READERS' EXCHANGE

 

Do not judge the whole Pentecostal/Charismatic movement by what you see on the surface. Seek out someone among us for dialogue about these things that you question. One can get a distorted view of Church of Christ ministers by listening to some of them on radio/TV, but I have been blessed with fellowship with ministers of the “Campbellite” tradition, finding them to be loving and caring, even though we disagree on some things. We are not perfect but neither are your brethren. —Nathan Hopson, Sweetwater, TX.

(I am not sure what I said that displeased this reader, but I will emphasize one thing, especially in response to the last sentence. “Charismatic” Christians are as much my brothers and sisters as “Church of Christ” Christians. The identifying badge should be “Love one another even as I have loved you,” not whether one speaks in tongues, etc. I love this brother sight unseen and his word of advice is good for us all. —Ed.)

I appreciate your journal. A friend was telling me how much he enjoyed your journal and I told him you were the Paul Harvey of our movement. —David L. Burns, Williamsville Christian Church, Williamsville, IL.

(I asked Ouida what this might mean, the Paul Harvey of the Movement, and she said it must be because I give “the rest of the story.” I will accept that as a compliment provided we realize that “the whole story” has not yet been told. In our struggle for self-criticism and self-improvement, which are crucial to our spiritual growth, we have hardly more than just begun. —Ed.)

Our board was delighted that you had consented to prepare an article for Integrity, as busy as you are, and that the article was prepared with such intensity of personal meaning regarding the hurts and pains of life. —Joseph F. Jones, 800 Trombley St., Troy, MI 48084.

(Joe, one of the editors of Integrity, refers to a piece I did for that journal entitled “When Grief Calls,” which will not appear in this journal. If you are not reading Integrity, you should write to Joe and have him put you on the mailing list. There is no subscription price, but you might want to make a donation eventually. —Ed.)

I have been a preacher for the Church of Christ for three years now, and was raised in the “church.” I took a degree from one of “our” Christian colleges in Bible. My father-in-law introduced me to your journal. I have borrowed his old copies and have enjoyed them thoroughly, especially the ones dealing with fellowship and unity. You have opened a new door for me in my pilgrimage. In college I took a course in Restoration History, but I was not taught about the unity aspect of the movement. I am amazed to discover some of the things Alexander Campbell taught, and I realize that most of our churches would disfellowship anyone for teaching some of the things he taught. While I am discouraged that we have wandered so far from what our Restoration fathers taught, I am nonetheless encouraged that so many Churches of Christ are breaking out of the old molds and looking at God’s word afresh. —John W. Barksdale, Jr., Box 222, McPherson, KS 67460.

I am currently reading The Stone-Campbell Movement and find it quite provocative, enlightening, and readable. Thank you for the work. It certainly provides a different perspective than the course I took from - - - at - - - -. —Arizona.

(Whether or not you had a course in Restoration history under So and So at So and So, we want you to give The Stone-Campbell Movement a critical reading. You can get it two ways: by sending us a check for 21.95 (we pay the postage); or send us a list of 8 subs to this journal, which can include your own, new and renewal, and 3.00 each (24.00 total) and we will send you a book free of charge. —Ed.)