Plymouth Brethren offers the first scholarly treatment of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), one of the largest denominations within the Brethren movement that originated with John Nelson Darby and a 19th-century revival in the British Isles. The Brethren believed in restoring the purity of primitive Christianity. While some saw this dream in ecumenical terms, those who would eventually be called Exclusive Brethren came to believe that true Christians should separate themselves from the corruption of existing denominations, and break bread in their assemblies only with those sharing their interpretation of the Bible. This book, based on both historical research and participant observation of contemporary communities, focuses on a case study of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, one of the largest groups of the Exclusive Brethren. Massimo Introvigne discusses their beliefs, daily life, international school system, and charitable activities. The book also examines the controversies surrounding their practice of strict separation from those who are not part of their community, and the accusations of cult-like behavior brought against the Brethren by the media and some former members.

About the Author
Massimo Introvigne, one of the leading international scholars of new religious movements, is the managing director of CESNUR (Center for Studies on New Religions) in Torino, Italy, and the author of some sixty books on religious minorities.

Reviews
Provides brief but valuable insights into the community's lifeworld and activities. * Lukas Pokorny, University of Vienna, Relgious Studies Review *
This book is recommended to readers interested in aspects of comtemporary religion, both for its brevity and its comprehensiveness, and for its clarity and informativeness. It is suitable for academics, tertiary students, and matriculation school students...I recommend it unreservedly. * Carole M. Cusak, University of Sydney, The Journal for Academic Study of Religion *
Precisely what constitutes the "Plymouth Brethren" can be a bit elusive, but Introvigne has captured its essence in this short but thorough and fair-minded introduction. * George Adams, Nova Religio *
This is a beautifully produced little book on an important subject. Massimo Introvigne is a lawyer who has become concerned with the rights of religious minorities, and who in this book has turned his interests to explaining the background to one of the most controversial of the so-called 'new religious movements,' the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC). The PBCC is a difficult choice of subject, as the author recognizes, and it has over many years attracted its share of negative headlines. The Plymouth Brethren attempts to recognize these problems, and to defend the group on its own terms... The Plymouth Brethren is a valuable publication, therefore, in giving voice to a distinctive Christian community that sometimes struggles to make its voice heard. * Reading Religion *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190842420
Author Massimo Introvigne
Format Hardback
Page Count 160
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 288g
Dimensions(mm) 215mm * 148mm * 17mm