The Brethren Leaders Divided

[Zezima]

The Recovery often mentions the Brethren, so I did some research on Wikipedia. I found this interesting the original brethren split due to differences in eschatology. John Nelson Darby believed in a secret rapture while Benjamin Newton believed that the church would go through the tribulation (non-secret rapture).

Here is the Wikipedia page on Benjamin Newton (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Wills_Newton). Found this all to be very interesting given the influences the brethren had on Nee & Lee.

The Recovery is the fruit of “division” but often claims it’s not divisive.

[Ohio]

The Recovery often mentions the Brethren, so I did some research on Wikipedia. I found this interesting the original brethren split due to differences in eschatology. John Nelson Darby believed in a secret rapture while Benjamin Newton believed that the church would go through the tribulation (non-secret rapture).

Here is the Wikipedia page on Benjamin Newton (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Wills_Newton). Found this all to be very interesting given the influences the brethren had on Nee & Lee.

The Recovery is the fruit of “division” but often claims it’s not divisive.

Back in 2003-05 before I left, I read a bunch on the Brethren. I read several books on their first split in Plymouth, the public battles between Darby and Newton. Yes, there were differences over the rapture, but those were merely the preliminary talks.

I was also seeing this in play out in real time between Cleveland and Anaheim. I was reading all the “tract wars” back and forth then and now, comparing the Brethren with us. We were literally repeating history. Even some of the characters matched up.

Eventually I realized that all the doctrinal differences and endless accusations were merely political smokescreen to cover up the real situation - all the battles were merely a power struggle. The differences were all grossly exaggerated to persuade followers. All the members were forced to choose sides - with both sides demanding that all of us “take a stand for the truth.”