Until about 1960, the people now referred to as the Exclusive Brethren, EB, or sometimes the Closed Brethren, were a quiet, conservative, fundamentalist, evangelical Christian group who desired to remain spiritually separate from the non-christian world surrounding them, and also the divisions and confusion they percieved in Christendom. They did not support 'clericalism', the making of a distinction between those who teach or lead and those who serve other functions within the church, but recognised John Nelson Darby, J B Stoney, F E Raven, C A Coates, James Taylor and others as gifted of God to help "recover the truth" as to Christ and His Assembly (Church). The name Exclusive Brethren (EB) is somewhat of a misnomer. Properly speaking it should be rendered 'exclusive' brethren. The term derived as a way to distinguish between those meetings which had separated over the Bethesda division of 1848, where the Plymouth Brethren (a misnomer) became divided into two camps, one known as Open Brethren and the other as 'Closed' or 'Exclusive'. The terms have nothing to do with a closed or secretive nature but because of having a tighter view of how Chrsitians ought to be received to particpate in the Lord's Supper. Neither 'Plymouth' nor 'Exclusive' is used by the EB themselves—they use no formal name but 'Christians'. ==Taylorite branch== The main group of Exclusive Brethren are called 'Taylorites' after James Taylor Senior and Junior who led the church for much of the twentieth century. This group, known for its transparency during the time of James Taylor Sr., is now known mostly for its secrecy; most of the generally available information about the church comes from those people who have left it. As a result, the Exclusive Brethren (along with other branches of the Brethren) gets negative press and is referred to using phrases like "an exclusive and secret religious sect" or "a secretive church". After the death in 1953 of the influential James Taylor Sr., the organisation was left drifting. There were several "strong men" but none predominated. The members were largely bland, lower middle-class people with good intentions and good works, but who were being "subverted" by the rising wealth and "lax morals" of the Western world. The devotion of members to "separation" varied widely in practice. Unwritten rules forbade radio, television, film and smoking for EB. Members were usually content to have the respectability and sense of community that the EB system provided. It was usual for members to profess strong religious belief. ==1959 Central Hall conference== The annual summer conference at the Methodist Central Hall in London was the ''de facto'' policy forum. At the Central Hall conference in 1959, there was a decisive confrontation between Gerald R Cowell of Hornchurch and the New York son of James Taylor (known as Jim Taylor, James Taylor Jnr, or just JTJr). Cowell was a saintly type with fine words and sermons in the best English tradition of brethrenism, whereas JTJr was regarded as a brash American with his late father as his only virtue. A small point of doctrine was chosen as a point of conflict, but the world EB leadership was the real prize. The battle was won by JTJr, and not long afterwards Cowell was ejected from the EBs, almost certainly on a false charge. ==JTJr era== From 1960 JTJr consolidated power by surrounding himself with bright young men from the English-speaking world, and introduced an increasingly "hard line" of teaching. EB meetings ceased to be old men raking over their biblical knowledge, and took on a more gladiatorial atmosphere. Young people found this much more interesting. JTJr's teachings took people away from the comfort and laxity of post-WW2 society by banning membership of associations, banning eating with non-members, and eventually separating families into members and non-members who could not even speak to each other ever again. The JTJr era resulted in a huge increase in alcohol (especially Scotch whisky) consumption among EB. Twentieth century inventions that were encouraged rather than proscribed were: good cars, travel by jet aeroplanes and international telephones. Two natural Hales brothers from Sydney, Australia were amongst the brightest and most devoted JTJr followers. The elder was John Stephen Hales (JSH), and the younger, more charismatic, was William Bruce Hales (WBH), who married JTJr's daughter Consuelo. These Hales brothers toured EB meetings throughout the world and preached and enforced the JTJr revolution. They also were very keen on helping EB with business matters. This latter activity increased and in 1965 JTJr appeared to call a halt by arranging for the Sydney meeting to expel JSH and WBH for "commerce in the assembly." However about a year later, JTJr relented and the Sydney EB were forced to admit their "error" in expelling the Hales brothers and readmit them to the fold. A substantial number of the EB faithful left the flock in support of G R Cowell, and a constant stream followed them through the 1960s. Not all these people agreed with each other, so various "rival fellowships" resulted. JTJr called these people "profitable losses." ==Aberdeen Incident== In 