Head or heart? : The Richardson-Fanning Controversy and its effect on spirituality in the Stone-Campbell movement.

Abstract

Dr. Robert Richardson, a leader in the early Stone-Campbell Movement, an indigenous American church, challenged the theology of the sect, which consubstantiated Spirit and scripture. The group highly regarded enlightened philosophy whereas emotionalism, like which occurred at camp meetings during the Second Great Awakening, was eschewed. The result was a de-emphasis on Christian spirituality. Dr. Richardson challenged another coreligionist, Tolbert Fanning, who held an extreme application of sensate materialism. In so doing, this study will show Richardson awoke spiritual slumbers and catalyzed devotional life in the movement resulting in the advent of pious literature. Research consisted primarily of nineteenth century primary narrative sources especially denominational journals, personal correspondence, eyewitness accounts, as well as quantitative research of available print catalogues. Following the controversy and in the four decades prior to 1900, the fifth largest denomination in the United States produced few resources to aid in the understanding of the Holy Spirit or materials to enhance the spiritual lives of its members. Herculean forces resisted Richardson's efforts. From an entrenched Lockean philosophy, an inherent aversion to emotionalism and revivalism, a devastating debate with a southern leader who, along with the southern states, cut off all communication during the Civil War to the chaos of competition by bishop-editors. Nonetheless, Richardson's influence instigated devotional writings when previously there were none: a major treatise on the Holy Spirit and seven other books were penned that focused on Christian lifestyle and piety, and additionally, three other sermonic publications included [homiletical] entries of a pietistic nature. A larger, longitudinal study of the influence of Lockean epistemology on the movement many give insight into the continued resistance to spirituality and the eventual, rapid growth of devotional publications.