A global Christian denomination known for its unique biblical interpretation and non-participation in politics and military service.
Religion: Christianity
Founder: John Thomas
Current Leader: No central leader, autonomous congregations
Founded: 1844
Location: Worldwide, with significant presence in the United Kingdom, Australia, and North America
Size: 50,000
Other Names: Thomasites
Website: christadelphian.org
The Christadelphians, also known as “Brothers in Christ,” are a Christian denomination that originated in the 1840s when John Thomas, a British-born physician and Bible scholar, migrated to Brooklyn, New York. Thomas’s study of the Bible led him to conclude that many mainstream Christian doctrines were not supported by the scriptures, so he began a fellowship based on these reinterpreted doctrines, focusing on applying Hebrew prophecy and the Book of Revelation to contemporary and future events. His followers were initially known as “Thomasites,” but the movement saw its formal organization during the American Civil War, and the name “Christadelphian” was adopted to express their stance against military service.
Central to Christadelphian belief is the authority of the Bible as the sole guide for faith and practice. Salvation within Christadelphianism is viewed as a process contingent upon faith in Christ, adherence to biblical covenants, baptism by immersion, and a life of good works. This group rejects the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, viewing Jesus Christ not as part of a triune godhead but as a unique creation of God, exceptional in character but not divine in the orthodox sense. They teach that Jesus had a nature inclined to sin like any other human but lived a sinless life. Christadelphians also deny the pre-existence of Christ before his birth in Bethlehem, contrary to mainstream Christian doctrine which asserts Jesus’ sinless nature and pre-existence.
Christadelphians have been noted for their eschatological views, which are strongly millennialist, believing in the literal return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish God’s kingdom. They also hold non-traditional views on topics such as the nature of the Holy Spirit, the immortal soul, Satan, and the afterlife, diverging significantly from orthodox Christian teachings. The Holy Spirit, for example, is understood as an impersonal force rather than a distinct person of the Godhead. Members also reject the inherent immortality of the soul and the concept of a personal devil.
The Christadelphian ecclesia, or local church community, forms the central organizational unit, maintaining a non-hierarchical structure with no distinction between clergy and laity. Leadership roles within the ecclesia are filled by elected members who serve voluntarily. Typically, Christadelphians meet in rented halls or private homes for worship, avoiding the establishment of dedicated church buildings. They also host annual gatherings for fellowship and Bible study, reinforcing their community bonds and commitment to scriptural education.
Although relatively small in number, the Christadelphians have a presence in many countries around the world, with an estimated membership of about 50,000. They have been particularly active in publishing and distributing Bible study materials and have developed a robust network for supporting international humanitarian efforts.
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