1970 JTJr's behaviour in meetings was erratic. This came to a head in Aberdeen where he called people "bums" and other offensive names during services. After one of these Aberdeen gatherings, JTJr was found in bed with a married EB woman. This discovery divided the EB flock. The traditionalists said that Taylor's behaviour was immoral, whereas others said that it was just "the Lord testing the Brethren with an ambush." The two groups split, and this was echoed around the world, with suppression of information resulting in less schism in more distant parts. ==Recent developments== JTJr died a few months later in New York and thus ended a turbulent decade. A new leader named James H Symington (JHS) rose up from Neche, North Dakota, and continued from where JTJr left off. Symington died in 1987 and, after a struggle, the power passed to John S Hales (JSH). In 2002, JSH died and was succeeded by his son Bruce David Hales (BDH). This was the second time in EB history that the position of "man of God," "the Lord's Servant" was inherited. Under the leadership of Bruce Hales, some of the rules of separation have been relaxed. During Symington's reign, EB people were forbidden to own fax machines, mobile (cell) phones or computers as these were all "tools of the devil". Conveniently, the absence of these devices allows the EB leadership to control information flow to suit their purposes. (Mysteriously some EB leaders have fax machines. At one stage remote garage door openers were banned, but this has been reversed by BDH.) Internet information such as this article is forbidden, but surreptitiously accessed by young EB people in schools and public libraries. To "protect the young from the world", EB parents are expected to school their children at home, or send them to one of the EB schools. The educational attainment of these young people is usually low. The EB rules have prohibited post-school education for over 40 years, so an educational deficiency is now apparent throughout the EB. Notable features of the EB are good entrepreneurial skills and low dependency on state welfare programs. EB members are expected to give generously to "the Lord's servants" which results in a good income for those who rise to prominence in the EB hierarchy. Since the JTJr era the extent of religious belief of EB members has declined. Membership is now a birthright, with almost no religious conviction required. There is little membership possibility for those not born into the EB world and relatively few of those born into EB families ever leave the EB world. They learn to live with the EB system and get on with life. Marriage and reproduction are encouraged activities and with meetings being held at least once a day in each area, there is little time left for reflection. ==Politics== EBs have always eschewed the politics of government. They do not vote, even in countries where voting is compulsory. However, in 2004 the EBs held prayer meetings and donated money for the re-election of George W. Bush as USA president. In this they are aligned with the "religious right" of that country. A committee formed by EBs in Florida raised $530,000 for the reelection of Bush and of United States Senator Mel Martinez of Florida. $377,262 this amount came from a single donor, Bruce Hazell of London, England. None of the money was raised in Florida, according to a report filed with the Federal Elections Commission. [http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050118/NEWS/501180333/1004] ==External links== * [http://www.peebs.net/ Peebs.Net - A website for existing or ex-Exclusive Brethren] * [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/brethren/ BBC Religion & Ethics- The Exclusive Brethren] * [http://www.plymouthbrethren.org/ Plymouth Brethren Bible Study Resources] * [http://www.mybrethren.org/ My Brethren - The history and ministry of those commonly called 'exclusive brethren'] Christian evangelicalism Christian denominations
==Purported cult== This material is from the article List of purported cults, which we are paring down to a pure list. Editors here can best evaluate its statements and decide how to integrate it into this article. Thanks, -User:Willmcw 11:11, Mar 14, 2005 (UTC) :''Exclusive Brethren :''The Exclusive branch of the Plymouth Brethren are considered as a cult by most other Christians, and non-religious observers as well. == Whisky == *''From 1960 JTJr consolidated power by surrounding himself with bright young men from the English-speaking world, and introduced an increasingly "hard line" of teaching. EB meetings ceased to be old men raking over their biblical knowledge, and took on a more gladiatorial atmosphere. Young people found this much more interesting. JTJr's teachings took people away from the comfort and laxity of post-WW2 society by banning membership of associations, banning eating with non-members, and eventually separating families into members and non-members who could not even speak to each other ever again. The JTJr era resulted in a huge increase in alcohol (especially Scotch whisky) consumption among EB. Twentieth century inventions that were encouraged rather than proscribed were: good