READERS' EXCHANGE

 

Contrary to what he had you publish, I did not delete anything from the printed exchange with Bill Jackson that was supposed to have been included. He and I agreed that our discussion could be published in part or in whole. His rejoinder was excluded only because of lack of space. —Buff Scott, Cherokee, IO.

I subscribe to several papers edited by members of the Church of Christ. It is heartening to read through these papers and find that we as a people are becoming less judgmental. We are finally realizing that God’s grace may well extend further than we have been willing to admit. While God will no doubt, draw the line, He has not given us the chalk. He has not placed the burden on our shoulders to determine how much error He will forgive. —Dace Delaney, Mt. Vernon, MO.

It is not fair to refer to homosexuality as simply an “alternative lifestyle.” I do not live the lifestyle of most homosexuals or heterosexuals. Any sexual behavior based simply upon lust is sin. It has been a prejudice of the Biblical writers and Christians generally that while heterosexuals can live a lifestyle based upon love and commitment, homosexuals cannot. Homosexuals are constantly accused of degrading acts like beastiality. Gay people who want to be Christians have the almost impossible task of overcoming centuries of ignorance and prejudice in informing others of their sexuality. —Name withheld by request.

I wonder how the groups fare who for one reason or another break away from the mainline Church of Christ. I have the feeling they often fade or move into other churches. Have you any data or comment on this? —Ike Summerlin, Austin, TX.

(The ones who do not make a complete break and remain Churches of Christ do better, and those who do not break away at all but move out on edge of change do still better. Some do fizzle and fade. There is both an identity and a leadership problem. Such groups need each other’s counsel and there is presently talk of calling a convention of changing Churches of Christ, leaving it to each church to decide if it fits that description. —Ed.)

In this column (Feb. issue) the paragraph that summarized a letter from J. D. Flanagin concluded with “This makes it clear that what seems ‘natural’ to us is to be rejected.” This does not correctly represent his letter. His point was that homosexual acts are not acceptable simply because the seem “natural” to us. We regret this error.

The Stone-Campbell Movement by Leroy Garrett - In Its Second Printing I have a copy and our church library has a copy of your excellent history of the Stone-Campbell movement. I am commending it to everyone I know related to the Restoration Movement. Besides being scholarly, and filling in some crucial unknown factors in developing events, the spirit of the writing is paramount. Love for the kingdom of God, love for Christ, and love for persons pervades the book. I hope it goes into a third and fourth printing.” —William E. Bowles, minister, Central Christian Church, Arkansas City, Ks. How to get a copy: Order directly from us at *1201 Windsor Dr., Denton, Tx. 76201 (21.95 postpaid). Or you may get up a club of 8 subscribers (including yourself, new or renewal) at 3.00 each (24.00) and receive a bonus copy.

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