The Cincinnati Bible Seminary at

Cincinnati Christian University

HIST 530 – History of the Restoration Movement (3 hours)

Rick Cherok, Ph.D. Spring Semester 2015 Email: rick.cherok@CCUniversity.edu Office: Crouch Hall (lower level)

Office Phone: (513) 244-8198 Mondays, 3:20-6:00 p.m.

COURSE SYLLABUS

DESCRIPTION: A survey of the history of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement (specifically the

Christian churches/churches of Christ) from its beginnings down to the present. The early leaders,

guiding principles, growth, division, and modern appearance of the movement will receive special

attention.

RATIONALE: An examination of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement not only familiarizes

students with the historic religious affiliation to which Cincinnati Christian University identifies, but

it equips students with a coherent overview of the growth and development of an indigenous religious

movement within America. Such a study enables students to identify the cultural influences that

America has had on Christian thought.

OBJECTIVES: The student will…

Be able to identify the personalities, philosophical ideas, theological concepts, and events which

are important to the development and growth of the Restoration Movement.

Be equipped to present an overview of the historical development and growth of the Restoration

Movement from its inception to the present.

Be able to explain how theological, social, cultural, and political forces have influenced the

growth and development of the Restoration Movement from its inception to the present.

Improve his/her analytical reading and writing abilities.

“In Essentials, Unity; In Non-Essentials, Liberty; In all Things, Love.” —Rupertus Meldenius (i.e., Peter Meiderlin)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Class Attendance and Participation – Your consistent attendance and participation in classroom

activities is essential. Class absences are strongly discouraged. For additional attendance

requirements see the college catalog.

2. Take notes on all class lectures.

3. Read the course textbooks: Union in Truth: An Interpretive History of the Restoration

Movement by James B. North.

4. Book Reviews – Read and review the following books (See “Book Review Procedures”):

• Cane Ridge: America’s Pentecost by Paul K. Conkin (Due February 9)

• Debating for God: Alexander Campbell’s Challenge to Skepticism in Antebellum America

by Richard J. Cherok (Due March 23)

5. Analysis Papers – Read four assigned documents and prepare a two-page analysis on each.

6. Research Options (Due April 20) – Choose one of the following two options:

• Term Paper – Write a 15-page paper on a topic agreed upon by you and the professor.

• Project – Complete the two steps of this project as listed below and turn in your work as a

portfolio.

Interview – Interview a minister from each of the three streams of the Restoration

Movement (DOC, CC/CC, COC) and write a 10-page paper that compares and

contrasts them as based on your information.

Site Visit – Visit one of three sites affiliated with the Restoration Movement (i.e.,

Historic Bethany, Cane Ridge, Cincinnati Tour) and write a 10-page paper that

explains the significance of the site and reflects on what you learned from your

visit. Include photographs, brochures, and/or souvenirs in your portfolio.

7. Complete a Mid-Term Examination and a Final Examination.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to fulfill it. —George Santayana

GRADING PROCEDURE: Letter grades will be determined in accordance with the percentages

listed in the college catalog. Grade will be based on the following criteria:

a. Mid-Term Examination/Final Examination 40% (20% each)

b. Book Review (3 pages) 20% (10% each)

c. Analysis Papers 16% (4% each)

d. Research Project – Due April 28 20%

e. Class Attendance, Participation, and Preparedness 4%

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know

that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

—Colossians 3:23-24

Course Schedule (The Professor reserves the right to make any Course Schedule changes that he deems appropriate)

Topic Reading Projects Books/Research

Orientation & Introduction

Background Movements

Barton W. Stone “Last Will & Testament…” Conkin Book

Thomas Campbell 13 Props of “Dec. & Add.”

Alexander Campbell “3rd Epistle of Peter”

Walter Scott & Unity Efforts

Evangelism & Growth

MID-TERM EXAMINATION

Organization/Friends & Enemies “Lunenburg Letter” Cherok Book

Civil War & Division

Liberalism & Controversy

Missions & Controversy

Division & Restructure Research Project

Current Situation & Assessment

FINAL EXAMINATION

Readings:

◦ Stone and McNemar: Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery • See http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/rmcnemar/ocg/OCG.HTM#Will

◦ Thomas Campbell: “13 Propositions” of the Declaration & Address (handout).

◦ Alexander Campbell: “The Third Epistle of Peter” • See http://www.outrageouscampbellite.com/Third-Epistle-of-Peter.html

◦ Alexander Campbell: “Lunenburg Letter” • See http://www.outrageouscampbellite.com/writings/TheLunenburgLetter.html

Book Review Procedures

1. LENGTH – Three typed pages (double-spaced).

2. FORMAT A. Book Review – Must consist of the following four parts:

(1) Cover Page – Including your name, date, and CCU box number

(2) Publication Data – A bibliographic entry for the book under review (single spaced). See

example below:

Geary, Patrick J. Furta Sacra: Thefts of Relics in the Central Middle Ages. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1978.

(3) Summary – An insightful overview of the book’s content.

(4) Evaluation – An analytical discussion of the book’s content. Things to look for:

(a) Thesis – A single sentence that defines the author’s primary argument (or purpose) for

the book. Ask yourself why the author wrote this book.