cars, travel by jet aeroplanes and international telephones.'' Some of this does not appear to be supported by cited sources. In particular, the assertion about a "huge increase" in whisky consumption caught my eye. I've searched for a reference, but haven't found it. Do any editors know where this material came from? Thanks, -User:Willmcw 21:42, Jun 5, 2005 (UTC) == Whisky == The evidence for heavy whisky evidence in EB circles is very strong, but not very public. I have witnessed it, and have spoken to numerous others who have also. All such wish to remain anonymous because of the vengeful nature of brethrenism. I note that somebody writing as "Fisherman" on the peebs.net website in appalling English says: "Prior to the 40's and 50's-brethren were either teetotal or used alcohal sparingly-and then pretty much confined to beer and wine with dinner.'The use of ''Spirits'' or whisky was largely unknown in brethren circles-and any overindugence frowned upon. When JTsr declared whisky a''creature of God'' and was seen using it himself, he set in motion a terrible legacy-the results which are still with the brethren today .Over the years there have been terrible and tragic accidents involving alcohal-and the brethren unfortionately have a well earned and deserved reputation for overindulgence-even to be seen carrying liquor bottles into the meeting room. "While JTsr himself was not known for overindulgence-the groundwork for acceptance of strong drink was laid-culminating in the sad debacle of his son,JTjrs ''Aberdeen'' incident-which was a public exposure of the mans' weakness-he as not,as the brethren stoutly maintain a''pure man''-there was no mystery about it-merely the ravages of alcohalism that had gone on for years and finally affected the mans mind,robbing him of any sense of judgement or propriety. "Today, the brethren are still reaping the terrible harvest .Little seems to be done even after another accident involving alcohal-you'd think it would be a wake up call, but the brethren seemingly overlook these things.The young men over the last 45 years have been encouraged to demonstrate their manhood by consuming whisky-and that has resulted in a terrible legacy-the tragedies continue-and no one raises a voice." I do not know the identity of Fisherman, but he is well informed. Perhaps he had the benefit of an EB education! -- anon.
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
Words begining with Exclusive_Brethren:
Exclusive_Brethren
Exclusive_Brethren
Exclusive Brethren
Until about 1960, the people now referred to as the Exclusive Brethren, EB, or sometimes the Closed Brethren, were a quiet, conservative, fundamentalist, evangelical Christian group who desired to remain spiritually separate from the non-christian world surrounding them, and also the divisions and confusion they percieved in Christendom. They did not support 'clericalism', the making of a distinction between those who teach or lead and those who serve other functions within the church, but recognised John Nelson Darby, J B Stoney, F E Raven, C A Coates, James Taylor and others as gifted of God to help "recover the truth" as to Christ and His Assembly (Church). The name Exclusive Brethren (EB) is somewhat of a misnomer. Properly speaking it should be rendered 'exclusive' brethren. The term derived as a way to distinguish between those meetings which had separated over the Bethesda division of 1848, where the Plymouth Brethren (a misnomer) became divided into two camps, one known as Open Brethren and the other as 'Closed' or 'Exclusive'. The terms have nothing to do with a closed or secretive nature but because of having a tighter view of how Chrsitians ought to be received to particpate in the Lord's Supper. Neither 'Plymouth' nor 'Exclusive' is used by the EB themselves—they use no formal name but 'Christians'. ==Taylorite branch== The main group of Exclusive Brethren are called 'Taylorites' after James Taylor Senior and Junior who led the church for much of the twentieth century. This group, known for its transparency during the time of James Taylor Sr., is now known mostly for its secrecy; most of the generally available information about the church comes from those people who have left it. As a result, the Exclusive Brethren (along with other branches of the Brethren) gets negative press and is referred to using phrases like "an exclusive and secret religious sect" or "a secretive church". After the death in 1953 of the influential James Taylor Sr., the organisation was left drifting. There were several "strong men" but none predominated. The members were largely bland, lower middle-class people with good intentions and good works, but who were being "subverted" by the rising wealth and "lax morals" of the Western world. The devotion of members to "separation" varied widely in practice. Unwritten rules forbade radio, television, film and smoking for EB. Members were usually content to have the respectability and sense of community that the EB system provided. It was usual for members to profess strong religious belief. ==1959 Central Hall conference== The annual summer conference at the Methodist Central Hall in London was the ''de facto'' policy