Portrait of John Glas, founder of the Church glassite, better known as Sandemanians
The history of the Reformed Church of Scotland, is closely linked to the John Knox Presbyterian, with the system of popular election of priests what away from the political choice of ministers, common in the Anglican church. For decades, had to face that fact, because often, many kings sought to dominate and put yours in the religious establishment. In the early seventeenth century, King Charles I of England, made attempts to seek the unification of both states and churches, with different results than expected. Attempted introduce a kind of reform based on the known as the Book of Common Order 1637, which was written by a team of Scottish bishops in favor of unification with the Anglicans, and interestingly, despite claiming to be the book to unify religious England and Scotland, was not yet used by the Anglicans. But the insistence of Charles I to conceal the whole affair caused general discontent, as was seen in this system a deceptive method to yield to the Presbyterians in his claim for church-state separation, even to the commitment to appoint bishops. Therefore, in the summer of 1637 when it welcomed the introduction of this book at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, broke out a wave of riots that spread across Scotland. In early 1638, a large number of Scots joined the Covenanters, who were protesting against the introduction of The Book of Common Order and other innovations that have not previously been tested and approved by independent Parliaments and General Assemblies of the Church Scotland.
In November 1638, having spent twenty years from the date of the last general assembly was held a meeting in Glasgow. It not only declared illegal the Book of Common Order, but also abolished the role of bishops. Thus, the Church of Scotland was established on a purely Presbyterian. Opposition attempts of Charles I of England led to the Wars of the Bishops, but failed to establish religious unity intended. Only decades later accepted the episcopate Scotland after the period of time known as the Restoration and especially after the revolution of 1668, and this also led to widespread discontent, especially in the southwest, where the Presbyterian tradition ran deep.
But the eighteenth century, things had changed, although the Presbyterianism remained the majority religious force in Scotland, however, the relaxation of its leaders had often meant that the state continue teniendo mucho poder e influencia sobre la Iglesia. Por ello surgieron rupturas y grietas internas entre muchos disconformes con la manera de actuar de sus dirigentes.
Uno de los más activos y luchadores por esa causa, fue un ministro presbítero llamado John Glas, quién en 1723, tras un estudio minucioso de la Biblia, formula la pregunta : ¿ Cómo efectúa Cristo el oficio de Rey? Y escribe cartas a varios líderes de su iglesia, donde expone sus tesis contra el envolvimiento de la iglesia en los asuntos políticos y de los políticos en asuntos religiosos.
Si bien era un hombre tranquilo, nada temperamental ni con carácter de líder revolucionario, sin embargo, Glas tenía claro que el primitive Christianity had nothing to do with politics, in fact I was away from all contact with the temporal powers, until the fourth century.
John Glas, born in 1695 in Auchtermuchty, on the advice of Fife, Scotland, was the son of a Presbyterian minister who led the session of their city. He was educated at Kinclaven, Perth's school and later graduated from the University of St. Andrews. And by 1714 he completed his education to become a minister in Edinburgh. So he graduated as a preacher under the supervision of the Minister of Dunkeld and ordered priest in 1719 as minister of the parish of Tealing. There his preaching gained momentum and led a consistory in large congregation.
was following his religious studies, when they began their doubts about the neutrality in political affairs by his church. Especially when reading the words of Jesus, my kingdom is not of this world or the request of Christ himself that his followers were not part of the world, the world understood the powers of the estates. Furthermore
watched how the Christians were divided by their own nations and states, and churches seemed to represent the nations to which they belonged, had become national identities. His study of the Bible led him to conclude that the biblical nation of Israel foreshadowed a spiritual nation composed of citizens from many nationalities and not limited by borders or kingdoms. On the other hand, did not find any text that would authorize the existence of national churches. And he noted that the word Christ United related concerns over a government of all governments and authorities mundane and therefore his church should be addressed only by Christ and not by politicians.
So in 1725, wrote to Francis Archibald, Senior Minister of Guthrie, Forfarshire, to report their aversion to government interference in church and the implementation and use of the Church of Scotland, where Christianity should not be national boundaries. Also questioned the system of choice for priests that was not entirely consistent with the scriptures.
