The Brethren Card was first published by the
Brethren's Book and Tract Work about 1887, and was printed in Messenger magazine
for a brief period of time. A revised edition of the card was reviewed by Annual
Conference in 1923, with the provision that it must not be considered a creed
(see also Minutes of 1923-1944, pp. 7-8). It is presented here with the hope of
answering basic doctrinal questions from visitors who desire a keener
understanding of the general beliefs of the Church of the Brethren. Although it
was disseminated widely in former years, the Brethren Card rarely appears in
official denominational literature. Most Brethren stress the need to be open to
revelation from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit with a special emphasis on
studying the New Testament, particularly the teachings of Christ. Brethren have
traditionally sought after the “mind of Christ” as explained by Apostle Paul in
1 Corinthians 2:16: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may
instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. A previous version of the Brethren
Card follows afterward.
Scriptures references have been added to each item for convenience
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This body of Christians originated early in the eighteenth century, the church
being a natural outgrowth of the Anabaptist and Pietistic movements following
the Reformation.
Firmly accepts and teaches the fundamental evangelical doctrines of...
the inspiration of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16);
the personality of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-13);
the virgin birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:27, 1:30-34);
the deity of Christ (Colossians 2:8-9);
the sin-pardoning value of His atonement (Ephesians 1:7);
His resurrection, ascension, and personal and visible return (1 Cor. 15:1-25;
Acts 1:9-11);
and the resurrection both of the just and the unjust (John 5:28-29; Matthew
25:46).
Observes the following New Testament rites:
baptism of penitent believers by Trine immersion for the remission of sins
(Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38);
feet washing (John 13:1-20; 1 Timothy 5:10);
love feast (Luke 22:20; John 13:4; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Jude 12);
communion (Matt 26:26-30);
the Christian salutation (Romans 16:16; Acts 20:37);
the Scriptural headveiling (1 Corinthians 11:2-16);
the anointing for healing in the name of the Lord (James 5:14-18; Mark 6:13);
laying on of hands (Acts 6:6; 8:17; 13:3; 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14).
These rites are representative of spiritual graces which are evident in the
lives of true believers, and as such are essential factors in the development of
the Christian life.
Emphasizes...
daily devotion for the individual, and family worship for the home (Ephesians
6:18-20; Philippians 4:8-9);
stewardship of time, talents, and money (Matthew 25:14-30);
taking care of the fatherless, widows, poor, sick, and aged (Acts 6:1-7).
Opposes on Scriptural grounds:
war and the taking of human life (Matthew 5:21-26; 43-44; Romans 12:19-21);
violence in personal and industrial controversy (Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:8-10);
temperance in all things (Titus 2:2; Gal. 5:19-26; Ephesians 5:18);
going to law, especially against our Christian brethren (1 Corinthians 6:1-10);
divorce and remarriage, except for the one Scriptural reason (Matthew 19:9;
( see also Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:10-15);
every form of oath (Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12);
membership in secret oath-bound societies (1 Thessalonians 5:22);
games of chance and sinful amusements (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 Peter 2:11; Rom.
12:17);
extravagant and immodest dress (1 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
Labors earnestly, in harmony with the Great Commission, for the evangelization
of the world, for the conversion of men to Jesus Christ, and for the realization
of the life of Jesus Christ in every believer (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2
Corinthians 3:18).
Maintains the New Testament as its only creed, in particular harmony with each
of the above brief statements.