About Being a Presbyterian 1
The Presbyterian Church has a rich and exciting history. Like all Christian churches, we can trace our roots back to the early church in Jerusalem. Modern Presbyterianism is considered by many to be a rebirth of the early church of the New Testament.
There are three central figures in the historical tapestries of Presbyterianism.
When, in 1517, Martin Luther opposed the Catholic church with a list of grievances (called Luther’s 95 Theses), he cemented his place in history as the man who moved the Protestant Reformation forward. The Reformation sought to "reform" Christianity by returning it to original beliefs based solely on reference to the Bible. It gave rise to the Protestant church and was a viable force in the decline of the Catholic church. In short, Luther’s main argument was against the pretensions of the authority of the Pope. He believed in direct authority from God.
In 1533, John Calvin (often called the father of Presbyterianism) presented his interpretation of the Bible emphasizing theology (the study of religion), worship (ascribing all praise and glory to God) education, thrift, ethical behavior and representative government for his followers. From his home in Geneva, Calvin’s ideas spread throughout Europe.
John Knox, the Scottish Protestant, fled persecution in his homeland and studied with Calvin in Geneva. He returned in 1559 and established Presbyterianism in Scotland.
Between 1643 and 1649, the “Westminster Assembly” of 151 Presbyterians worked steadily to write down guidelines which Presbyterians now recognize as some of their basic texts.
Presbyterians escaped persecution (by the Catholic church) in Europe and settled in America. Presbyterianism was so prevalent in American that some British called the American Revolution the “Presbyterian Revolt.” At least 14 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterians (including clergyman John Witherspoon).
The first Presbytery in America was established in Philadelphia in 1706. During the 1800s, disagreements over slavery and Evangelism (the telling of the life, death and return to life from death of Jesus Christ) broke the church into northern and southern branches. The two branches were reunited in 1983 to form the Presbyterian Church (USA).
By definition, Presbyterians are actually a group of Protestants (people who believe the tenets of faith adopted after the Reformation) whose church is founded on the concept of democratic rule under the Word of God (as found in the Bible). The Presbyterian denomination is a form of Christianity democratically organized to embrace the faith common to all Christians. Presbyterian actually describes the way our church is structured. Protestant describes what we believe. Learn more about Presbyterian governance .
All that is required to be a Presbyterian is to:
- confess the Christian faith;
- trust in Christ;
- promise to follow Christ and Christ’s example for living;
- commit to attend church and to become involved in its work.
Read more information about the history of First Presbyterian Church in Marietta.
1 Footnote: this material is derived from About Being Presbyterian, by the Channing L. Bete, Co. Inc. currently available through First Presbyterian Church. |
