Christadelphian vs Christian
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Christadelphians aren’t real Christians,” you’re not alone. It’s a comment that pops up from time to time—usually out of confusion rather than malice. So let’s clear the air with an open, respectful conversation about what Christadelphians believe and whether they fit under the Christian umbrella. (Spoiler: they absolutely do.)
Starting with Common Ground
First, let’s look at the basics. Christadelphians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that the Bible is God’s Word, and that salvation comes through Jesus Christ. They follow his teachings, try to live by his example, and believe in his death, resurrection, and return. Sound familiar? That’s because these are core Christian beliefs.
Like many others in the Christian family, Christadelphians gather regularly to read the Bible, pray, share bread and wine in memory of Jesus, and encourage one another in faith. They care deeply about love, service, forgiveness, and personal transformation.
So where does the difference come in?
Why the Confusion?
The confusion often stems from the fact that Christadelphians don’t follow traditional creeds like the Trinity or the immortal soul. They have a different understanding of some doctrines that became mainstream centuries after the Bible was written.
For example, instead of believing that God is a Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one being), Christadelphians see God as one—the Father—and Jesus as His Son, who was fully human but miraculously born. They believe Jesus was tempted like us and could have sinned, but didn’t. This makes his obedience and sacrifice even more meaningful in their eyes.
They also believe that when we die, we’re unconscious until Jesus returns to raise the dead and bring God’s kingdom to Earth. This view comes from passages like Ecclesiastes 9:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16. It’s different from the common view of going to heaven at death, but it’s still centered on hope, resurrection, and eternal life with Jesus.
A Different Lens, Same Foundation
These differences don’t remove Christadelphians from Christianity—they just mean Christadelphians are part of a less well-known branch. Think of it like this: just as Baptists, Methodists, and Pentecostals have different interpretations of Scripture, Christadelphians read the Bible with a focus on personal study, historical context, and first-century Christian teachings.
They don’t claim to have all the answers, but they do take Scripture seriously and try to live it out in daily life. There’s no paid clergy, no political agenda—just a community of people quietly trying to follow Christ as they understand him.
So, Are Christadelphians Christians?
Absolutely. They believe in Christ, follow his teachings, and build their lives around him. That’s what makes someone a Christian—not whether they agree with every historical doctrine or church tradition.