Tealing At the same time, began organizing an alternative group of Christians that his view had to follow the rules already established in the scriptures and could be applicable in every nation. About one hundred people joined their cause, and early on felt the need to preserve the unity between them, so they decided to follow Christ's instructions in verses 15 to 17 of chapter 18 of Matthew to settle any differences that may arise. Then they began to hold weekly meetings in which those who professed the same faith they prayed and received encouragement.
Glas was deposed from the Presbyterian ministry in 1728, for teaching that the Church should not be subject to any league or covenant, and should be governed only by Apostolic doctrine. Since the ministers at that time received a monetary compensation, to be deposed in his duties, meant going economic hardship, but it did not matter as long to see that it fulfilled their desire for a church more in line with the gospel organizationally. After that he worked in Perth for a few years, where he met Robert Sandeman, who married his daughter Catherine and accepted part of his new church, which some called the Church glassite.
Rising attending meetings of various groups, it became necessary to entrust the supervision of responsible men worship. But John Glass, not frowned upon the system of choice, nor that only those who could afford college courses, have the opportunity to become ministers, just for the intellectual capacity, wanted to change the system of choice for priests or pastors. Thus with his closest associates, investigated what the Bible says about it and paid particular attention to what the apostle Paul wrote about it. Noted that both of the letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:1-7), as in the Epistle to Titus (Titus 1:5-9.), Giving instructions clear about the requirements to be considered a priest, even a deacon, wanted to implement this system in your church. They noted that in scripture is not from a college education or the need to know Hebrew and Greek, to be a minister. So after prayer and reflection on the guidelines given in the Bible, appointed elders trained men who complied with these requirements.
For those loyal to the Church of Scotland, uneducated men, "born for the loom, needle, or the plow," seeks to understand the Bible and preach his message, "bordered on blasphemy." So in 1733, when Glass and his fellow built their own meeting room in Perth, clergy, judges pressed for municipal expelled, but were unsuccessful, and the movement spread. Soon
Sandeman was making progress in the new church, and began to excel as a leading exponent of Glas's vision on what should be their religion. However, the headquarters of the new church, became Dundee, where Glas came back to stay until his death in 1773. Meanwhile
by the established church was growing and wanted that in all the congregations, in order to maintain the love and the fraternization of its members, often have certain holidays or times of fraternization. So into his church the primitive custom pacis Osculum and every so often time what became known as Kail Kirk , which was a common meal, where he took a kind of broth.
Given the popularity of his work, and they really did not give up the basic teachings of the Church of Scotland majority, in 1739 the General Assembly, without any request from him, removed the sentence of deposition against him, and restored the status of minister of the gospel of Christ, a position without practical functions, they can have no pastor in any church. In fact despite not having in their teaching, nothing objectionable but was never reinstated as minister of the Scottish Presbyterian Church, declaring that he could not be eligible no Presbyterian congregation until he renounces his principles, inconsistent with the constitution of the church.
was not willing to resign and therefore continued its efforts to restore what he believed would be the true church that Christ founded, because he wanted to stick as much as possible to the forms and organization of early Christianity.
The published works attest to his vigorous mind Glas and his great knowledge of the scriptures. Among his works included the reconstruction of the True Discourse of Celsus Against the Christians, which resulted in 1753, this compilation drawn from the Origins response to that allegation, it is a competent and worship. The Testimony of the King of Martyrs who come to his kingdom, was written in 1729, and is a rejection of classical Erasmianism a defense of the spiritual autonomy of a church led by Jesus Christ alone. On the other hand, philosophers often arose even scientists, who sought to reinterpret the Bible in scientific or philosophical concepts, common sense appears in his rejection of the attempt of some of these as John Hutchinson who sought to demonstrate that the Bible provides a complete system physical science. Glas also demonstrated his skills in his biblical scholar Notes on Scripture Texts published in 1747. I also publish a religious song called Christian Songs in 1784. Careful editing of his works was published in Edinburgh in 1761 a total of 4 volumes and again in Perth in 1782 in 5 volumes. Meanwhile
one of its leading proponents, his son Robert Sandeman, made progress in the new church and soon became an influential figure after the death of Glas became leader of the new religion, to the extent that these came to be known not by glassite, but sandeminianos.
