The Hope of the Believer . . .

Restoration Review, Vol. 31, No. 7, September 1989


OUR CHANGING WORLD

In July upwards of 10,000 gathered in Nashville for the Nashville Jubilee, the first of an annual series designed to celebrate the Christian life.  It was sponsored by the Madison Church of Christ and all the speakers were from the Church of Christ. One speaker, Mike Cope of Searcy, Ark., made an appeal for unity among Churches of Christ. He noted that uniform agreement on every issue is not possible or even desirable. "You want uniformity?," the press quoted him as asking, "They had it in the Middle Ages." We should put aside our differences and behave like "porcupines in November," warming up to each other even if it hurts, Cope said. While the Jubilee will be sponsored annually by different congregations in the Nashville area, one congregation, the Robertson County Church of Christ, registered its disapproval of the Jubilee in general and what Mike Cope said in particular by way of a $1500 ad in the Nashville Tennessean. The ad charged that the Jubilee and the things being said would turn the Church of Christ from the old paths.

During the summer "Wrestling With God," a documentary on the life of Alexander Campbell, was filmed at Bethany College. Five Hollywood stars and 20 area extras were used in producing the film. Paul Mercier, a veteran stage actor, played the part of Alexander Campbell, while Allison Gregory, who has appeared in musical comedies and other stage, TV and film work, played the part of Margaret Campbell. The film will be available for rent by churches and is expected to appear on public and commercial TV

Also during the summer Abilene Christian University dedicated its new College of Biblical Studies building, which will allow 1,000 students to study the Bible in various rooms at the same time. It provides the latest in state-of-the-art facilities and teaching equipment.

Ouida and I have had a quiet but busy summer. I have been home more than usual, which is important to Ouida since she often needs my help in caring for her mother. We had lots of delightful house guests and we did things about the house. You ought to see how Ouida can hang a ceiling fan! I did get away for a few short assignments, including a trip to the Ozarks of Arkansas with grandson Ashley. Ouida and I saw Ramses the Great in Dallas and were impressed by the majesty of it all.