READER'S EXCHANGE

 

I have just finished reading The Stone-Campbell Movement and I had to tell you how great I think it is. The historical perspective it gives is right on the money, not only on how the movement began but where we are now and how we got that way. Your book should be read by all descendents of the movement, especially by the leaders.—Russ Hicks, Sodus, MI.

(I appreciate this commendation. This book has been out of print for a year now. I am presently preparing a revised edition, with some parts being completely rewritten and brought up to date. We hope to have the revised edition ready within a few months.—Ed.)

I remember Carl Ketcherside’s quote, “We have no right to make anything a condition of fellowship which God has not made a condition of salvation.” Another was “Unity does not consist of seeing everything alike on the understanding level, but of welcoming one another on the faith level.” I hope I can always accept my brothers in Christ on that level of love and faith.—Jerry Black, Olney, IL.

Many of us could write volumes on what the Church of Christ must do to be saved. First, we must accept the fact that we have much to learn and do not have all the truth. Second, we must accept the worth and dignity of all people as Paul expressed in Gal. 3:28. I hope before you close your paper you will be able to conclude that God has made no distinction in privileges and duties between man and woman. A God who discriminates the way we do would not be worthy of worship.—Don Owens, Laguna Niguel, CA.

(I suppose we are close to saying that in this issue. See Cecil Hook’s essay on How About Women Elders?, which we believe the reader will find very persuasive.—Ed.)

Our churches are hungering for more openness, love, and acceptance of others, including men and women accepting each other as equals in the assembly. Your years of editing have contributed more than any of us can measure. A holy kiss to you both.—Janelle Thomas, Aurora, CO.

It is hard to think about there being no more issues with your challenging, inspiring, thought-provoking comments and in-sights. You have contributed to my growth in spirituality and to a broader concept of the Kingdom. The best to you and Ouida for several years of more relaxing activities.—Eva Honn, Mattoon, IL.

I hate to think that your publication will cease at the end of this year. I have enjoyed it so much for a number of years, and feel that I know you both personally. When it arrives through the mail, I consider it a dear friend visiting in my home. May God’s richest blessing be with you.—Maggie Lou Kirkpatrick, Lebanon, TN.

(This gracious letter from a dear sister expresses what many of our readers have said through the years, and Ouida and I want to take this occasion to thank you for letting us be friends together, “whom having never seen, we love.” As Peter said that about Jesus, we say that about you. We have always thought of this paper as “personal journalism,” not unlike a friend writing to another.—Ed.)