The Ancient Church Reimagined through Christian Primitivism and Restorationism

Christian Primitivism, or Restorationism, is a movement to restore what adherents see as the original purity and practice of the early Christian church. This method attempts to remove centuries of layers of tradition and theological evolution that allegedly have moved beyond the original teachings both Jesus and the Apostles. Christian Primitivism has persisted as a motif throughout the history of Christianity, occasionally surfacing in periods of revival or reform after long eras defined by what participants in the movement would perceive as disillusionment with an ungenuine and corrupt faith: The Protestant Reformation and First Great Awakening to name just two.

The Genesis of Primitive Christianity

Christian Primitivism arises from a desire for "primitive" Christianity; that is, In this context it means some version of the practices and teachings of the first-century church. This concept was especially strong among several leaders of the Protestant Reformation who thought that the medieval church had strayed far from Scripture. The Reformers wanted to lift the church back up as it was when Jesus established it—without plenty of layers of hierarchy, excess, corruption and unbiblical practices.

First, although much of Christian Primitivism seeks to eliminate what were seen as distortions introduced by tradition and human institutions, this movement does not reject church history entirely. Rather, it purposefully attempts to reclaim aspects of the early church which are in accordance with New Testament teachings and the spirituality of worship and community that is portrayed in Acts.

The Reformation as Restorationism

Carboxy Conversion Christianity down the line, we might think of the 20th century reappraisal of the Protestant Reformation that transformed Christianity itself in a revolution beginning as early as October 1517, more or less permanent primitives claimed and always-implemented one? The papacy, traditions, and sacraments regarded as nonbiblical by Reformers (Martin Luther, John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli) were all challenged during what is often referred to as the Protestant Reformation when reformers insisted that scripture was the only authority for Christian faith and practice.

The Reformation attempts to correct the perceived excesses and errors of the Catholic Church through such notions as salvation by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and that people should engage their God directly. This time period included translation of the bible into vernacular tongues — allowing scripture to be available to Joe Average and setting the foundation for a priesthood of all believers — each person able to interpret the word without clergy.

Primitivist Themes in the First Great Awakening

The First Great Awakening was a religious revival that took place in the American colonies during the 18th century, emphasizing individualism and conversion experiences. Led by people like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, the movement emphasized a simpler faith of personal repentance, revival, and a direct relationship with Jesus.

The First Great Awakening also promoted the idea that believers need not accept the teachings of established churches, resulting in the creation of new denominations and an emphasis on personal interpretation of scripture. It strongly emphasized individual roots with God, which matched ideas from the ideology of Christian Primitivism that no historical thoughts or opinions are necessary for ones personal connection to faith; only God.

Restorationist Movements and the Primitivism of Christianity

Throughout the 19th Century there were movements that specifically sought to go back to the early church. Such Restorationist movements had an anti-hierarchy, return to New Testament practice feel, stressing independent congregational polity, less formal worship and believer’s baptism. Important denominations within this stream are the Stone-Campbell Movement (Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ) and the Mormon Restoration movement.

Restorationist groups typically promote practices they see as New Testament pattern-oriented (e.g. weekly communion, baptism by immersion, and local church leadership without hierarchical denominational control). Those practices are meant to reflect the simple, community-focused nature of the early Christian church.

Christian Primitivism — Legacy and Influence

Christian Primitivism remains a significant foundational influence on contemporary Christian thought and practice. For instance, many evangelical and non-denominational churches in the United States adopt a so-called “Bible-based” orientation to worship and doctrine, receiving the New Testament as a pattern for the church now. Restorationist ideas also appear in the growing movement toward “house churches,” where believers come together for fellowship, Bible study and mutual support, often outside of formal church settings.

Christian Primitivism and Restorationism often lead to a multiplicity of expressions and denominations, yet they are united by the will to follow some form of Christian religion which they believe best reflects the true Church founded by Christ and the Apostles. Drawing inspiration from the earliest stages of the church, the movements seek to cultivate a faith that is uncomplicated, marginally pretextual and rooted in an unabridged relationship with God.