READERS' EXCHANGE

 

I don’t know how much longer God is going to tolerate the carryings on of some of the brethren in their legalistic handling of cases within the church, straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel. The church in Athens, Alabama was split over a bathing suit worn by the daughter of the minister; and the shameful handling of the Boone’s parents’ case in Nashville. Believing in Rom. 8:28 as I do, I have to know that it is all working together for good. One blessing is that thousands of people are getting their eyes opened to the narrow, legalistic, sectarian spirit that still abounds. But thank God it is not all that way, for rays of hope are bountifully scattered here and there if one looks for it. —Talmadge McNabb, 1401 Elm, El Paso 79930

Neither do we want to be part of an Ichabod church. Thank you for providing the series by brother Crowhurst, a sincere seeker after God who shall not fail in his search, for the Lord will reward those that seek him earnestly. —Paul Logue, 221 Joy Ave., Webster Groves, Mo. 63119

Churches of Christ (Disciples) in this country continue to drop in membership totals, but are playing a full part in ecumenical discussion. In England the Congregational and the Presbyterian Churches have united and formed the United Reformed Church, with whom we are to have conversations that lead to a union. Of our local churches only a few are strong, with many facing problems of qualified leadership. —William Arthur, 148 Carmunnock Rd., Glasgow, Scotland

We are enjoying your mini-meetings almost as much as you are. Good reporting! —Mrs. A. V. Mansur, Galt, Ca.

You mis-judge the bumper sticker “Love it or Leave It.” The message is not “If you criticize the country, then get out.” The message is “If you don’t like our government, a republic, then get out and go to a dictatorship government.” The biggest promoters of this bumper sticker are conservatives, and you know how critical they are of certain aspects of the government. —Max Watson, 2603 Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas

At our 25th annual fellowship this fall we had a fine gift by Finis Caldwell of his whole library of 2200 books. Last fall we had 112 enrolled. This fall 158. So we are busy. Now we have had 5,064 enrolled in 25 years. Pray for us. —Steve Eckstein, Church of Christ Bible Chair, Eastern New Mexico U., Portales 88130

(I know of no educational work among us more deserving of your support, and where one can get more mileage for the dollar, than Steve Eckstein’s ministry at the university in Portales. Why not write and ask to be placed on the mailing list for reports? You may decide you’d like to lend a helping hand, which they badly need just now. —Ed.)

I enjoy reading your little journal very much. How thankful I am for your efforts in the interest of unity. —George O. McQueary, 288 Arlington Dr., Ukiah, Ca. 95442

What I Will Do To Promote Unity

1. I will pray for those with whom I disagree. This will cleanse me of bitterness and suspicion.

2. I will stop using dangerous words. I will stop calling “liberal” those with whom I disagree. I will remember that people understand “liberal” differently: to some “liberal” means endorsement of the Today’s English Version, others as denial of the inspiration of the Bible; to some “liberal” means having Bible classes, others as having no classes. To some “liberal” means reading or writing for a certain journal, others as espousing ecumenism; to some “liberal” means changing the order of worship, others as minimizing the importance of worship.

I will stop calling “legalist” those with whom I disagree. I will remember that people understand “legalist” differently: to some “legalist” means preference for the King James Version, others as emphasis on guilt above grace; to some “legalist” means preference for sermons peppered with twenty scriptures, others as belief in racial discrimination; to some “legalist” means undue concern over a Christian earning a Ph.D., others as condemnation of religious books other than the Bible; to some “legalist” means reluctance to eat in a church building, others as demanding laws which God did not make.

I will spell out exactly the issue on which a brother and I disagree. I will not obfuscate the issue or impugn my brother by using these words.

3. I will read a variety of Church of Christ literature. I will not accept second-hand information: I will go to the primary sources. For myself I will read what is said in Mission Messenger, Firm Foundation, Restoration Review, Spiritual Sword, gospel Advocate, and Mission. Books talked about in the brotherhood I will read for myself. Before reaching conclusions on Axe at the Roots, A New Song, voices of Concern, and Voices of Action, I will read them.

4. I will realize that no brother is obligated to answer to me. I will not brandish an imprimatur seal. If I am personally curious about a brother’s belief, or for a rare reason it becomes absolutely necessary that I know a brother’s belief, I will ask him. If error needs exposure, I will first go to the erring brother.

