Wednesday, January 29, 2020

John Thomas, "Creeds the Source of Intolerance" (1835)


While reading some of the earliest writings of John Thomas, the founder of the Christadelphian movement, while he was still a member of the Campbellite movement, wrote the following about the problematic nature of “creeds.” I am sure some LDS readers will note some of the similarities (and dissimilarities) between Thomas’ views and that of early Latter-day Saints, including those of Joseph Smith:

CREEDS THE SOURCE OF INTOLERANCE

To the passion for established Confessions may be attributed the propensity, so common among “christians,” of calling harsh names, applying reproachful epithets, and charging their brethren with heresy and unbelief. It is observable, that they who are the most rigidly wedded to forms of faith, have usually been the first to commence the out cry of heresy, and the most relentless in pursuing the unfortunate delinquent. The reason is obvious;--While they are guided by human forms, why should they not condemn all persons as infidels, who persist in acknowledging assent to the Bible only? Was any man ever denounced as a heretic for not believing in the Bible?—Not one. Martyrs have been tried by creeds, and condemned for denying creeds. They have not suffered for the constancy of their faith in the Scriptures. Does not every church employ the term heretic to denote one, who rejects its assumed articles? Does not that, which makes a heretic in one church, make a saint in another? Judge every man by the Bible alone, and you will have no further occasion to torture his conscience and blacken his character with the hideous terrors of excommunications, anathemas, and cruel aspersions on the charge of heresy.

I speak not of the original meaning of the word, but of its popular use, or rather abuse. Every person, charge with heresy, professes a firm and sincere belief in the Gospel.—Otherwise he would not be a heretic but an infidel. His accusers call him a heretic, not because he does not believe in the Bible, but because he cannot believe it as they do. He is a heretic in the eyes of Calvinists, because, perhaps he does not believe one of the five points; of Arminians, because he believes them all; of Baptists, because he sprinkles them; of Presbyterians, because he believes in bishops; of Churchmen, because he does not believe in them. And so we are all heretics in one another, and yet the faith and hopes of all professedly centre in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is said, that in accusations of heresy, the accuser always understands the term to indicate a deficiency of faith in the Scriptures:--Let this be granted, and the case is not altered. The accused tells you that he does believe the Scriptures, and what better authority can be had than his own declaration? May we not justly consider the enforcement of a charge, under such circumstances, as the wickedest persecution? Why is he to be branded with an odious epithet for valuing his faith as dearly as another, who may rashly accuse him of being a heretic, for maintaining his independence and a clear conscience? Abolish creeds, obey the Scriptures, respect conscience, and no room will be left for churches, or individuals, to denounce their brethren as heretics, or to kindle discord by recrimination and offence. (The Apostolic Advocate, vol. 2 no. 1 [1 May, 1835]:21, reprinted in The Apostolic Advocate, Vol. I-II 1834-36 [Houston: The Herald Press, 1971])