RESPONSE FROM READERS

Even though, as far as our brethren are concerned, you seem not to be in vogue, I want you to know that I appreciate you and love you as one of my brothers.

God hasten the day that all of us will recognize that unity can be based only in Christ. I personally believe that there are many preachers (especially among my colleagues of late, that feel as you and brother Ketcherside do on many issues, but with much hesitancy say naught due to brotherhood pressure . . . —Texas

People talk about reestablishing the first century church when so little is known about it. If it were possible it would not be adequate for the 20th century, for it appears that none of the primitive churches were identical, and we can be sure that none of them was perfect. —Kansas

I believe you to be completely wrong about entering into fellowship of those who teach error. I never read where any of you men (unless you have done so) ever take notice of such scriptures as 2 John 9-11. But after all that passage is wholly different from that which you advocate. The church surely is torn asunder with divisions of all kind, but not a single error will God ever acknowledge irrespective of how they may be covered by us with a “brotherhood cloak” of some kind. —Dallas

(I sent this good brother, a fine minister of the gospel, materials on 2 John 9 published by both Carl Ketcherside and me. He has been so kind to exchange views with us by letter, which we would like to pass along to our readers sometime, at least some of it. —Ed.)

I have been deeply impressed with your efforts in Restoration Review, and I never cease to be caught up in the spirit of your editorials. And, Ouida, you are the very last I would have dreamed would be caught out after hours. For shame! —Nebraska

(He first describes how Restoration Review by chance fell into his hands, which we will not quote, lest it identify the brother). Later that night when my wife was putting the children to bed, I scanned through them. I could not believe my eyes! Here in writing was, if not the very positions I had agonized through to, then at least the direction in which my thinking was moving. I cried. I thanked God. I woke my wife. I was saved from the terrible loneliness and gross conceit of thinking that I was the “one eye in the land of the blind” … Must I pour my heart out and confess what I truly believe to the brethren? They would drop me like a ton of bricks for being so “liberal.” —a wonderful but troubled Church of Christ minister

Thank you very much for the interest you have in the improvement of our brotherhood. I feel sure you will be doing some good, though I’ do not necessarily agree with every idea of yours. Now I’ll have to whip up a dollar for a subscription to Mission Messenger, that periodical of Carl Ketcherside which I constantly hear of in your pages. —Tennessee (Church of Christ evangelist)

I certainly did enjoy “Voices of Concern” and I hope Bales will take you up on your generous offer. —Nashville

(Prof. Bales begins in our next issue. Prof. Meyers responds. So hold on to your hat! —Ed.)