Lecture on the Holiness Movement

Introduction

• National Holiness Association (NHA):
  • Originated after the Civil War during the Reconstruction period.
  • Started as the National Camp Meeting Association for the Promotion of Holiness in 1867.
  • Founded by Episcopal Church ministers: John Inskip, John A. Wood, and William MacDonald.
  • Transitioned from a parlor movement to grassroots through camp meetings.

Camp Meetings

• Revival of Camp Meetings:
  • Methodists stopped camp meetings during the Civil War, revived post-war.
  • Permanent camp meetings established, buying land instead of using forests.
• Notable Camp Meetings:
  • Ocean Grove Camp Meeting (NJ), Martha's Vineyard, Sing Sing (NY).
  • Ocean Grove highlighted for its unique layout and historical significance.

Spread and Influence

• Proliferation:
  • Camp meetings spread across states, e.g., Martha's Vineyard and Sing Sing.
  • Media criticisms on strictness and commercialization.
• Transition to National Holiness Association:
  • NHA evolved from the original camp meeting association.

Radicalization of Holiness

• Emergence of Radical Streams:
  • Regional and local associations became more radical and interdenominational.
  • Figures like Martin Wells Knapp and Daniel S. Warner instrumental in radical streams.
• Radical Elements:
  • Emphasis on divine healing, premillennialism, and added layers to holiness doctrine.
• Formation of New Denominations:
  • Push-outers and come-outers formed churches like the Church of God, Anderson, and Pilgrim Holiness Church.

Reformed Holiness

• Influence on Reformed Tradition:
  • Figures like William Boardman and Charles Feeney promoted a version of holiness within Reformed circles.
  • Emphasis on higher Christian life and entire sanctification.

Keswick Holiness Movement

• Keswick Movement:
  • Emerged from British replication of American camp meetings.
  • Emphasized suppression rather than eradication of sinful nature.
• Prominent Figures:
  • Andrew Murray and Thomas Harport Buttersby as key leaders.
  • Focus on abiding in Christ to suppress sin.

Criticism and Legacy

• Criticism from Holiness Movement:
  • Figures like Henry Clay Morrison criticized Keswick's suppression doctrine.
• Keswick's Continued Influence:
  • Teachings persist in modern Christian movements and organizations like CRU.

Pentecostal Movement

• Connection to Holiness Movement:
  • Pentecostalism originated from the Holiness Movement.
  • Emphasized baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues.
• Key Figures and Events:
  • William Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival.
  • Separation of sanctification and baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

• Comparison and Influence:
  • Pentecostalism surpasses Holiness denominations in numbers today.
  • Holiness Movement's influence remains in various Christian streams.