Charles Russell Quote Request - Only Called Christian?

by Koskoskos 5 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • Koskoskos
    Koskoskos

    Hi everyone,

    I so clearly remember reading a quote from Charles Russell where he was asked which denomination he belonged to and replied that the only name he goes by is 'Christian'. But I can't find the quote anywhere!

    Would anyone happen to know where it is located?

    Thank you! Warm Christian love.

  • Finkelstein
    Finkelstein

    In Truth he should have said Christian religious charlatan. $$$

  • clarity
    clarity

    Hi there Kosk...nice to see you onboard..welcome!

    At the top left hand side of this page ...you will see

    SEARCH ....you can just type-in your questions.

    If that turns out fruitless :=), some one will come

    up with an answer sooner of later.

    I know what you are looking for because Ive seen it too!

    clarity

  • bennyk
    bennyk

    “ Ques. Please let me know by what name you people call yourselves? What denomination?

    Ans. We are strictly unsectarian, and consequently recognize no sectarian name, believing with Paul, (read 1 Cor. 3:1-4) that where one saith I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, or I am a Baptist, or I a Methodist, etc., it is an evidence of carnality, and consequently in opposition to the Spirit of Christ. Did Paul or Apollos die for us? If so, let us call ourselves theirs. Were we baptized into the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, or other denominational churches? If so, we are members of it, and should be properly recognized by those names. But if we were baptized into the one body or church of which Jesus is the one and only Head, then we are members in particular of his body, and the only name appropriate would be his; Scripturally called the "Church of Christ," "Christians," "Church of the first born," and such like general names. Again we would remark that ours is the only Scriptural basis of Christian union, viz.: We have no creed (fence) to bind us together or to keep others out of our company. The Bible is our only standard, and its teachings our only creed, and recognizing the progressive character of the unfolding of Scriptural truths, we are ready and prepared to add to or modify our creed (faith--belief) as we get increase of light from our Standard.

    We are in fellowship with all Christians in whom we can recognize the Spirit of Christ, and especially with those who recognize the Bible as the only standard. We do not require, therefore, that all shall see, just as we do in order to be called Christians; realizing that growth in both grace and knowledge is a gradual process. Nor do we see reason to expect that any but the watchmen of Zion will "see eye to eye" (Isa. 52:8) until that which is perfect is come, when that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Cor. 13:10.)

    If all Christians were to thus free themselves of prescribed creeds, and study the Word of God without denominational bias, truth and knowledge and real Christian fellowship and unity, would result. The Spirit of the Head would pervade the unfettered members of the body, and sectarian pride would vanish. Thus we believe, thus we practice, and thus we teach. It becomes our duty to denounce sectarianism and the God-dishonoring creeds of men which, while contradicting each other, unite in misrepresenting God's Word and character.”

    (Zion's Watch Tower April 1882 [WTR p.344])

  • blondie
    blondie

    Thanks bennyk

  • Apognophos
    Apognophos

    Well, CTR must have changed his mind later, as he named the group Bible Students, didn't he?

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