Sandemanianism is a term used to describe the religious beliefs and practices of the Sandemanians, a Christian sect founded by John Glas in the 18th century. The word is spelled with three syllables: san-de-ma-ni-an-ism. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is ˌsændəˈmeɪniənɪz(ə)m. The stress falls on the third and sixth syllables. The word is derived from the surname Sandeman, which was the name of one of the sect's leaders. Sandemanianism emphasizes the importance of simple worship and strict adherence to scripture.
Sandemanianism refers to the religious movement and doctrines founded by Robert Sandeman during the 18th century. It emerged as a sect within the broader realm of Christianity, particularly within Protestantism. Sandemanianism is characterized by a set of beliefs that emphasize strict adherence to biblical teachings and the rejection of human traditions or sacraments not expressly mentioned in the Bible.
Followers of Sandemanianism, known as Sandemanians, place earnest focus on the authority of Scripture and its role in shaping their religious practices. They prioritize a literal interpretation of the Bible and seek to adhere to its teachings as closely as possible. This includes rejecting the use of liturgy, sacraments, and symbols not explicitly outlined in the biblical text.
The movement stresses the concept of faith as the only requirement for salvation, advocating for the belief that individuals can be saved by faith alone, without the need for personal achievements or good works. Consequently, Sandemanians tend to downplay or dismiss the significance of rituals, religious ceremonies, or outward displays of devotion in achieving salvation.
Sandemanianism, once influential and sizable, eventually experienced a decline in followers and influence as other religious movements and denominations gained popularity. Today, it is considered a historical sect within Christianity, recognized for its strict interpretation of Scripture and emphasis on faith as the key to salvation.
The word "Sandemanianism" is derived from the name of its founder, Robert Sandeman, and the suffix "-ism" which denotes a belief system or ideology. Robert Sandeman was a Scottish theologian and church leader in the 18th century who developed his own interpretation of Christianity. The followers of Sandeman's teachings became known as Sandemanians, and their beliefs became known as Sandemanianism.