The ''Christian Baptist'', established in 1823 by Alexander Campbell, was the first

magazine A magazine is a periodical publication, generally published on a regular schedule (often weekly or monthly), containing a variety of content. They are generally financed by advertising, purchase price, prepaid subscriptions, or by a combinatio ...

associated with the early Restoration Movement.Douglas Allen Foster and Anthony L. Dunnavant, ''The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, Churches of Christ'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2004, , , 854 pages, entry on ''Christian Baptist, The'', pp. 174-175Douglas Allen Foster and Anthony L. Dunnavant, ''The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, Churches of Christ'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2004, , , 854 pages, entry on ''Campbell, Alexander'', pp. 129-130 The prospectus for the ''Christian Baptist'' described its purpose as " oespouse the cause of no religious sect, excepting that ancient sect called 'Christians first at Antioch.' Its sole object shall be the eviction of truth, and the exposure of error in doctrine and practice." The style has been described as "lively" and "sarcastic". Campbell discontinued the ''Christian Baptist'' in 1830 and began publishing a new journal named the '' Millennial Harbinger'' which had a "milder tone".Douglas Allen Foster and Anthony L. Dunnavant, ''The Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, Churches of Christ'', Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2004, , , 854 pages, entry on ''Millennial Harbinger, The'', pp. 517-518 Campbell_Alexander

History

The original idea for publishing a monthly journal originated with Alexander's father,

Thomas Campbell Thomas Campbell may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Thomas Campbell (poet) (1777–1844), Scottish poet * Thomas Campbell (sculptor) (1790–1858), Scottish sculptor * Thomas Campbell (visual artist) (born 1969), California-based visual artist ...

, in 1809. Alexander was convinced that an audience existed for his ideas by the success of a published version of one of his debates. The ''Baptist'' was printed in a shop that Alexander built on his own property. Contributing writers included Thomas Campbell and Walter Scott, and the ''Baptist'' was instrumental in attracting a number of individuals, including "Raccoon" John Smith, to the movement. By 1830 Campbell had become concerned about the denominational associations suggested by the name of the ''Christian Baptist''. In addition, the

Baptists Baptists form a major branch of Protestantism distinguished by baptizing professing Christian believers only ( believer's baptism), and doing so by complete immersion. Baptist churches also generally subscribe to the doctrines of soul compe ...

with whom the Campbells had been associating were becoming increasingly frustrated with Alexander's criticisms and had begun to evict individuals associated with Campbell's reform efforts. Campbell discontinued the ''Christian Baptist'' in 1830 and began publishing a new journal named the '' Millennial Harbinger''. He was concerned that "Christian Baptist" - which he considered to be less appropriate than the biblical term "Disciples" - was becoming the de facto name of the group. He also wanted the new journal to have a more positive tone, promoting reform and preparing the world for the second coming of Christ.Gary Holloway
"Alexander Campbell as a Publisher"
'' Restoration Quarterly'', Vol. 37 No. 1 (1995) The transition was not immediate, as he published both magazines during the first seven months of 1830.

References

External links

''The Christian Baptist''
at the Internet Archive {{Restoration Movement Restoration Movement Christian magazines Magazines established in 1823 Magazines disestablished in 1830