RESPONSE FROM READERS

 

In your October issue, page 144, you have a statement that I should have had sense enough to see, but it never occurred to me in just the way you put it. Your “basis of fellowship” if received would put to rest most of the foolish mouthings of our loyal (?) preachers. But if they began preaching this instead of Church of Christ ingrained thought, they would soon find themselves outside the pale of safe teachers. It does not matter how little learning a preacher may have, he will say “Let us unite on the Book,” and whatever he says the Book says shuts out all else.—Ohio

I wish something could be done (and I am willing to do my part) to arrange a forum at ACC (possibly during Lectureship), whereby you, brother Ketcherside, some ACC representatives, and maybe others could speak regarding fellowship, unity, for faith and opinion, then be questioned by the audience . . . I find quite a bit in your paper that seems objectionable to my thinking, but am really enjoying the exchange between brother Bales and the Voices of Concern writers. I also found “Power Politics in Nashville” very interesting . . . Abilene, Texas

Bales’ review of Pat’s article was rather disgusting—a redigest of stuff he has written before and twisted to fit this case. He is one of the most arrogant persons I have read. He has a front to protect at all times, a super-ego to guard at every step. His is a world of blacks and whites—no grays at all. His work has been a sorry performance from his first attack on the person of Logan Fox onward. I wish he could read a little of what some of our more thoughtful theologians have to say on the evils of pride.—Tennessee

I find many of the ideas challenging and stimulating. Keep up the good work.—California

We are enjoying the Review and receiving from it a great spiritual lift and encouragement.—Missouri

Sorry about that heat stroke, but I enjoyed your reporting of it.—Texas

Be careful, you hear!—Texas

I wanted to write and thank you for the ambulance article. The sense of humor as well as the personal spiritual quality which came through so vividly made me feel I knew Leroy Garrett as I had never known him before.—California

Sorry to read about your illness. Here is my advice to you: Leave Texas and come to California!—Los Angeles

I continue to find real joy and help in both your journal and Carl Ketcherside’s. Meyers’ article on King James is excellent and your editorials throb with both head and heart.—Arkansas

If Brother Fox needs any further evidence of dishonesty in the pulpit and eldership, have him contact me. I may not agree with his opinions, but I agree with his right to voice them and furthermore I admire his courage in making them public.—Georgia

I deeply appreciate your editorials, and thank God that I not only have found Jesus, but a fellowship in His spirit with you . . . The Lord has great things in the future for his people!—Oklahoma

——THE FRINGE OF THE CHURCH …

Why then do I stay with the Church of Christ? Why not join some other body? … If I jumped the fence it would take me five years to learn the language, and in each case there are disadvantages that are fully as unpleasant as those in the Church of Christ. I prefer a known devil to an unknown one. I am what I have learned to be—a Campbellite. In this body I have a certain amount of influence and I know the ropes. I know who the so called important men are. I can serve my Lord better by remaining in my own denomination . . .

I believe I have been given a mission by the Father. When I was in ACC, I watched some of my friends give up believing. They were some of the finest of the students from an academic and potential point of view. They left the C of C in disgust because of the narrowness, ignorance, and downright hatefulness of many of the members they knew. Many of these could have lived full Christ-like lives if they had been introduced to Jesus instead of a stultifying system of legalism and exclusivism. It was my dearest hope to return to ACC as a teacher and minister to these persons.

Since my graduation I have been through maturing experiences. I have read and I have suffered. I have been through the process of vomiting up all of my religion and then being filled with what I believe the Father wanted me to have. But apparently it is not in his plan for me to go to ACC. I am unfortunately a person given to saying sibboleth instead of shibboleth, and having to learn a new pronunciation to live in Abilene would, I think, destroy me. I have accepted the fact that I am called to live elsewhere, and now I do not even want to go back to Abilene.

My sophomoric dreams of power and influence died completely, and I adjusted to the thought that I would live on the fringe of the church . . . Name withheld