Robert Sandeman: Leveraging the work
Robert Sandeman was born in Perth, an April 29, 1718, a fa
Milia resources. His father David Sandeman, thought it should be, medical or religious career as a minister of the Church of Scotland, so in 1734 at the age of 16 years, young Sandeman was sent to the University of Edinburgh, where the first two years he studied mathematics, Greek and other languages. But it was still in Edinburgh, when one day in 1735, heard a sermon of John Glas, in a small room near the university. What he heard made him decide to leave college and join the congregation of Dundee. During this period he learned the trade of a weaver of linen, then returned to Perth and started a family business with his brother William, in 1737. That same year, only 19, he married Catherine, the eldest daughter of John Glas.
At the age of 26, was appointed elder of the congregation glassite of Perth, two years later, in 1746 his wife Catherine dies, childless. But that does not discourage Robert, who now decides to go and embark on their religion places extend beyond Scotland, as it said in a brief autobiography, willingly consented to serve the Lord wherever you touch. Such was the weight of his duties as an old man, who decided to devote himself exclusively to pastoral work.
His theological studies brought him to become an expert theologian from the glassite. This was demonstrated with the extensive discussions and correspondence with other theologians and important writers of his time as James Hervey, who under the influence of Wesley, though not abandoned Anglicanism, had written many things about their ideas Methodists, as Meditations and Contemplations book . Since this book contains many lessons relating to Calvinism, which were increasingly moving away the glassite, wrote a book entitled Letters Theron and Aspacio, which seeks to reveal the unbiblical doctrines of the Calvinists and Methodists. That sparked a wave of criticism, and cross letters, even with John Wesley himself.
Correspondence Sandeman, kept with other important Anglican ministers, and Presbyterians, soon made some, like Samuel Pike, William Cudworth, John Barnard and Benjamin Ingham, join the cause and thus was formed the first congregation outside glassite Scotland. In fact in London and other places where congregations were formed, they became known as sandeminianos, and that name prevailed over that of the originator. Not so in America, where in 1764 he traveled Sandeman and was there several congregations in Danbury, Connecticut. And there was established until his death in 1771.
The sandeminianos, came to the fore, for strict neutrality and absolute separation of political powers, or even did not accept public office, or work as officials in some governments, since it required oaths on behalf of the nation. They only recognized the Kingdom of God and government. This attitude earned them public censure and criticism from the Anglican clergy, fearful of seeing a minority group left them exposed. However, neither Glas, Sandeman and delved into deep doctrinal issues, like the Trinity, the soul, Hell and others, however if you took a clear position regarding the much-discussed faith and salvation by default, accept Arminianism as Nearest doctrine scripture as they understood. Sandeman also proposed establishing a unified religion for all congregations, it was against the idea of \u200b\u200bQuakers and Congregationalists, on freedom of interpretation of the Bible, according to him, this should be understood in the same way by all members church and should be a point of unity and not separation. Basically the credo sandeminaino consisted of the following major provisions:
- There is no authorization in the New Testament for a national church "The magistrate as such has no role in the church -national agreements are not biblical land -La Reforma true can not be done with political weapons and secular, only the word and spirit of Christ. -judge it absolutely necessary to avoid the spirit and the conduct of the Pharisees of old, not making a list of sins and duties that of Scripture or invalidating the divine precepts with human traditions logical or evasion. "They tried to take the foot
certain provisions of the apostolic letter and especially those who had to do with the first council, recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, so were careful to reject foods containing blood and meat of strangled animals not bled . John Glass argued about this, arguing that the God's people were obliged to obey the restriction on blood, as well as our first parents were obliged to obey the divine prohibition of eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Disobey the mandate concerning the blood equivalent to rejecting the proper use of the blood of Christ, namely, the atonement of sin. Glass concluded: " The prohibition against eating blood always was, and remains, of utmost importance ."
As understood by the ancient Waldenses rejected oaths also gambling and playing for money or accumulate wealth, it was very frowned upon among the sandeminianos. Even in times of need, practiced community of goods within the congregation, to deal with those who suffered a need. Like the Anabaptists, they applied the expulsion of members who did not practice or teach according to the group. Refuse to participate in common prayer with members of other denominations and eat and drink with an expelled person is to participate in a sinner.
certain customs were established to maintain the unity of the members, among other things, certain parties, called parties of Love, fellowship meals, practicing the ceremonial washing of feet. The holy kiss that gave every member recently accepted into the church. They were often criticized, even accused of promoting partying. In that sense they responded with scriptures, for example, in entertainment sought guidance in the instructions of Christ. "We dare not make laws where Christ has done, or overlook any that he has given us. Therefore, as we did not find any passage that prohibits the fun, whether public or private, lawful consider all entertainment, provided and when not related to real circumstances sinful. "
Each congregation is led by several seniors, unpaid, who are elected by their seriousness and sincerity of conviction, and they maintain the position for life, unless for some reason leave to meet principles or requirements. Although
tried to witness to anyone who approached their church, however, preaching as such was only part of the work of elders, not that it was the responsibility of every member.
