The Church That Chooses Faith Over Medicine

When children die of preventable illnesses because their parents refuse medical care, headlines often describe them as “faith healers.” Behind that phrase lies a century-and-a-half-old religious movement that has quietly shaped the lives — and deaths — of thousands: The General Assembly and Church of the First Born.

This small, insular sect, often referred to simply as the Church of the First Born, is deeply rooted in fundamentalist Christian tradition. Its origins trace back to the mid-1800s, when figures such as John N. Burton, Elias Brewer, and David T. McDonald — all of whom had ties to the early Latter-Day Saints movement — began preaching a doctrine centered around divine healing, spiritual gifts, and a literal reading of the New Testament.

Unlike most mainstream Christian denominations, the Church of the First Born rejects modern medicine entirely. They believe that the sick should be healed by faith, prayer, anointing with oil, and the laying on of hands, citing a passage from the Book of James as their guiding principle. In their worldview, turning to a doctor is not simply unnecessary — it is an act of disobedience to God.

A Movement Without Walls or Records

The Church of the First Born is not structured like a traditional religious institution. It has no formal membership rolls, no centralized hierarchy, and no denominational headquarters. Congregations — often referred to as assemblies — are led by elders and deacons, with services conducted in homes, small buildings, or even schoolhouses.

Worship is unprogrammed and spontaneous. There are no prepared sermons, Sunday school classes, or choirs. Members speak, sing, pray, or prophesy “as the Spirit leads.” Musical instruments are rarely used, and children sit alongside adults throughout services.

The church is known for being tight-knit and self-reliant. Members care for one another’s needs — including health care — within the community. Outsiders are rarely invited in, and members are often discouraged from seeking help beyond their faith circle.

From Revival to Resistance

The early history of the movement is marked by rapid expansion and intense devotion. By the 1870s, a group known as the Followers of Christ had formed in Kansas, later spreading into Oklahoma, Idaho, Oregon, and California. Leaders like General Marion Reece and Jim Hays established congregations across the American West, baptizing hundreds and preaching a message that emphasized divine healing and separation from the world.

By the early 20th century, the Church of the First Born had grown large enough to petition the U.S. government for military exemptions, citing their belief in nonviolence and obedience to God’s law above all else. Their petition, signed by church elders in 1918, outlined a simple creed: faith in Christ, baptism by immersion, gifts of the Spirit, and strict adherence to the Bible.

One notable tenet emphasized their opposition to war, citing Jesus’ commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” and his warning that “All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” These principles, combined with their rejection of modern medicine, set them apart — and often at odds — with broader society.

Faith Healing and Fatal Consequences

The Church of the First Born’s most controversial practice — and the one that continues to bring it under legal scrutiny — is its unwavering rejection of medical intervention. Members believe that seeking medical help demonstrates a lack of faith and can jeopardize one’s salvation.

This doctrine has led to numerous deaths, often of children, from treatable conditions such as appendicitis, diabetes, and pneumonia. In many of these cases, parents have been charged with negligent homicide or manslaughter, igniting debates about religious freedom, parental rights, and the state’s obligation to protect minors.

Yet despite arrests, convictions, and public outrage, the church’s teachings remain largely unchanged. The belief that healing must come from God alone continues to guide its members — even when the cost is measured in lives.

A Hidden Faith That Demands Attention

Today, the Church of the First Born remains relatively small and often overlooked. Its congregations are scattered, its members fiercely private. But its influence — particularly in legal battles surrounding faith healing — is significant. The group’s story is more than a historical curiosity; it is a living example of how deeply held beliefs can collide with the responsibilities of modern society.

At the heart of the debate is a painful question: Where does religious freedom end and a child’s right to life begin?

It’s a question we must continue to ask — because behind every court case, every headline, and every act of “faith healing” is a human life that might have been saved.

Credits: Adapted from original reporting and historical material from Wikipedia and associated sources on the General Assembly and Church of the First Born.