forum. At the Central Hall conference in 1959, there was a decisive confrontation between Gerald R Cowell of Hornchurch and the New York son of James Taylor (known as Jim Taylor, James Taylor Jnr, or just JTJr). Cowell was a saintly type with fine words and sermons in the best English tradition of brethrenism, whereas JTJr was regarded as a brash American with his late father as his only virtue. A small point of doctrine was chosen as a point of conflict, but the world EB leadership was the real prize. The battle was won by JTJr, and not long afterwards Cowell was ejected from the EBs, almost certainly on a false charge. ==JTJr era== From 1960 JTJr consolidated power by surrounding himself with bright young men from the English-speaking world, and introduced an increasingly "hard line" of teaching. EB meetings ceased to be old men raking over their biblical knowledge, and took on a more gladiatorial atmosphere. Young people found this much more interesting. JTJr's teachings took people away from the comfort and laxity of post-WW2 society by banning membership of associations, banning eating with non-members, and eventually separating families into members and non-members who could not even speak to each other ever again. The JTJr era resulted in a huge increase in alcohol (especially Scotch whisky) consumption among EB. Twentieth century inventions that were encouraged rather than proscribed were: good cars, travel by jet aeroplanes and international telephones. Two natural Hales brothers from Sydney, Australia were amongst the brightest and most devoted JTJr followers. The elder was John Stephen Hales (JSH), and the younger, more charismatic, was William Bruce Hales (WBH), who married JTJr's daughter Consuelo. These Hales brothers toured EB meetings throughout the world and preached and enforced the JTJr revolution. They also were very keen on helping EB with business matters. This latter activity increased and in 1965 JTJr appeared to call a halt by arranging for the Sydney meeting to expel JSH and WBH for "commerce in the assembly." However about a year later, JTJr relented and the Sydney EB were forced to admit their "error" in expelling the Hales brothers and readmit them to the fold. A substantial number of the EB faithful left the flock in support of G R Cowell, and a constant stream followed them through the 1960s. Not all these people agreed with each other, so various "rival fellowships" resulted. JTJr called these people "profitable losses." ==Aberdeen Incident== In 1970 JTJr's behaviour in meetings was erratic. This came to a head in Aberdeen where he called people "bums" and other offensive names during services. After one of these Aberdeen gatherings, JTJr was found in bed with a married EB woman. This discovery divided the EB flock. The traditionalists said that Taylor's behaviour was immoral, whereas others said that it was just "the Lord testing the Brethren with an ambush." The two groups split, and this was echoed around the world, with suppression of information resulting in less schism in more distant parts. ==Recent developments== JTJr died a few months later in New York and thus ended a turbulent decade. A new leader named James H Symington (JHS) rose up from Neche, North Dakota, and continued from where JTJr left off. Symington died in 1987 and, after a struggle, the power passed to John S Hales (JSH). In 2002, JSH died and was succeeded by his son Bruce David Hales (BDH). This was the second time in EB history that the position of "man of God," "the Lord's Servant" was inherited. Under the leadership of Bruce Hales, some of the rules of separation have been relaxed. During Symington's reign, EB people were forbidden to own fax machines, mobile (cell) phones or computers as these were all "tools of the devil". Conveniently, the absence of these devices allows the EB leadership to control information flow to suit their purposes. (Mysteriously some EB leaders have fax machines. At one stage remote garage door openers were banned, but this has been reversed by BDH.) Internet information such as this article is forbidden, but surreptitiously accessed by young EB people in schools and public libraries. To "protect the young from the world", EB parents are expected to school their children at home, or send them to one of the EB schools. The educational attainment of these young people is usually low. The EB rules have prohibited post-school education for over 40 years, so an educational deficiency is now apparent throughout the EB. Notable features of the EB are good entrepreneurial skills and low dependency on state welfare programs. EB members are expected to give generously to "the Lord's servants" which results in a good income for those who rise to prominence in the EB hierarchy. Since the JTJr era the extent of religious belief of EB members has declined. Membership is now a birthright, with almost no religious conviction required. There is little membership possibility for those not born into the EB world and relatively few of those born into EB families ever leave the EB world. They learn to live with the EB system and get on with life. Marriage and reproduction are encouraged activities