Calvary Chapel Beliefs, History, Quotes and Facts
Calvary Chapel professes to be non-denominational, but it does hold strongly to certain controversial beliefs or practices that have historically divided and defined the denominations. One example is its commitment to believer's baptism (not infant baptism), administered by immersion. There is a belief in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit including Glossolalia, i.e. Speaking in Tongues, but the open manifestation of these gifts is usually reserved for smaller groups instead of the larger service. One distinctive of the church is its practice of studying the Bible in a progressive fashion, line by line.
Calvary Chapel History
The Calvary Chapel Movement was essentially spawned by Lonnie Frisbee, not Chuck Smith. It was Chuck's embracing of Frisbee that drew the massive crowds of young hippies during the Jesus Movement who then grew up and were Institutionalized by the opportunistic and shrewd Businessman, Chuck Smith.
Lonnie Frisbee was addicted to LSD and had homosexual relations with other men. His life and struggles with drugs and homosexuality is well documented. He died of AIDS as a result of his homosexual lifestyle. A very sad end I would not wish on anyone.
Kathryn Kuhlman, another Calvary Chapel and Chuck Smith partner that was instrumental in the genesis of the Movement is hailed as the major influence in Benny Hinn's life. The hyper-Charismatic "faith healer", Kuhlman, was very close to Smith and very much a part of the early days of CC.
How Old Is Your Church?
If you worship with the Calvary Chapel, Chuck Smith started your sect in California in the late 1960's.
If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church, in approximately 1520. (see Some interesting facts about Martin Luther, the originator of Protestant "Christianity")
If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII (an ex-Catholic) in the year 1534. Henry VIII decided to create his own church when Pope Clement VII would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.
If you are a Mennonite, Menno Simons (an ex-Catholic) created your religion in 1536.
If you are a Presbyterian, John Knox (an ex-Catholic) founded your sect in Scotland in the year 1560.
If you are a Congregationalist, your religion began with Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.
If you are a Baptist, John Smyth created your sect in Amsterdam in 1605.
If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, your church began with Michaelis Jones in New York in 1628.
If you are a Quaker, your religion began with George Fox in 1652.
If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, Samuel Seabury created your sect in the American colonies in the 17th century, as an offshoot of the Church of England.
If you are Amish, Jacob Amman created your religion in 1693, as an offshoot of the Mennonites.
If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.
If you are a Unitarian, Theophilus Lindley founded your sect in London in 1774.
If you are a Mormon ("Latter Day Saints"), your religion comes from Joseph Smith, who revealed it in Palmyra, N.Y. in 1829.
If you are a Seventh Day Adventist, your religion was created by Ellen White in 1860.
If you worship with the Salvation Army, William Booth started your sect in London in 1865.
If you are of the "Jehovah's Witnesses," your beliefs came from Charles Taze Russell in 1872.
If you are a "Christian Scientist," Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy devised your religion in 1879.
If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as "Church of the Nazarene," "Pentecostal Gospel," "Holiness Church," "Pilgrim Holiness Church," "Assemblies of God," "United Church of Christ," etc., your religion is one of the thousands of new sects founded by men in the last century.
If you are Catholic, you know that your religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, true God and true man; and that this one Church, to which people must belong to be saved, will exist until the end of time.
What the Bible Really Teaches
