RESPONSE TO MEYERS’ SERMON ON KING

In the last issue of this journal we promised to run some of the reactions to the sermon “Can We Understand?” by Robert Meyers. We are doing this because we believe a revival of social concern is imperative to the mission of the body of Christ in our time. If we can believe in a “social gospel” to the extent that we can get stirred up when a Roman Catholic is a candidate for President, as we did in 1960, then it seems consistent to be concerned over more vital social issues facing our nation in these critical times.

The sermon by Prof. Meyers has been issued in reprint form. The first supply was soon exhausted, but more have been printed and are available for 12 for 1.00 or 100 for 5.00, which is below what they cost us. A single copy will be sent free upon request.

There was considerable reaction to this sermon arising out of the tragic murder of Martin Luther King, both pro and con. Here is a sampling:

Just read Bob Meyers article: It is soul stirring. Saw in Firm Foundation that Uncle Tom Keeble passed away. I wonder what churches of Christ are going to do now for a “pet nigger?” (to quote “How to Become a Bishop without Being Religious”) Well, I think he was used . . . in the wrong way.—reader in Lincoln, Nebraska

I have in the past thought very highly of you and praised your stand on issues such as unity, mutual ministry, and the pastor system. But for printing and praising the article about Martin Luther King I praise you not. If he was not an outright Communist, he was a puppet in their hands. But rather than try and tell you in my words about him, I am sending a pamphlet that will refer you to documented proof of his shady actions.—Ted Leake, Baton Rouge, La.

Thanks for printing this and for making reprints available.—Neal Buffaloe, Arkansas

We felt, when we first read Robert Meyers’ advice and solutions, that here is something that we can do. So I am enclosing a check for 5.00 for 100 copies.—Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Bumstead, California

The current issue of April with Bob Meyers’ sermon and Norman Parks’ reply to Bales is worth the price of the annual subscription.—a professor in Lubbock, Tex.

After reading and rereading your April issue may I say that your popularity with me has hit bottom. I don’t think Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great man. . . The Parks whipping of Bales says to me that he is of the something for nothing group as was M. L. K.. Jr. . . . Don’t you have any pride in being of the land of the free and the home of the brave?—a reader in Oregon

It was an inflammatory sermon. I have been a resident of Los Angeles for the past 36 years and have heard many good sermons preached by both black and white ministers. In Los Angeles more than most any place you can name, the Negroes are helped, appeased, and catered to more than any race of people you can name. The more that has been done, the more is demanded. Our property and other tax has soared to the breaking point to meet welfare needs. Jobs are available, but they are very choosy about jobs as the relief check is good and that way they have more time for demonstrations. 5,000 homes per month are being taken for property tax alone. Old people with meager incomes and bare existence are losing their homes for taxes . . . I am afraid a sermon such as Mr. Meyers’ might tend to make them feel justified for the chaos and destruction they are responsible for. I suggest you have him read the Readers Digest (April issue), written before King’s death, and see what his plans were for the “Poor People’s March” on Washington.—Mrs. H. J. B., Los Angeles

Brother Meyers’ perceptive and timely sermon concerning Martin Luther King was worth the price of a whole subscription—Lester LeMay, Kentucky

Please send us 12 copies of “Can We Understand?” so that we may pass it on to our neighbors and friends. It is worthwhile and meaningful.—Mrs. Jerry Higginbotham, Missouri