STUDIES ON THE SPIRIT

In the near future there are to be two extensive studies of the Holy Spirit, representing a cross-section of the Restoration Movement. The first one, Dec. 27-28, is to be at Hartford, Ill., just across from St. Louis, at the Church of Christ (non-instrument), 137 E. Maple St. Speakers will include both Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett, along with brethren from several Church of Christ-Christian Church groups. The congregation provides free lodging as far as possible, and the sisters provide meals at the building during the day. The subjects are enticing, including the personality of the Spirit, the baptism and gift of the Spirit, the Spirit and prayer life, the Spirit and unity, the fruits of the Spirit. The study is open, with anyone free to ask questions or make comments.

The other study is to be at Southeastern Christian College in Winchester, Ky., Feb. 28-March 3. The subjects are similar to the Hartford list, with one appearing particularly attractive, the relation of the Spirit to paper and ink. Southeastern is associated with the prernillennial wing of non-instrument Churches of Christ, but their invitations to speakers is extending beyond sectarian lines.

We are encouraged that there is this much concern for the Holy Spirit and His relationship to unity and brotherhood. It is especially noteworthy that men of various backgrounds can join hands in a serious study of this kind. It would appear that if unity is in reality the fruit of the Spirit rather than our own work, that we have now begun at the right place.

One interesting feature of the invitation sent out by President Houtz of Southeastern is this paragraph:

While our invitation to the various speakers indicates nothing as to our doctrinal agreement with them in all matters, it does indicate our love and respect for them as our brothers in Christ, and is to be construed as “fellowship.” Their acceptance of our invitation may be construed as broadly or narrowly as the speakers desire.

A paragraph from the Hartford invitation is equally provocative (how do you like that first line?):

The congregation of saints constituting the church of Christ, meeting at 137 East Maple Street, is unique in some respects. The entire flock, including the four elders believe that the brethren must do something tangible about the problem of division. This little congregation in Hartford, Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis, Missouri, is willing to spend and be spent in promoting the cause of unity and fellowship among all of God’s children.

We have cause to be encouraged when little congregations and little colleges take on efforts of this kind. Perhaps their boldness can be explained on the basis of their having less to lose than big churches and big colleges. Or it just may be that many of those who really seek truth are in these small places. However it may be explained, it will be awhile yet before we have open meetings like these in the big churches, with all our groups represented. And none of our larger colleges has yet sent out an invitation like that one from Winchester. We have to admit, up to this time at least, that when Abilene or Nashville (or Los Angeles or Searcy) issues an invitation to a man, it is fairly well determined ahead of time what he will say.

When a slip is made and a man says something off the beaten path, a hurried caucus is held by party dignitaries, and the man is called on the carpet for his conduct. This happened only last year at one of our prominent colleges, and it was, by the way, on the subject of the Holy Spirit. In view of what Hartford and Winchester have planned, we would have cause to be surprised if anyone at either of these meetings gets arrested by either the police or the brethren.