READER'S EXCHANGE

 

In a time when there is still “I” dotting and “T” crossing your publication is much appreciated. It is refreshing to know there are those who can see the whole picture. A new generation of Biblical thinkers seems to be surfacing among us. —Dean Williams, Andrews, NC

Even those over the years who have disagreed with you, sometimes rather violently, owe you and your publication more than they may realize. You’ve challenged our movement’s complacency and forced us to think, and that’s always a plus. Would that we would learn that the way to be true to the spirit of our forefathers and, much more importantly, to the Spirit of God, is not to etch everything they said in stone and never have an original thought. The way to be true to what they began is to keep on honestly searching for truth wherever it may lead. —Curtis Shelburne, editor, Christian Appeal

I was amused to read that Ouida has “now arrived,” having been “written up” along with you. To Janet and me she arrived a long time ago, for we have always seen her as one of the finest, most graceful Christian women we have ever known. She has always been the finest complement of your own work. We love her. —Bob and Janet Yarbrough, Bedford, TX

Responses to “Boston Church” Report

As to your reference to the Princeton Church of Christ being part of the Boston church, the Princeton church withdrew from the Boston church 18 months ago. We worshiped with the Princeton church for five years and are intimately aware of the excesses and legalism that permeates the Boston work. It almost destroyed the Princeton church. Indeed, we should learn from their evangelistic commitment and their enthusiasm, but we should not be deceived by their error and the harm they are doing to many people in the Body of Christ. They are still our brothers in Christ and need our earnest prayers. —Mrs. Samuel S. Dunn, Beaumont, TX

As always, you’ve written with clarity and tender kindness. My problem with the Boston church is theology. Acceptance by God and relationship with God is based solely on performance. The Cross is relegated (hidden) to the center of a uniform forest. The movement is sexist to the core. Women are hardest hit. After all, women don’t “work.” Women must not only bow to their husbands, but their disciplers and their husband’s disciplers. Children are abused emotionally. I’ve been battling works-righteousness for 20 years. They are legalistic on baptism, “commitment,” and have an incredible preoccupation with sin. I’ll stand against the Galatian heresy. I love you, brother. —Larry James, minister, Richardson East Church of Christ, Dallas, TX