Sandeman Despite a desire to maintain the unity of thought, there was some independence between the different congregations, due in part after the death of this, there was no head or leader to lead the work properly. No members are prepared to maintain a government over the congregations, who in imitation of the Congregationalists, were independent of each other, united only by the teachings, but this did not prevent emerged some divisions. For example, in 1808 some prominent members of the movement in Scotland, including three brothers: James, Alexander and Robert Handal, through their own Bible study, became convinced that baptism should be by immersion and only for believers therefore approached the English Baptists. The group was called "old Scottish Baptists, who along with other Baptist denominations in 1869 formed the Baptist Union of Scotland. Some churches in America eventually joined the Congregationalists and Baptists.
A Sandemanians held
Sandemanians A famous was Michael Faraday, scientific discoverer electromagnetic induction, which has allowed the construction of generators and electric motors, and the laws of electrolysis, and it is considered the discoverer of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. He excelled in establishing laws that meet certain elements to store electrical energy, contributing to their findings the basis for the development of power capacitors and batteries. In fact, it is called Farad (F), in honor of Michael Faraday, a unit of electrical capacity. However
also noted for being a fervent sandeminiano, this religious influence was important for the scientist Michael Faraday and the later developed theories that were much re nte
influenced by the belief in the unity of the world. sandeminianos learned that stood apart from those who did not practice biblical teachings, so he was careful in choosing friends. For example, refused to participate in the weddings held by the Anglican Church, preferring to limit their own legal procedures strictly necessary. Even when it was considered a famous scientist and despite the honors, the trimmings and the high regard in which he was subjected by his breakthroughs, Faraday led a simple life. At the burial of celebrities, expected attendance of the leading figures of public life, Faraday was conspicuous by its absence, because his conscience prevented him from attending the funeral of the Anglican Church and participate.
As read in a biography he says the following: The most distinguished of many other scientists Faraday was his desire to learn as much of the book inspired by God as the book of nature. "The Sandemanians led him to discover how to live in obedience to the moral law of God with the promise of eternal life science brought him into close contact with the physical laws that God chose them to rule the universe." Faraday argued that "science could not undermine the absolute authority Bible, but exercised in a truly Christian, science could illuminate the other book of God. " (Michael Faraday: Scientist and Sandemanian - Geoffry Cantor)
Another effect of his religious ideas was the fact that Faraday declined to accept many who wanted to give honorary degrees. He always showed disinterest in receiving a knighthood because he wanted to call him "Mr. Faraday simply." She devoted much time to their old activities, which included travel regularly from London to a village Norfolk County to serve a small group of fellow.
Unfortunately, the church advocated by Faraday, not last much, in America during the Civil War, many sandeminianos died victims of their own neutrality, others were segregated and uprooted from their land and their congregations were scattered. His religious enemies continued to revile and accusing the group of practicing Christianity in a sense, but only with the mind. Especially since it was said gave more importance to know about the rules and implement the teachings of Jesus, to love Christ himself. Also they saw Christianity as a formal way of bringing life, but not as a movement of faith. True or not, the case is that they were such as unity and cordiality among its members, in addition to carrying pacifism practical way.
The movement initiated by Glas and Sandeman, never very numerous, probably not reach more than twenty or thirty congregations in Britain and the colonies of America. But his ideas exerted a major influence on similar movements.
One reason for the disappearance of sandeminianos, it was mainly because they gave little emphasis to the preparation of the elderly in the work of directing and teaching in the Church properly. There was no organization to lead the way forward and maintain connections to the congregations and they went away from each other.
The last of the Sandemanians churches in America ceased to exist in 1890. Home London prayer finally closed in 1984, when he had decades of neglect. The last elder of the Church died in Edinburgh in 1999. In a final modeled the missing nearly schwenkdeldianos.
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