READERS' EXCHANGE

 

I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading Restoration Review. It never ceases to amaze me how my perception of Church of Christ people has changed since knowing you. As a Southern Baptist I share your concern about the bitterness and separation that exists between cousins in the faith. - Ted Thompson, Dallas, Tx.

(While I appreciate these kind words from a beloved friend, I must demur in one respect. I have no cousins in the faith. Ted Thompson is my brother in the faith, not so much because he is a Southern Baptist, but because he is a follower of Jesus Christ. —Ed.)

I continue to enjoy every issue. I believe that you and Carl Ketcherside have done more for our denomination than anyone since Stone and the Campbells. -Howard Taylor, Corbin, Ky.

(Believe me, I include this letter not so much because of the kind but extravagant estimate of Carl and me, but because of the very unusual reference to “our denomination,” which I find encouraging. Rather than resorting to some euphemism, such as “our fellowship,” we should candidly accept denominational status, for the Church of Christ is obviously a denomination. It is being a sect that we must avoid, and we can be anti-denominational in that we can be a “denomination in protest,” looking to that time when denominations will be no more and all God’s people will be one. We can make an important contribution to that end, but not by playing such games as “We are not a denomination but all others are.” —Ed.)