Congregationalism

From RationalWiki

Congregationalism is an ideal practiced by certain Protestant Christian churches, whereby individual churches operate independently of each other and even pursue separate ideologies. It is more accurately described as a movement rather than a philosophy or formal policy.

The early Christian church is believed to have been highly decentralized and often housing disparate ideologies. Congregationalists aim to emulate this, believing it brings them closer to the "true" Christianity.

Congregationalism really took off with the Reformation (although the ideal had been promoted before that, largely as a reaction to repression by the Catholic church). The movement is most prevalent in the United States.

[edit] Cultural effects

It should be noted that congregationalist churches are generally the most liberal churches in Christianity. They have an impressive track record of participating in the forefront of many social equality (civil rights, gay rights, etc.) movements. Many ordain women and support gay marriage.

[edit] Trivia

Barack Obama's church is congregationalist.

S T U B (The Pet Goat ate it)