READERS' EXCHANGE

 

The church is right in its refusal to endorse homosexuality, and that is what the homosexual community demands. Until they come to Jesus in repentance, the church is right to keep them at arm’s length. For the church to accept practicing homosexuals would be akin to accepting avowed adulterers who take pride in their adultery. — David Reagan, Drawer K, McKinney, TX 75069

(The church can accept homosexuality as a perplexing human phenomenon, as “abnormal” if that is the word, without endorsing homosexual acts. There are many homosexuals who abstain from sexual acts just as there are heterosexuals who abstain. Whether the church accepts those who commit homosexual acts depends on the attitude of those caught up in this sin. The church must distinguish between those who “take pride” in their sin, regardless of the sin, and those who long for something better. In any event, the church, like its Lord, is to receive sinful men and with compassion. It is better to err on the side of compassion and conciliation than on the side of harshness and rejection. But one thing for sure, the church must never approve of what it clearly sees to be sin. —Ed.)

A basic problem with our Bible study is that we are apt to read into passages what we want them to say rather than what God really said. So, balancing our need to understand the intent rather than the letter of what God says in His Word, there is great need for us to avoid shading any passage with our own pet theories. This is what happens when brethren develop a “law of exclusion” and “law of silence.” — Ray Downen, Box 1065, Joplin, MO. 64802

Reading your “The Campbell Myth” made me realize that one of the factors that influenced my sojourn away from sectarianism was the Memphis School of Preaching, which was then at Getwell, taught me to respect Campbell and Stone. I so respected them that I began reading them, only to discover that they too were flawed. but I caught the true spirit of their reformation, which got me interested in your paper in 1970. So while there is a myth involved in their adoration, we are nonetheless led to look more deeply into our heritage and to the freedom that Campbell envisioned. —Michael Hall, 1333 N. 23rd St., Grand Junction, CO 81501

Steve Eckstein, now at Michigan Christian College, will be speaking at Irondyke Family Camp near La Grande, Oregon, July 27-Aug. 2. Write the camp at Box 99, La Grande, Oregon 97850 or call 503-963-0268. — Don Henry, La Grande, OR.