5. I will neither engage in gossip nor listen to it, much less will I publish rumors, I will not engage in crusades intended to destroy a brother. I will disfellowship him if necessary, but I will love him. I will be decent to him. I will do to him as I would he do to me. —Nell Gallagher, College Church of Christ, 3200 N. Ben Jordan, Victoria, Texas 77901

MORE RESPONSES

Your Explo article certainly hit the old nail on the proverbial head. We kept three young men (had asked for nine) and enjoyed them all, one from Oregon, one from Miami, one from New Orleans. Our own Bob also registered and attended most of the sessions. He too was blessed. I t amazes me that they are still dragging out 2 John 9-11 for this kind of application. It must be that they simply haven’t read the chapter. Satan is still using scripture to attain his end. —Dick Smith, 1420 Drury Dr., Dallas 75232

I agree with you 100% about Explo. This has been my way of thinking for years. We should all be one body in the Lord, even though there are differences of opinion. I believe that Explo was by God’s providence. One of the girls here who attended brought back a report that was heart warming. —Eula Kahrig, rt. 3, Pataskala, Ohio 43062

We so enjoy your paper. It has been one of the things that has kept me from throwing up my hands in despair and turning my back on the institutional church. May God continue to bless your work. —Mrs. Paul Dow, 1047 N. Avon, St. Paul 55103

I have been sitting here praising God for your article on Explo 72 and Churches of Christ. Since we are so sure we have all the truth and the Bible is our only creed, it isn’t even good common sense for our leadership to shy away from such an opportunity, Praise the living God that he can work without our leadership and our sanction . . . We worship at a “one cup” congregation, so you can imagine what a “shake up” it is when we begin to see the real and living Jesus and try to raise Him above rituals. But it is so wonderful to know that He is real and that the Holy Spirit dwells within us! —Nancy Fancer, Box 806, Mena, Ak. 71953

As I read your comment about starting a woman’s lib movement in the Church of Christ, I burst out laughing. But I suppose the situation you describe is more tragic than funny. The same can be said for all our traditions. Recently I heard a church member recite all the cliches about Noah building the ark, and no one could convince him that if Noah had been a poor carpenter and had mismeasured the timber, he would have been lost no matter how right his heart was with God, —Barnett Jewell, Farmersburg, In, 47850

The travel letters of Alexander Campbell have been especially good, The more I read of Campbell the more his thoughts impress me. —Alvin C Rose, Box 203, Ashland City, Tn. 37015

The personal glimpses of brethren I’ve often heard of but haven’t met are delightful. Do keep them up. —Larry C. Jackson, 7515 Northcrest, Austin, Tx. 78752

The paper you edit really blows my mind I I get the most out of the encouraging news you include about congregations who are becoming more open to the Spirit’s leading and who are throwing off the shackles of sectarianism. The travel letters of Campbell are very informative and challenging. The congregation here is quite open-minded as far as Churches of Christ go. The elders know our views that instrumental music is not a matter of fellowship, and that we are open on tongues and other spiritual gifts. Still they allow us to teach and work with the young people. —Name withheld by request

How very much I would like to be at Abilene to see you walk on the water! What I mean is that if you and Carl can appear at ACC together, nothing is impossible. —Dale Crain, Project Challenge, Box 301, La Mirada, Ca. 90638

I enjoy Restoration Review, for it is very refreshing. Thank you for being so open-minded. May the Lord bless you and continue using you to bring His Body together. —Martha Davis, 3605 Oak Springs, Austin, Tx. 78721

I find Restoration Review stimulating and timely to our present state of divided affairs among the heirs of the Restoration Movement. I hope and pray that more of our brethren will find a way to embrace more spiritual concern for others and abandon the stance of semantic dogmatism which often hinders individuals in their search for God’s will and ways and prevents the peaceful co-existence of fellow men … After almost 60 years in the church I am more and more convinced that each person must build his own faith and that we should seek to help each other in that process rather than to be constantly sitting in judgment upon the acceptability of the other person’s faith before God. With Paul, I think we should seek to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. —Thomas W. Rogers, 4701 Church wood Dr., Nashville, Tn. 37220