I saw it as a cop out of being true to our beliefs. I found your remarks encouraging Anthony thank you.

- Alan

Alan, thank you for your comments. I also felt heartened by what you said. I think that you make a really good point about us all being different. Each one of us is completely unique. This is remarkable and Gods intention. However we struggle when people look at things differently from ourselves as we naturally start from the basis that we are right. But differences enable us to grow, readjust and transform. This is our Christian remit and we can help each other achieve this. Thank you

- Anthony Whitehorn