(b) Strengths and Weaknesses – While reading the book, search for answers to the

following questions (do not make your paper a listing of answers to the following

questions): i. Does the author’s evidence support the book’s thesis?

ii. Is the author’s research thorough and documented?

iii. Are there any internal contradictions or weak arguments in the book?

iv. What does the author do that strengthens the book’s argument (purpose)? What does

the author do that weakens the book’s argument (purpose)?

v. What could the author do to make this a better book?

vi. What stylistic elements does the author use (or fail to use) in this book?

vii. What is the significance of this book to Stone-Campbell Movement history?

3. STYLE – Book Reviews must be written in proper English. Spelling mistakes and grammatical

errors will substantially lower grades. It is suggested that you proofread your work at least twice

before it is submitted.

A. Typing Format – Use one-inch margins, twelve-point type (Times New Roman), page numbers,

and new paragraph indents of between five and eight spaces.

B. Formal Writing – All writing assignments are considered formal scholarly writing. Avoid the

following mistakes:

(1) Passive Voice (i.e., “Washington was elected by the people”).

(2) Personal Judgements (i.e., “It was boring,” “I did not like it,” etc.).

(3) First-Person Commentary (i.e., “I find…,” “I think…,” “I feel…,” etc.).

(4) Contractions (i.e., “don’t,” “can’t,” etc.) and Abbreviations (i.e., “2nd,” “thru,” etc.).

C. Documentation – All quotes and sources of information must be documented. Book Reviews

should use parenthetical references for documentation. Example: (Geary, 87).

D. Appearance – All papers must be stapled together (no paperclips) and should have a neat and

scholarly appearance when turned in to the professor.

4. GRADES – Grading considerations will include content, grammar, and compliance with the rules,

guidelines, and instructions provided above. Failure in any of these areas will dramatically influence

your grade on the project.

“I place history as first in order, because first in importance. The knowledge of facts is the most useful of all knowledge. Indeed, it is the only true knowledge. Theory without facts is but the ghost of knowledge. It is a spectre of a very equivocal character. A historian in any department, I mean one well acquainted with any class of facts, physical, intellectual, or moral, is an overmatch for every other man of equal talents, destitute of that species of knowledge, however splendid in imagination or brilliant in theory and speculation.”

—Alexander Campbell, Millennial Harbinger (1845)

Selected Bibliography:

Baker, William, ed. Evangelicalism and the Stone-Campbell Movement (vols. 1-2).

Cochran, Louis. The Fool of God (A historical novel about Alexander Campbell’s life).

Filbeck, David. The First Fifty Years: A Brief History of the Direct-Support Missionary Movement.

Foster, Douglas A.; Paul Blowers; Anthony L. Dunnavant; and D. Newell Williams, eds. The

Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement.

Garrett, Leroy. The Stone-Campbell Movement.

Harrell, David E., Jr. Quest for a Christian America.

Murch, James D. Christians Only.

Richardson, Robert. Memoirs of Alexander Campbell.

Stevenson, Dwight E. Walter Scott: Voice of the Golden Oracle.

Webb, Henry. In Search of Christian Unity.

Wrather, Eva Jean (edited by D. Duane Cummins). Alexander Campbell: Adventurer in Freedom: A

Literary Biography (vols 1-3).

Internet Resources:

www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/index.html – Restoration Movement Page, Dr. Hans Rollman

www.bible.acu.edu/crs – Center for Restoration Studies, Abilene Christian University

www.bible.acu.edu/stone-campbell – Stone-Campbell Resource Page, Jim McMillan

www.disciples.org – Disciples of Christ

www.nacctheconnectingplace.org – North American Christian Convention

www.dishistsoc.org – Disciples of Christ Historical Society

http://historic.bethanywv.edu/historicbethany/historic.htm – Historic Bethany

www.ccinky.net/CaneRidge/index.htm – Cane Ridge Meeting House

www.christian-church.org/blank1.asp – Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ

http://church-of-christ.org – Churches of Christ (non-instrumental)

www.worldconvention.org – World Convention

www.therestorationmovement.com – Restoration Movement Page, Scott Harp

www.behindtherestoration.com – Restoration Movement Page, Ben Brewster

www.OutrageousCampbellite.com – Restoration Movement Page

CLASS GUIDELINES

1. Arrive in class prior to the start of class and be prepared for class work (have paper, pens, etc.)

2. Students who leave class early (without permission from the professor) will be marked absent for the

class session.

3. Students are expected to actively participate in the class and to refrain from causing distractions in

class. As such, you are advised to make restroom breaks before the start of class and during breaks.

4. Be attentive in class. Sleeping, talking, and/or disturbances of any kind will not be tolerated (you

will be marked absent for the day). Excessive inappropriate activities will result in the lowering of

your grade or dismissal from the class with a failing grade in the course.

5. Turn off all cell phones before the start of each class session.

6. Do not leave trash, papers, or debris in this classroom (keep the classroom clean!).

7. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in all assignments at the appropriate due dates. To

successfully pass this class, all assignments must be completed and turned in (i.e., failure to

complete an assignment will result in failure of the class).

8. Take all exams on the scheduled examination dates and at the scheduled examination times.

9. Contact the professor if you have problems, need additional clarification of information, require help

with the course assignments, or seek some other form of assistance.