Primitive Catholic
Encyclopedia
The term Primitive Catholic is used by a small but growing number of Christians, both in established Church bodies as well as in independent Christian congregations. The groups that are so described see themselves as restoring or revisiting the practices of the ancient Christian Church, but doing so in a more Catholic fashion than the Restoration Movement
.
While both Primitive Catholics and Restoration Movement Christians would agree that the New Testament Church is the ideal, the two sides disagree on several issues, including the nature and extent of an ordained ministry within the Church (usually structured in an episcopal
fashion) and the transmission of ecclesiastical authority through Apostolic Succession
. Most congregations and ecclesiastical bodies that use the term are Trinitarian in orientation, and appear to reject at least some elements of the Western doctrine of original sin
(though some openly adhere to the Eastern form of the doctrine). All believe in the Real Presence
of Christ in the Eucharist
, and hold to some form of liturgy
, though no central book exists within the movement.
Assemblies meet in a variety of settings, including established congregations, house churches, cell groups, and group Bible studies. Some of these models operate in combination in some ministries. Most tend to emphasize smaller, relational congregations or groups.
Many Primitive Catholics are pacifists or believe in non-violent resistance, and strive for the separation of Church and State. Some eschew jury duty
, participation in elections, and other civil involvement, seeing themselves as citizens of only the Kingdom of God.
Some Primitive Catholics hold to very specific, detailed doctrinal statements, others adopt the Scriptures and Creeds as boundaries of fellowship. Some within the movement credit David Bercot
with introducing them to the possibility of living out a truly primitive faith. Bercot was, at one time, an Anglican who began a small congregation in Texas that existed along Primitive Catholic lines, but he has since become an Anabaptist
. Nevertheless, Bercot's popular tape series "What the Early Christians Believed" remains in distribution among Primitive Catholics both for theological education and, in some places, for Christian formation.
An ecclesiastical jurisdiction known as the Primitive Catholic Church lays claim to spiritual and historical connections with the church of the first century, but its acceptance of women clergy and the remarriage of divorcees have called the claim into question by some in the movement.
Restoration Movement
The Restoration Movement is a Christian movement that began on the American frontier during the Second Great Awakening of the early 19th century...
.
While both Primitive Catholics and Restoration Movement Christians would agree that the New Testament Church is the ideal, the two sides disagree on several issues, including the nature and extent of an ordained ministry within the Church (usually structured in an episcopal
Episcopal polity
Episcopal polity is a form of church governance that is hierarchical in structure with the chief authority over a local Christian church resting in a bishop...
fashion) and the transmission of ecclesiastical authority through Apostolic Succession
Apostolic Succession
Apostolic succession is a doctrine, held by some Christian denominations, which asserts that the chosen successors of the Twelve Apostles, from the first century to the present day, have inherited the spiritual, ecclesiastical and sacramental authority, power, and responsibility that were...
. Most congregations and ecclesiastical bodies that use the term are Trinitarian in orientation, and appear to reject at least some elements of the Western doctrine of original sin
Original sin
Original sin is, according to a Christian theological doctrine, humanity's state of sin resulting from the Fall of Man. This condition has been characterized in many ways, ranging from something as insignificant as a slight deficiency, or a tendency toward sin yet without collective guilt, referred...
(though some openly adhere to the Eastern form of the doctrine). All believe in the Real Presence
Real Presence
Real Presence is a term used in various Christian traditions to express belief that in the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is really present in what was previously just bread and wine, and not merely present in symbol, a figure of speech , or by his power .Not all Christian traditions accept this dogma...
of Christ in the Eucharist
Eucharist
The Eucharist , also called Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance...
, and hold to some form of liturgy
Liturgy
Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...
, though no central book exists within the movement.
Assemblies meet in a variety of settings, including established congregations, house churches, cell groups, and group Bible studies. Some of these models operate in combination in some ministries. Most tend to emphasize smaller, relational congregations or groups.
Many Primitive Catholics are pacifists or believe in non-violent resistance, and strive for the separation of Church and State. Some eschew jury duty
Jury duty
Jury duty is service as a juror in a legal proceeding. When a person is called for jury duty in the United States, that service is usually not optional: one must attend or face strict penalties. Employers are not allowed to fire an employee simply for being called to jury duty...
, participation in elections, and other civil involvement, seeing themselves as citizens of only the Kingdom of God.
Some Primitive Catholics hold to very specific, detailed doctrinal statements, others adopt the Scriptures and Creeds as boundaries of fellowship. Some within the movement credit David Bercot
David Bercot
David W. Bercot is an attorney,author, and international speaker. He has written various books and magazine articles about early Christianity and Christian discipleship...
with introducing them to the possibility of living out a truly primitive faith. Bercot was, at one time, an Anglican who began a small congregation in Texas that existed along Primitive Catholic lines, but he has since become an Anabaptist
Anabaptist
Anabaptists are Protestant Christians of the Radical Reformation of 16th-century Europe, and their direct descendants, particularly the Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites....
. Nevertheless, Bercot's popular tape series "What the Early Christians Believed" remains in distribution among Primitive Catholics both for theological education and, in some places, for Christian formation.
An ecclesiastical jurisdiction known as the Primitive Catholic Church lays claim to spiritual and historical connections with the church of the first century, but its acceptance of women clergy and the remarriage of divorcees have called the claim into question by some in the movement.
External links
- http://www.primitivecatholics.net Early Church quotes/articles/resources
- Saint Boniface Church(Self-described Primitive Catholic Congregation in Indiana)
- The Primitive Catholic Church (Self-described Primitive Catholic jurisdiction)