No formal position; the Spirit guides the community through Scripture
Disciples do not have a formal position on extra-biblical revelation. The founding Restoration principle was that Scripture alone is sufficient for faith and practice, implying no need for additional revelation. Contemporary Disciples affirm the ongoing work of the Spirit in guiding the church but generally locate this guidance in communal discernment through Scripture and reason rather than in prophetic oracles or charismatic revelations.
The denomination's progressive wing is open to ongoing moral and theological insight as the Spirit leads the community to new understanding — an approach that functions as a form of progressive revelation, even if not explicitly articulated in those terms. This openness underpins developments on issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Key Distinctions
- Current revelation:
- Scripture primary; open theological inquiry
- Prophetic gifts today:
- varies widely
- Tradition authority:
- no binding tradition; individual freedom
Scripture References
Sources
- Disciples of Christ, Design of the Christian Church (1968)