LETTERS OF INTEREST

Accept my congratulations on your scholarly efforts. This journal is a fine instrument of high-level Christian communication. Best wishes in your efforts to promote better understanding among all the groups of the restoration tradition. — Bob Fleming, San Mateo, Calif.

Upon looking at the Restoration Review for Winter, 1961 I was disappointed to see many features left out. After reading it, however, I found it to be a most important issue. Here is a field of writing which is truly neglected but very important, and 1 am looking forward to learning more about the early leaders of the movement. Having “waded” through the Memoirs in class at Ozark Bible College, it was a real joy to meet the author through your article.

One thing caught my attention that I have thought about much lately. On page 17 you mention that “the main stream of Disciples are splitting over such cooperative agencies as the United Christian Missionary Society.” I have done a limited amount of study on this question by reading in the publications at the time of the formation of the UCMS. During this period from 1915-1925 I was amazed to discover how little the question of cooperation versus independency was raised. The main question was comity, liberal tendencies, and open membership. The strong opposition to agencies seemed to come as a reaction to the ability to control these agencies against the wishes of members in assembly by means of “interpretation in committee” and thus “cooperation” became a controversy. — Charles Garrison, Lexington, Ky.

Frankly, a lengthy series of bitter experiences with my a capella brethren have left me with a very low estimate of the value of attempts at fellowship in that direction. It would seem, however, that you have somehow managed to maintain freedom of faith and spontaneity of feeling and expression, through by what means I cannot imagine. At any rate, I am quite willing to be Jonadab to your Jehu, or vice versa, but let us hope with a less gruesome objective. — Orvel Crowder, Milligan College, Tenn.

I have a feeling that there is a new concern, at a serious level, for a re-evaluation of our Disciple heritage that will enable us once more to feel that we have a mission in the world, under the providence of God. But it may be that it will be our generation that will have to do this reworking, and I know that it will take a lot of discussion and thought and study and prayer. — Richard M. Pope, The College of the Bible, Lexington, Ky.

I am still struggling with the problem of legalism and freedom, and have started a study of the Galatian letter to discover more on these subjects. To me a light which now shines very dimly has been given. I hope I can broaden and brighten the scope of it for my spiritual well-being. — Percy Faenger, Bonne Terre, Mo.

W. L. Totty was here recently and he spoke very, very favorably of you and Carl Ketcherside. We had a long talk and he agrees with us that there are Christians in denominations, and that the church is made up of God’s people everywhere. He and the elders at Garfield Heights recently accepted a Christian Church brother just as he was, without a confession or anything. He said if he were to preach some of the things our church fathers believed in and taught, that he would be thrown out. What is the answer? — Buff Scott. Gallipolis. Ohio.

(Editor’s Note: Part of the answer, brother Scott, is for more of us to be more honest with ourselves and with God like brother Totty is trying to be. Any person who spends a few honest hours with Carl Ketcherside cannot help but appreciate him. More important is that some of us are now receiving those that Christ has always received — those that believe in him and obey him, regardless of denomination. If there are no Christians in the denominations, then what about all those folk in the Church of Christ. or should I say all the many kinds of Church of Christ? It is gratifying that here and there we hear of a Christian Church brother taken into Church of Christ fellowship. Now I would say this is progress. We have arrived at the place where we take Christians into our fellowship!)

I would like to thank Garrett, Evans, and an the contributors to Restoration Review. This quarterly has been instrumental in leading me out of bondage. It seems to take thoughts out of the back of my mind and put them into words. — Howard G. Fisk, Jr., Torrance, Calif.

CALL FOR CONCERN

I am quite sure that most of us are failing to fulfill our obligations as citizens and as a result our country is in danger of being overrun by socialism and that this cause is being advanced by Communists. In other words the extensive governmental control, the disappearing individual freedoms are but stepping stones on the road to Communism. The citizens of this great country must become informed and active if this great threat is to be averted. Federal owned corporations have taken over 40 per cent of the land area and 20 per cent of the industrial capacity of the U.S. These corporations operating rent free, cost free, interest free and tax free lose over $10 billion a year.

The tremendous strength of the Communists in the U.S. is either unknown or viewed with indifference by most of our fellow citizens. Their influence in high places of government, various news media, and schools and churches is just about unbelievable. I strongly recommend “The Pentagon Case” by Fox, “Master of Deceit” by Hoover, “Nine Men Against America” by Gordon, and “A Businessman Looks at Communism” by Koch. I have started Harry and Bonaro Overstreet’s “What We Must Know About Communism.” — J. B. Huckabay. Jr., Midland, Texas.

