Raven–Taylor–Hales Brethren

The Raven Brothers (also Raven'sche brothers, Plymouth Brethren # 4, most internationally Exclusive Brethren, since 2012 officially Plymouth Brethren Christian Church ) are a free church community that was built in 1890 by a separation within the " exclusive" part of the Brethren movement. Due to the strong regulation of their private life, they are often viewed by outsiders as a sect.

History

The English " exclusive brother " Frederick Edward Raven spread from 1888 teachings about eternal life and the nature of Christ, which met with some of his co-religionists fierce opposition. After several clashes in 1890 (so-called Lowe Brothers ) separated a minority led by William Joseph Lowe ( 1838-1927 ) by Raven and his followers. In the other parts of the world, particularly on the European continent and in the United States, opponents Ravens were in the majority, so it here for the cleavage of Raven 's supporters came ( in Germany initially about 40 municipalities).

After Ravens death in 1903 the New York businessman James Taylor senior has been increasingly recognized as a spiritual leader of the Raven brothers. He led a more theological innovations, including the worship of the Holy Spirit and the doctrine that Jesus Christ was (although eternal God ) "Son of God " became only at his incarnation. He also laid great emphasis on the separation of believers from the world, a claim that was by his son James Taylor Jr., in 1960 took over the leadership of the Raven brothers, even more radicalized. Taylor jun. forbade, among other things, eating together with non -Raven - brothers (including family members ), the use of common inputs in tenements, completing insurance (if they were not required by law ), membership in associations of any kind ( including trade unions and professional associations ) studying at universities, the ownership of radio and television equipment, etc. During the services were closed the doors. These regulations have led to the increasing isolation of the Raven brothers from the outside world and to a focus on community life, which was perceived as a special " atmosphere of blessing ."

Shortly before his death in 1970, Taylor was jun. confronted with adultery allegations, which led to the elimination of two groups of the Raven brothers: a group that basically jun Taylor. distanced, and a group that only his way of life, but not rejected his teachings. Those who Taylor jun. remained faithful, were first mentioned after his death by the American farmer James Harvey Symington, from 1987, of the Australian businessman John Stephen Hales, since 2002, by his son, Bruce David Hales. The spiritual leader of Raven to Hales are called " men of God " considered today tells his thoughts by God. Since the time Symington find all meetings worldwide in English instead because God had this used to " restore and maintain the truth."

Current situation

Worldwide, there are currently just under 300 congregations of the Raven brothers with about 43,000 members, particularly in English-speaking countries (UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand). In Germany, the Raven brothers have about 550 members; the largest municipalities (more than 100 persons) are located in Bad Endbach and Dusseldorf.

Lately, the Raven Brothers are primarily known by founding their own schools (including in North Rhine-Westphalia Reichshof- Sotterbach ). Under Bruce D. Hales, there has been a partial shift away from the earlier strict segregation bid; so repeated conservative politicians were supported financially and through fliers and newspaper advertisements in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Sweden.

In addition to the run of Hales main direction of the Raven brothers, there are still less stringent variants without strong leadership structure, but with a relatively small network, often. Than individual house churches (large) families with appropriate cohesion Most of these communities are located in England and Scotland, but also for example individual in the north of Cologne, in the Ore Mountains, also in Bad Endbach, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Switzerland, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. The lessons to James Taylor senior be affirmed by these groups generally, a " legal " strict lifestyle but denied. Dissenters Christians are treated kindly, but rather distant, attended their events or only with reservations. Contacts with the Hales - direction no longer exist; where they are treated as " apostates ".

Movies

• The British film Son of Rambow from 2007 tells of a boy who grows up in the strict religious community of the Raven brothers and wants to go its own way.
• In the documentary The Root of All Evil? the psychologist Jill Mytton, who grew up in the community, interviewed by Richard Dawkins. It describes the religious education as a spiritual child abuse.