Plymouth Brethren offers the first scholarly treatment of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), one of the largest denominations within the Brethren movement that originated with John Nelson Darby and a 19th-century revival in the British Isles. The Brethren believed in restoring the purity of primitive Christianity. While some saw this dream in ecumenical terms, those who would eventually be called Exclusive Brethren came to believe that
true Christians should separate themselves from the corruption of existing denominations, and break bread in their assemblies only with those sharing their interpretation of the Bible.
This book, based on both historical research and participant observation of contemporary communities, focuses on a case study of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, one of the largest groups of the Exclusive Brethren. Massimo Introvigne discusses their beliefs, daily life, international school system, and charitable activities. The book also examines the controversies surrounding their practice of strict separation from those who are not part of their community, and the accusations of
cult-like behavior brought against the Brethren by the media and some former members.
The book offers the first scholarly treatment of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), one of the largest denominations within the Brethren movement that originated with John Nelson Darby and a 19th-century revival in the British Isles. The book discusses the Brethren movement in general, the schisms, the beliefs and daily life of the PBCC, and the controversies surrounding its practice of strict separation from non-members of the
Church.
This is a beautifully produced little book on an important subject. Massimo Introvigne is a lawyer who has become concerned with the rights of religious minorities, and who in this book has turned his interests to explaining the background to one of the most controversial of the so-called 'new religious movements,' the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC). The PBCC is a difficult choice of subject, as the author recognizes, and it has over many years attracted
its share of negative headlines. The Plymouth Brethren attempts to recognize these problems, and to defend the group on its own terms... The Plymouth Brethren is a valuable publication, therefore, in giving voice to a distinctive Christian community that sometimes struggles to make its voice heard.
