READER'S EXCHANGE

 

      Why can't we be free to worship our Maker in different ways without being condemned in what we do or how we do it, so long as we don't force our personal worship on others? Our worship often seems cold and formal to the point of ritualistic. Let us pray for the fire we used to have at the beginning of what we call the Restoration Movement, and for freedom from legalism and sectarianism. - David Aechternacht, Irving, TX.

      Since the first Restoration Review (accidently ?) fell into my hands I have known that God turned loose among us one who was called according to His purposes, and I have regularly since that time given thanks to God for you. I find that re-reading the bound copies is excellent exercise of mind and spirit. -Forrest Haggard, founding pastor, Overland Park Christian Church, Overland Park, Ks.

      (I am pleased to report that Forrest is the interim general secretary of the World Convention of Churches of Christ, and will serve until Lyndsey Jacobs moves here from New Zealand to be our permanent secretary. Forrest is a great spirit and a shepherd-like minister. In the same letter he tells how a Christian Church (Independent) refused him fellowship because he preached for a Disciples church. That was back when feelings ran deep between the two groups. When that same church years later remodeled its building, they saved one of the antique pews for Forrest in honor of his ministry. "It serves to remind me that grace and love can overcome," he wrote. There's no way not to love Forrest for long! - Ed.)

      I was a small cog in the non-institutional wing of the Church. When I studied myself out of such legalism and began to write about grace rather than works, I was not emotionally prepared for the avalanche of hatred and ignorance that descended upon me. I was branded a heretic, a false teacher of the gravest magnitude. My name rang out from numerous pulpits, sometimes when I was present. Some of the institutional bend joined in the fray and I had confrontations with them too. I have found a way of uniting the warring factions. All one has to do is to point out their perversions of 2 Jn. 9-11 as the mandate for disfellowshipping each other. Instantly they stop fighting each other and turn to meet such an audacious enemy that dares to destroy their launch pad for missiles against each other. - Arnold Hardin in The Persuader

      This from Herbert Spencer reminded me of you and some of your front page quotes: "The highest truth the wise man sees he will fearlessly utter, knowing that, let what may come of it, he is thus playing his right part in the world - knowing that if he can effect the change he aims at, well - if not, then well also, though not so well." With much affection. - Bob Johnson, Siloam Springs, Ar.

      We treasure our copies of Restoration Review and will miss them after you cease publication. There did seem to be some hope in one issue that you will not discontinue completely. Neal and I do love and appreciate both of you. - Inez Buffaloe, Conway, Ar.

      I am writing because I am concerned about the moral condition of our country . We are asking friends, relatives, churches, and civic groups to pray for America. I decided to stop complaining and do something. We hope you will join us in prayer. We love our country too much to see it destroyed by evil. - Mary McNayr, Lawton, Ok.

      Your article about the stretcher inspired this story: There was a man who wanted his short son to be tall. They tried pituitary extract, weightlifting, steroids, everything. A doctor friend advised that he get some blocks and tackle, ropes and pulley and try stretching him on the kitchen table, exerting a gentle pull. Sometime later the doctor asked how it worked and if the son was any taller. "No, he hasn't grown any," said the father, "but he has confessed 50 crimes. - Kenneth Jowell, Vallejo, Ca. (96 years old)