This religious body is characterized by a commitment to New Testament Christianity. Its adherents seek to practice the faith as it was understood and lived out in the earliest days of the church, emphasizing principles and practices found within scripture. A core belief is that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative word of God, serving as the sole rule of faith and practice.
Historically, the movement associated with this denomination emerged in the early 19th century in the United States, arising from a desire to unify Christians across denominational lines. Advocates stressed a return to the Bible and a rejection of human creeds and traditions seen as having obscured the original Christian message. This emphasis fostered a distinctive approach to worship, church organization, and Christian living.