and with meetings being held at least once a day in each area, there is little time left for reflection. ==Politics== EBs have always eschewed the politics of government. They do not vote, even in countries where voting is compulsory. However, in 2004 the EBs held prayer meetings and donated money for the re-election of George W. Bush as USA president. In this they are aligned with the "religious right" of that country. A committee formed by EBs in Florida raised $530,000 for the reelection of Bush and of United States Senator Mel Martinez of Florida. $377,262 this amount came from a single donor, Bruce Hazell of London, England. None of the money was raised in Florida, according to a report filed with the Federal Elections Commission. [http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050118/NEWS/501180333/1004] ==External links== * [http://www.peebs.net/ Peebs.Net - A website for existing or ex-Exclusive Brethren] * [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/brethren/ BBC Religion & Ethics- The Exclusive Brethren] * [http://www.plymouthbrethren.org/ Plymouth Brethren Bible Study Resources] * [http://www.mybrethren.org/ My Brethren - The history and ministry of those commonly called 'exclusive brethren'] Christian evangelicalism Christian denominations
Exclusive Brethren
==Purported cult== This material is from the article List of purported cults, which we are paring down to a pure list. Editors here can best evaluate its statements and decide how to integrate it into this article. Thanks, -User:Willmcw 11:11, Mar 14, 2005 (UTC) :''Exclusive Brethren :''The Exclusive branch of the Plymouth Brethren are considered as a cult by most other Christians, and non-religious observers as well. == Whisky == *''From 1960 JTJr consolidated power by surrounding himself with bright young men from the English-speaking world, and introduced an increasingly "hard line" of teaching. EB meetings ceased to be old men raking over their biblical knowledge, and took on a more gladiatorial atmosphere. Young people found this much more interesting. JTJr's teachings took people away from the comfort and laxity of post-WW2 society by banning membership of associations, banning eating with non-members, and eventually separating families into members and non-members who could not even speak to each other ever again. The JTJr era resulted in a huge increase in alcohol (especially Scotch whisky) consumption among EB. Twentieth century inventions that were encouraged rather than proscribed were: good cars, travel by jet aeroplanes and international telephones.'' Some of this does not appear to be supported by cited sources. In particular, the assertion about a "huge increase" in whisky consumption caught my eye. I've searched for a reference, but haven't found it. Do any editors know where this material came from? Thanks, -User:Willmcw 21:42, Jun 5, 2005 (UTC) == Whisky == The evidence for heavy whisky evidence in EB circles is very strong, but not very public. I have witnessed it, and have spoken to numerous others who have also. All such wish to remain anonymous because of the vengeful nature of brethrenism. I note that somebody writing as "Fisherman" on the peebs.net website in appalling English says: "Prior to the 40's and 50's-brethren were either teetotal or used alcohal sparingly-and then pretty much confined to beer and wine with dinner.'The use of ''Spirits'' or whisky was largely unknown in brethren circles-and any overindugence frowned upon. When JTsr declared whisky a''creature of God'' and was seen using it himself, he set in motion a terrible legacy-the results which are still with the brethren today .Over the years there have been terrible and tragic accidents involving alcohal-and the brethren unfortionately have a well earned and deserved reputation for overindulgence-even to be seen carrying liquor bottles into the meeting room. "While JTsr himself was not known for overindulgence-the groundwork for acceptance of strong drink was laid-culminating in the sad debacle of his son,JTjrs ''Aberdeen'' incident-which was a public exposure of the mans' weakness-he as not,as the brethren stoutly maintain a''pure man''-there was no mystery about it-merely the ravages of alcohalism that had gone on for years and finally affected the mans mind,robbing him of any sense of judgement or propriety. "Today, the brethren are still reaping the terrible harvest .Little seems to be done even after another accident involving alcohal-you'd think it would be a wake up call, but the brethren seemingly overlook these things.The young men over the last 45 years have been encouraged to demonstrate their manhood by consuming whisky-and that has resulted in a terrible legacy-the tragedies continue-and no one raises a voice." I do not know the identity of Fisherman, but he is well informed. Perhaps he had the benefit of an EB education! -- anon.
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
E
EA | EB | EC | ED | EF | EG | EH | EI | EJ | EK | EL | EM | EN | EO | EP | ER | ES | ET | EU | EW | EX | EY | EZ |Words begining with Exclusive_Brethren:
Exclusive_Brethren
Exclusive_Brethren
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