READERS' EXCHANGE

 

I was baptized into Jesus Christ in 1975 at a Church of Christ in Fairfield, California while serving in the Air Force. Being an atheist with memories of the Catholic Church as a child, the biblically­ centered teachings of the Church of Christ thrilled me almost as much as my salvation. But one thing quenched my spirit, the highly sectarian attitude of the Church of Christ. It was sad to discover that this was universal, for every congregation seems to have this dogmatic, exclusivistic spirit. It is a stench in an otherwise fragrant church. I was elated to discover your journal and realize that I am not alone after all. What a blessing! -- Craig Rogers, Garfield Heights, OH.

(You have more blessings than you realize, for there are thousands in Churches of Christ who share your concern - and for a lot longer! We welcome you to the fellowship of Jesus and to the fellowship of the concerned ones (not always the same, unfortunately). We will in time overcome our exclusivism, if we will all hang in. --Ed.)

I recall a recent article on “The Dirty Dozen,” and I am afraid that we are going to have to become a “Dirty Two Dozen” and perhaps three dozen soon. Things have become totally unbearably oppressive. I never thought I would live to walk out of a Church of Christ with a group of dissenters, but it looks as though it will come to pass. I have counseled patience, peace and love for a long time, but an inquisition has been proposed into all sorts of matters of belief, all in the name of purity of doctrine and purity of the church. -- Charles E. Gillen, 428 13th St., Oakland, Ca. 94612

Yesterday the preacher used Heb. 10:25 (“Forsake not assembly”) for his text and for 45 minutes said not one word that would make us want to come back. He said that if we really loved God we would be there two hours on Sunday a.m. and one hour Sunday p.m. and one hour Wednesday p.m., leaving the impression that these are the only times you can make contact with God. -- name withheld

(You might make him a gift of Be Brief About It, by a Presbyterian minister who argues that ten minute sermons are more effective. If he heeds it, it would save lots of man hours for your congregation on Sundays and Wednesdays. As for the nar­row view of worship, we need to do some gentle persuasion for more openness. That kind of thing is on its way out, if that helps any. -- Ed.)

Your recent article on selecting elders was most intriguing. The point that the office of elder belongs to the congregation was well taken, though all too often in the “Church of Christ” the congregation be­longs to the office. -- Phil and Marsha Elam, Red Bank, TN.

Many of your articles have been read and discussed in our meetings. Thank God that many more people are coming to understand what you are saying, and beyond that, believing it! Since we are now studying about elders, last Sunday we read your article “Are Elders to Select Elders?” It is amazing that as many studies as we have on the qualifications of elders they are always ignored when they are actually chosen. --Wayne Miller, Newton, IA.