State Churches. Including A Review Of Dr. Burns' Pamphlet Entitled “Scottish Voluntaryism The Athiest's Ally”. A Lecture. Third Edition - Softcover

Archibald Baird

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0371351235 ISBN 13: 9780371351239

Publisher: HardPress, 2019

Synopsis

State Churches. Including A Review Of Dr Burns' Pamphlet Entitled “Scottish Voluntaryism The Athiest's Ally”. A Lecture. Third Edition by Archibald Baird. This polemical lecture argues that state churches are founded on resistance to the sovereignty of Christ, and incompatible with the civil and religious rights of mankind. It emphasizes the mediatorial sovereignty of Christ, detailing how He retains legislative authority, appoints church officers, and publishes laws governing church life, while asserting that civil authorities have no rightful jurisdiction over spiritual matters. The work critiques attempts to merge church and state, contending such establishments threaten conscience, promote tyranny, and have historically fostered atheism and religious conflict. It discusses how the sovereignty of Christ should be acknowledged by believers—through submission to His institutions, and by prudent, non-coercive engagement by civil rulers to support religion without overriding individual conscience. The author compares voluntary churches with established ones, condemning coercive measures and urging biblical principle, rational reform, and a broader civil liberty for all denominations. It references Sabbath observance in the context of civil law, and engages with Dr Burns' views on Voluntaryism, advocating religious liberty and accountability to God rather than to worldly powers.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0371351235
• ISBN 13: 9780371351239
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48