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.