PLYMOUTH BRETHREN:
one of the most influential NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS to emerge in the
nineteenth century; founded by John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) in 1830. The Brethren split
into a number of different groups including the extremist EXCLUSIVE BRETHREN and moderate
OPEN BRETHREN. Despite their small size, they have had an immense influence on MODERN
CHRISTIANITY. Their emphasis on the imminent RETURN OF CHRIST helped popularize both
PREMILLENIALISM and DISPENSATIONALISM while their rejection of a paid CLERGY fostered the
growth of HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENTS and similar anti-clerical groups. They have been
particularly influential in the field of MISSIONS where their idea of FAITH MISSIONS
influenced groups as diverse as the CHINA INLAND MISSION and L'ABRI. On the negative side
many prominent anti-Christian figures, like Alister CROWLEY, came from Brethren homes.
