Introduction
The Congregational Christian Church is one of the five historical streams of the United Church of Christ (UCC). Learning its history and the religious figures of that time period can be considered influential and inspirational. Such an experience is very beneficial for forming a well-defined theological identity. In this essay, my personal reflection on the readings is summarized. However, it is not yet enough to serve faithfully as an Authorized Minister of the UCC, and the qualities in need of improvement will be identified.
The History of the Congregational Christian Church
The Congregational Christian Church traced its origins to Puritanism and became most defined in America in the 17th century when English colonists began cultivating American lands. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was ruled by Congregational life and polity under the lead of John Cotton1. Based on his writings, the manifesto of Congregationalism was signed, affecting the growth of the movements and establishing a well-defined organization2. According to that structure, only the members of the church could vote on the town’s future.
However, the controversy of 1636-1638 made the ministers see the need for better standardization of preaching and sermon. During that period, a notorious woman by the name of Anne Hutchinson arrived at the Massachusetts Bay Colony and opposed the existing doctrines3. She proclaimed that anyone could receive the truth from God, and not only from the Bible4. Her vision was dangerous since it could be easily misleading. Her personal gatherings and preaching divided the town of Boston, threatening the order and law5. Eventually, she was trialed and exiled from the colony, setting a precedent for heretical views that needed to be addressed and resolved.
At the same time, as more colonists settled in America, they encountered and fought many native tribes. Property aggression and new diseases plagued Native Americans, yet their sufferings were noticed by such people as John Eliot, who believed in the peacefulness of the Christian mission6. He was deeply concerned by the wanton disregard for human beings. Therefore, he decided to not only save the natives by introducing them to God but raise their standard of living as well7. Through his efforts, the Bible was translated into the language of the tribe, making a start for many Native American Churches in New England.
Along with the Native Americans, Black people of early colonies were also introduced to the values of the Congregational Christian Church. Although most of them were slaves, some were admitted to churches where they enjoyed the conditions for full communion and were seen past their skin color and social status8. Despite that, the discrimination against the African American people did not cease, and they were forced to withdraw and form their own congregational separate church. The segregation and exclusiveness of the faith caused a rise in the civil rights movement led by such people as Thomas Hooker. He believed that ninety percent of the Boston population should be allowed to vote as well, despite their religion, advocating for a separation of church and state9. His ideas were a start for democracy in America.
Lastly, such educated religious philosophers like Jonathan Edwards left a significant impact on the church. By incorporating the ideas of John Locke, Edwards advocated for a change in Congregational theology10. He placed human experience and spiritual enlightenment at the front, forming a new morality. Unlike Hooker, he did not believe in a government separated from God11. His new theology inspired many missionary movements of the 19th century, promoting justice and love.
My Theological Identity and the Congregational Christian Church
The Congregational Christian Church is a unique stream for its time due to its progressive values of freedom and equity. Such an understanding of the way the Lord carved for humanity resonates deeply with my theological identity; as I, too, believe in the creation of this world as a just place for all God’s children. Moreover, such historical figures as John Eliot demonstrate the qualities of a faithful Christian that I believe everyone should have. He did not turn away from people’s sufferings; instead, he saw past their ethnicity and otherness and offered a helping hand. He tried to improve their lives both physically and spiritually. By introducing them to God and His way, Eliot provided salvation and eternal peace to those in need. Similarly, my theological identity revolves around acceptance, justice, and love that should be shared through the ways of the Gospel.
The Impact of the Readings
Learning the history of the Congregational Christian Church has left a significant impact on my identity and my vision of the religious, historical figures, and events. It is evident now how despite the difficulties related to the views on freedom and equality, Christians still found a way to offer and provide help. It is important to understand that people of today still require support, and it is much more inspirational to realize that such service can be given easier. If racial prejudice, language barrier, and cultural differences did not prevent the Christian faith from being shared with others, it then should not be an obstacle nowadays. Due to the new learnings, my theological identity is more saturated with commitment and desire to contribute to spreading the word of God and promoting peace.
The Improvements for an Authorized Minister of the UCC
I truthfully recognize the effort needed to be an Authorized Minister of the United Church of Christ. I believe that my identity and high regard for Christian values are sufficient for such a title. However, I acknowledge my weaknesses and imperfections that I will work on in order to be able to exhibit the best qualities of a Minister. For example, I realize my leadership skills and characteristics shortcomings. Being Minister requires encouraging and empowering not only yourself but others12, and I am ready to commit to educating myself and developing the necessary reflective and collaborative attributes. Next, the way of articulating theological arguments and practices while appreciating others’ perspectives is something that I need to improve. For that purpose, working on my communication skills would help me establish strong connections and relationships. Lastly, there is always room for improving the ways of exhibiting well-defined morale and personal integrity and gaining more relevant experience.
Conclusion
The present essay summarized a fascinating and inspirational history of the Congregational Christian Church. The readings left a significant impact on my identity, prompting me to dedicate more time and energy to helping and spreading God’s will. Despite that, I still need many adjustments to be made in order to serve efficiently as an Authorized Minister of the United Church of Christ. I need to put much effort into the development of my leadership and communicational skills, as well as gain more experience and learn to exhibit moral and personal integrity.
Bibliography
Gunnemann, Louis H. and Rooks, Charles Shelby. The Shaping of the United Church of Christ: An Essay in the History of American Christianity. Cleveland: United Church Press, 1999.
UCC. “History.” Web.
Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ. Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers. UCC: Wisconsin, 2020.
Footnotes
- 1 UCC, “History”.
- 2 Gunnemann, Rooks, “The Shaping of the United Church of Christ
- An Essay in the History of American Christianity”, 58.
- 3 UCC, “History”.
- 4 UCC, “History”.
- 5 UCC, “History”.
- 6 UCC, “History”.
- 7 UCC, “History”.
- 8 Gunnemann, Rooks, “The Shaping of the United Church of Christ
- An Essay in the History of American Christianity”, 71.
- 9 UCC, “History”.
- 10 Gunnemann, Rooks, “The Shaping of the United Church of Christ
- An Essay in the History of American Christianity”, 80
- 11 UCC, “History”.
- 12 Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ, “Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers”.