A small but enduring sect that claims to be the true continuation of the church founded by Joseph Smith, rejecting the leadership of Brigham Young.
The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) is a Christian restorationist denomination that emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement following the death of Joseph Smith in 1844. This unique religious group traces its origins to the early teachings of Smith while distinguishing itself from other Latter Day Saint branches through its adherence to what it considers the original, unadulterated doctrines of the restoration.
Background and Formation
The roots of the Bickertonite church can be traced back to the succession crisis that occurred after Joseph Smith’s assassination. During this tumultuous period, various leaders claimed the right to guide the Latter Day Saint movement. William Bickerton, born in 1815 in Kyloe, Northumberland, England, played a pivotal role in the formation of what would become the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite).
Bickerton, who had joined the Latter Day Saint movement in 1845 after emigrating to the United States, initially followed Sidney Rigdon, a prominent figure in the early church. However, Bickerton became disillusioned with Rigdon’s leadership and briefly associated with the Church of Christ (Rigdonite) before establishing his own church.
In 1862, Bickerton officially organized The Church of Jesus Christ, asserting divine authority to restore the original church established by Joseph Smith. The church’s name was chosen to emphasize its focus on Jesus Christ and to distinguish it from other Latter Day Saint groups. Bickerton claimed to have received revelations and visions confirming his calling to lead the church and continue the work of the Restoration.
Beliefs and Practices
Central to the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) is the adherence to the Bible and the Book of Mormon as scripture. Unlike some other Latter Day Saint denominations, they do not accept the Doctrine and Covenants or the Pearl of Great Price as canonical texts. The church places a strong emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the faithful and in confirming the truth of their beliefs.
The Bickertonite church emphasizes the literal restoration of Christ’s original church and teachings, including the authority of apostleship, prophetic guidance, and the importance of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. They reject doctrines developed after Joseph Smith’s death, such as plural marriage or the concept of God progressing over time.
One distinctive belief of the Bickertonite church is their expectation of a literal gathering of Israel and the restoration of the Ten Lost Tribes, tied to a belief in the imminent Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They maintain a strong commitment to evangelism and missionary work, reflecting their dedication to spreading what they see as the restored gospel.
The church practices several unique ordinances, including feet washing, which is performed during their communion services. They also believe in the continuation of spiritual gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, and divine healing.
Organization and Structure
The organizational structure of the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) is based on what they believe to be the original structure of the early Christian church. The church is led by a Quorum of Twelve Apostles, with a president of the High Priesthood, who is also regarded as a prophet, seer, and revelator. This structure mirrors the early organization established by Joseph Smith.
Unlike some other Latter Day Saint denominations, the Bickertonite church does not practice hereditary succession or maintain a centralized prophet-leader. Instead, they believe in the collective leadership of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, with decisions made through prayer, consensus, and what they believe to be divine guidance.
The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) is headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, where it was established in the mid-19th century. Despite its relatively small size compared to other Latter Day Saint denominations, the church has established congregations in various parts of the United States and has engaged in missionary work in several countries, including Italy, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Modern Developments and Outreach
In recent decades, the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) has embraced modern technology to spread its message and connect with members. They maintain an official website that provides information about their beliefs, history, and current activities. The church also utilizes social media platforms and online streaming services to reach a wider audience and facilitate communication among its members.
Education and publishing have played important roles in the life of the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite). The church produces various publications, including periodicals and books, to disseminate its teachings and provide spiritual guidance to its members. They also operate Sunday schools and other educational programs to instruct both children and adults in their faith.
The Bickertonite church places a strong emphasis on missionary work, believing in the importance of sharing their faith with others. They send out missionaries, often referred to as evangelists, to various parts of the world to preach their message and establish new congregations. These missionary efforts have contributed to the church’s growth in several countries, particularly in Africa and parts of Europe.
Worship Practices and Family Values
In terms of worship practices, the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) holds regular Sunday services that include preaching, singing of hymns, and the administration of communion. They also conduct various other meetings throughout the week for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. The church observes several ordinances, including baptism, confirmation, ordination to the priesthood for male members, and the blessing of children.
The church’s teachings on marriage and family life align with traditional Christian values, emphasizing the importance of monogamous, heterosexual marriages and strong family units. They encourage their members to lead moral lives, abstain from alcohol and tobacco, and maintain high ethical standards in their personal and professional lives.
Interfaith Relations and Political Stance
In terms of interfaith relations, the Bickertonite church has generally maintained a cordial but distant relationship with other Latter Day Saint denominations. While acknowledging their shared heritage, they assert their unique claims to authority and doctrinal interpretations. The church has also engaged in limited dialogue with other Christian denominations, seeking to explain their beliefs and find common ground where possible.
The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) has maintained a stance of political neutrality, encouraging its members to be engaged citizens but refraining from endorsing political parties or candidates. The church emphasizes the importance of family, moral living, and service to others as key aspects of their faith and practice.
Challenges and Continuity
Throughout its history, the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) has faced challenges and controversies, including leadership disputes and doctrinal disagreements. Despite these challenges, the main body of the church has continued to maintain its distinct identity and beliefs.
The Bickertonite church has maintained a relatively low profile in the broader religious landscape, often overshadowed by larger Latter Day Saint denominations. However, its members remain committed to their faith and continue to work towards preserving and propagating what they believe to be the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Over the years, The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) has focused on maintaining the purity of its doctrine and the simplicity of its worship practices, emphasizing personal conversion and adherence to New Testament Christianity. Despite its relatively small size, the church remains active in its communities, offering various programs and services aimed at spiritual and physical welfare.
The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) represents a unique thread within the tapestry of the Latter Day Saint movement, emphasizing a return to foundational principles and a simple, direct approach to Christian faith and practice. Its adherence to what it considers the original teachings of Joseph Smith, combined with its rejection of later doctrinal developments, sets it apart as a distinctive branch of the broader Latter Day Saint tradition. As the church moves forward, it continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining its unique identity while seeking to spread its message in an ever-changing religious landscape.
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