READERS' EXCHANGE

 

That Chart!

This is to inform our readers that we still have a fistful (an appropriate term) of those charts on “The Church of Christ Establishment.” Business has been good. They have gone to and fro across the brotherhood. We are pleased that in these perilous times there are still many with a sense of humor. With a price of 25 cents for one and 35 cents for two, many sent a dollar with specific instructions with what to do with the change. And my dear Ouida insists that all such generosity cease, for already she has coming, once in the stands at the Super Bowl (on chart money!) 16 hot dogs, 18 cokes, and 13 bags of popcorn!

We commend you for your sense of humor. Seriously, this has long been one of our failures: our inability to laugh at the appropriate time and to take some issues less seriously than we have. Who will do an article on that subject for us? For your trouble we’ll proffer a hot dog, a coke, and a bag of popcorn!

Mission Awards

Speaking of writing, some of our sophisticated writers might like to try their style with an article for Mission, Box 326, Oxford, Ohio 45056. First prize is 150.00. The point is to so write as to bring the biblical message to bear powerfully and compassionately on the realities of the present world. You can write for further information, and you can subscribe for 4.00.

Lewis’ Article

At first I found myself rebelling, but as I strived for an open mind and spirit, I saw what I thought to be a great truth.

There is no Mariolatry as some have stated. Rather I see an example to help sons and daughters draw ever closer to their heavenly Father.

As Mary gave soul, body and spirit totally to God, so you and I must do the same. This is not a worship of Mary the mother of Jesus, but a perfect example of what is expected of each person naming Christ as Lord.—California

The Church of Christ has gone completely overboard in an attempt to ignore Mary. However, I’ll have to do some careful thinking about some things in his article. I hope I can be objective about it and not let my indoctrination against Mariolatry keep me from being rational. I’ll say one thing, Warren is certainly capable of thinking for himself.—Oregon

It has been our good pleasure to know and worship with a fellowship of Catholics who are seeking a closer walk with our Lord. . . However, the question of Mary’s place in the Christian Way has left us in a quandery. Warren has, I believe, been given a real answer to our prayers.—Illinois

I am pleased to see Warren Lewis’ article published in Restoration Review—New York (a fellow editor)

To me, a Mary, it was beautiful. We have left her out, she being too Catholic. It blessed me to think of her place in the birth of my Jesus and His body of believers.—California

The responses that we have had thus far to Lewis’ piece on Mary have all been positive. Those of you who had a negative reaction should write us and state your case.

The Coming New Day

There is a grass roots movement that is bringing all segments of religious people together where an honest, seeking and spiritual hunger is being manifested such as has never been.—Florida

The lines of communication are up again and we do pray they will stay up. Before these unity meetings we could not even look at each other without hating. Now we can meet together and realize that we are brethren.—West Virginia

This is an orthodox congregation composed of orthodox Church of Christ people. But they are not as orthodox as they appear. As you get acquainted and let an occasional “radical” statement drop, they open up and the truth comes out. They are fed up. Fed up with traditional preaching the official conclusions and positions without regard to the scriptures. Fed up with dull, insipid worship services that leave you more tired than inspired. Fed up with a leadership that is afraid to act boldly in the name of Jesus Christ. Many are hanging on, and some have already slipped away.—Texas

I have been enrolled in a spiritual disaster area for the past two years (he names a Church of Christ college—Ed.), I have come to depend on your intriguing magazine, among others, for moral reinforcement.

I was determined to preach the college down, but came to realize that condemnation of the disease would not cure it. Some “big” Christians helped me to see that love was the cure. It was my first real acquaintance with love, though I was born among those elite of the world that have tbe Truth . . .

When I tell others about the peace of mind that was shown to me by Jesus and see them get a flicker of it also, I know it must be real. I have never tried drugs, but I am willing to testify to anyone that has done so that he can experience the best and most prolonged “high” he has ever had by turning on with Jesus. . .

Would it embarrass you if I were to tell you that I love you.—Texas

You might be interested to know what has happened in the church where I am a member. The church is mostly rural. When we came here five years ago we were the only folks with even a college degree. It was “two songs and a prayer . . .,” King James only (the brethren even passed a law saying KJV only its still in the minutes!). And all white folks, of course.

Since then things have happened. No one person is responsible, unless one has faith enough to believe it is the doing of God. Today the membership is much more mixed, although the rural cultural climate is still in the majority; but there are several professors, a bunch of students, business people, etc. And nearly one-fourth are black (the most integrated church of any stripe in the area). Sunday morning we worship God. No 30 minute sermons. But praise, prayer, exhortations, sentence prayer (even a woman joined in once—it was a bit jarring), offering, and all centered on Lord’s Supper.— in the midwest

With Dudley Lynch having gone the way of all original editors, only you and Ketcherside keep me going.—Florida

My contact with community groups reveals a discouraging disregard for elementary human dignity and the suffering of the poor. “Christians” are no exception. I have located 9 churches of Christ. None manifest concern with anything outside their respective meeting houses. This includes two all-black churches. One Congregational minister, one Methodist (black), one Presbyterian, and a Catholic priest are getting involved, yes, and one Episcopalian. — California

With the exception of the last selection or two, these testimonials reflect a new spirit of change among us, the drawing of a new day. We are somewhat in advance of what I would have predicted for the end of the 60’s. Believe me, by the grace if God what we call the Church of Christ will be something quite different by the end of the 70’s. This is not to say that all the changes taking place are for the good. I fear that the reaction to our anti-intellectualism is carrying some reformers too far in the other direction. But the changes that allow for the free play of ideas and wholesome differences cannot help but prove a great blessing.