READER'S EXCHANGE

 

Some months ago you wrote, “Since leaving Churches of Christ, Don Finto has moved up higher, having now proclaimed himself an apostle,” I too was horrified when I first heard about that. But I discussed it with Don himself one time, and on the basis of his definition of apostleship, it is not nearly so off base as you might think, It’s very close to what Alexander Campbell believed about the office of evangelist. I know you always try to represent accurately the views of those with whom you disagree. —Alex Wilson, Work and Work, 2518 Portland Ave” Louisville, Ky, 40206

(I quote from Editor Alex Wilson once more because it gives me opportunity to give his correct address. In our last issue, while recommending Word and Work as a paper you might want to take a look at, I gave the wrong address, Alex will send you a sample copy for the asking, As for Don Finto calling himself an apostle, it shows the risk one takes when he uses a term in a way different from the way it is generally understood, If one only means he is an apostle in the sense of being “one sent” by the church, he should make that clear, As for Alexander Campbell, he clearly distinguished between an apostle and an evangelist, and, oddly enough, considered himself neither, not in the biblical sense. He was not an apostle because Christ did not call him to that office; he was not an evangelist because he did not do the work of an evangelist.—Ed.)

I appreciated your article “The motto that got us in trouble,” I heard someone say of Thomas Campbell’s motto, “Where the Scriptures speak we speak and where the Scriptures are silent we are silent,” ought to be turned around to say, “Where the Scriptures speak we are silent, where the Scriptures are silent we may speak,” We are free to share our views on Scriptural inferences and what a Biblical writer might have said, and we should grant that liberty to others. But if the Scriptures speak, let’s allow it to speak. We don’t have to defend it; it defends itself, We must of course proclaim it, but we’re not in the business of proving it.—Palma Bennett, Westshore Christian Church, Tampa, Florida

With much regret I write this check for my renewal because there will be no more Restoration Review after December. I have enjoyed immensely your stimulating, inspirational articles and will be terribly sorry to see them end, I hope you and Ouida have many years together of a much deserved retirement.—Mildred Carter, Brentwood, Tn.

The joy and encouragement that Restoration Review has brought to my life is truly priceless. Though I have been a full time preacher for only 20 months, I have great zeal for the Lord and His Word, I am also committed to the Restoration Movement, but only to the extent that it does not come into conflict with the Scriptures, for there I take my stand.—Bill Snide, Newport, Vt.

We love getting Restoration Review. It has meant so much to us over the years. We will sadly miss it when it stops, but we know you need a breather. We know, Ouida, that you and Leroy miss your mother and that you rejoice for her in her homegoing.—T.D. and Peggy Smith, Liberty Hill, Tx.

I have been using Woodruff’s book, “The Church In Transition,” in my class, I have given it straight and have talked about using our sisters in public worship, accepting our Christian Church brethren, and seeing the Church of Christ as a denomination, I gave the class copies of your article on what the Church of Christ must do to be saved, To my surprise there has not been a negative remark. Several said that they had believed that way for a long time, I find that many members are way out in front of the leaders on these issues.—Numa Crowder, Macomb, Illinois

The evil days of old age are upon me. I have had two severe strokes and am still recovering from the last one. Because of physical and financial conditions, I have had to stop going here and there for the Lord, being confined mostly to my chair and getting around with a walker. Nevertheless, I am glad to yet be alive. I am 76 years old and near the time when all the pain and sickness and inabilities will have come to an end and hopefully I will go and be with Him who has watched over me, Praise the Lord!—Paul Ketcherside, Nowata, Oklahoma (Carl Ketcherside’s brother.)

My Brother, my friend, thank you for all the years of your thought provoking articles. It is you, I believe, who are our Theseus, along with Carl Ketcherside, all under the tutelage of God’s Holy Spirit. Paula and I thank you and Ouida from hearts full of gratitude to God.—Mark Berrier, Dallas, Texas

There is no greater goal in life than to become more like Christ. You have brought us closer in our spiritual walk with Him and we are forever thankful.—Kevin LaStrapes, Grants Pass, Oregon