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

READERS' EXCHANGE

I have lived more than half of my life in legalism and 12 years in grace. I have been skeptical and cynical about the "Churches of Christ," and at times I have loved the immorality of this world more than God. Your Christian walk and service say: You can do it; you can love your brothers and fellow man; you can serve without reservation in the kingdom; you can share the grace of Christ; you can raise children in the faith; you can become like Christ. — Forrest and Patty Smith, Lubbock. Tx.

If Churches of Christ would do three things (which unfortunately I'm afraid they won't do anytime soon), I could happily continue in their fellowship: (1) Openly admit that there are other Christians beside themselves; (2) Put the emphasis on Christ rather than the church; (3) Put baptism in its proper perspective. K. C. Moser's book, The Gist of Romans, should be required reading for every member of the Church of Christ. I make copies of the book's Introduction and send them to the radio evangelists who talk about "contacting the blood" in baptism. —Larry Dotson, Centerville, Tn.

(Leaders among Churches of Christ would do well to heed this brother's suggestions, otherwise we will keep on losing more people than we gain. He is right that our own K. C. Moser issued the warning a generation ago, but we did not listen. — Ed.)

I have enjoyed the book Call Me Blessed by Faith Martin very much. It is good news about women's rights that should have circulated years ago. I can't believe I have lived this long without even knowing I was being affected by the traditional male attitude on women. The Church of Christ teaching on women has had a negative impact. I've had many unpleasant experiences at church since my eyes have been opened on women's rights. — Joan Morrison, Columbus, Oh.

(You may order the books recommended by these two readers from us. K. C. Moser's The Gist of Romans is $6.00 and Faith Martin's Call Me Blessed is $8.95, including postage. — Ed.)

Tributes to Carl Ketcherside

One could say that Carl Ketcherside defined the term "fellowship" in a manner that engendered a new spirit of hope for centrists in the American movement to restore the New Testament concept of unity in the 20th century.—Keith Sigler in Faithgram

I never touched his hands, but my life has been forever changed by his heart and mind. — Kenneth Traynor, Bristol, RI.

While his admirers praise his unifying efforts, a myriad of dissenters view his work as having been destructively divisive. Many have branded him a reactionary. Yet none can deny that Carl Ketcherside left an indelible stamp on the church, possibly many stamps. For example, a slogan attributed to him is taking hold: "Wherever God has a child, I have a brother or sister." — John Murphy, editor, Christian News of South Texas.

As my books go into the world, a part of his influence goes in them. I thank God for Carl Ketcherside. -Cecil Hook, NewBraunfels, Tx.

We all cherish having known him and his unquenchable spirit and his love for all he knew and touched. -Louis R. Price, Citrus Heights, Ca.

He left us all quite a legacy. — Ruby Barbee, Yukon, Ok.

Carl Ketcherside was such a man as Hegel described when he wrote, "A great man condemns the world to the task of explaining him." — Harold Fox, Edgar, Ne.

He was equally at home in the halls of ivy-covered towers of a great university or on the sidewalks of St. Louis with her street people. — Bill Gahr, Fenton, Mo.

We were sorry to hear about your and our friend Carl. — a card signed by 33 members of the Grace Community Church of Christ, Caruthersville, Mo.

I could list many things I learned from Carl Ketcherside, but let me share four of the most important: (1) All truths are equally true but all truths are not equally important; (2) Since God created us as thinking beings, the only unity possible for people who think is unity within diversity; (3) I have no more right to choose my brothers and sister in Christ than I have to select my brothers and sisters in the flesh, for common parentage determines both; (4) If God accepts me as I am, warts and all, then I should accept my brothers and sisters in Christ in spite of their errors. — David Reagan, Plano, Tx.

May 25, 1989 marked the end of the long controversial life of a talented, influential, well-known preacher among Churches of Christ and Christian Churches. . . Friend and foe alike attest to his power in the pulpit and on the debate platform. — L. A. Stauffer in Guardian of Truth