I have thought of writing on Roger Williams as a restorationist. In his desire to follow the primitive pattern, he opposed the hired clergy, seminaries, and sectarian arrogance; and he distinguished between “the begetting ministry of the apostles or messengers to the nations” and “the feeding and nourishing ministry of pastors and teachers.” (from The Hireling Ministry None of Christ’s) -Robert Grayson, State College, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

You may be interested to know that I transferred my church membership from the Starkville Church of Christ to the University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Fall of 1960. I am a Fundamentalist like most people in the Church of Christ, and not a Liberal like some people in the Christian Church. But I did not like the intolerant atmosphere, lack of inquiry and debate and lack of progress in the Church of Christ. Furthermore, talking to other Fundamentalists who always agree with me is extremely boring. — Lawrence A. Kratz, Mississippi State U., University, Miss.

(Editor’s Note: This is what I would call “Going to the Christian Church,” the thing I have been accused of doing. While I do not choose to take this step, though I realize one communion is as close to or as far from the restoration of primitive Christianity as the other, I think we should grant every brother the liberty to work and worship where he can best serve the Christ. As a general rule I think we should stay where we are and work for Restoration even though there may be many things we do not endorse or appreciate. But each must decide this for himself, for “it is before his own Master that he stands or falls.”)

I don’t know how you manage to secure such men to contribute messages on the high plane they have found, but it certainly is a relief to read after fearless and farseeing men.-C. H. Ephland, Nevada, Mo.

Your penetrating analysis of the current failures of the Restoration Movement are intoxicatingly exciting! Keep up the splendid editorials. Be silenced by no man. In Calvary’s Tie. — Dean Hickerson, Mincie, Indiana

To Professor Garrett (on the occasion of his eye injury):

One hundred days of coldness,

One hundred more of dire thirst,

A multitude with soul so pierced by conflict irresolvable,

And singed by disillusionment.

Yet with a Hand to hold,

I dare to grasp.

But one of warmth,

But one of fellowship,

But one of love.

And these alone stand erect,

Thrusting forth their precious fragments,

Which, while never revealing the whole,

Compose its outline,

And suffice for happiness.

I am of Man, and of its brotherhood

I shall partake.

by Mark Dorlester

(Philosophy student, Bethany College)

EDITOR WINS AWARD

Dear Dr. Garrett

Congratulations!

Your exceptional classroom work in behalf of responsible, patriotic citizenship and the American Way of Life has been singled out by Freedoms Foundation’s dis-professional contribution to maintaining our American Constitutional Republic . . .

There is no calling in America today more important or vital to our country’s future than forthright Teaching of the verities of our spiritually based Constitutional Republic, now under assault by world communism. By virtue of your selection, Freedoms Foundation is delighted to bestow this proper recognition on you for your outstanding service beyond the call of duty in helping our young people to a better understanding and knowledge of their rights and responsibilities in this land of God and freedom . . .

Yours faithfully,                               

Kenneth D. Wells,                          

President                                        

Freedoms Foundation at                 
      Valley Forge                                   

It is with genuine pleasure that I extend my commendations to you for your contributions in developing an increased awareness and appreciation of American democratic values among your students. Yours is a high calling and a heavy responsibility, which you have discharged with credit to yourself and your community, and for which you deserve the gratitude of all Americans.

At a time when our civilization and the assumptions of a democratic culture are challenged as never before, the American classroom is truly the first line of defense and offense for the future. —Jennings Randolph, United States Senate

It is my understanding that you were selected by a distinguished awards jury from nominations made by the general public in every part of our state. In making this selection, it was the aim of the Foundation to properly recognize the exceptional classroom teachers and school administrators who inspire young people to a fuller recognition and appreciation of our Constitutional Republic, as a vital personal responsibility. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on this recognition . . . — Rex M. Smith, State Superintendent of Schools, Charleston, West Virginia

(Editor’s Note: It is the Lilly Endowment, Inc. in Indianapolis that should receive the award. It is their money and foresight that made the project of teaching moral values to gifted high school seniors possible. This program began at Jacksonville, III. High School and last year it continued at Triadelphia High School in Wheeling. By means of the Lilly Endowment, the project will move into a third high school this fall at Steubenville, Ohio. This work for Lilly is, of course, along with my work as a college professor.)