READER'S EXCHANGE

 

      It seems that the Church of Christ wants to clone its members. Yet we serve a God who can't stand to create two snowflakes alike. Are we not more precious and unique than snowflakes? You and Carl Ketcherside have been voices crying in the wilderness of conformity, pleading for unity in diversity. I want to thank you for your efforts and the price you have paid to be the spokesman for the rights of the individual. I have not always felt this way. There was a time when I thought you and Carl had horns hidden under your hats and tails tucked down your trousers. But there is a funny thing about truth. Once you see it, you can't unsee it, not and be honest. - Randy Massie, Howard, Pa.

      There is no way I can express to you my love for you both for all you have done these many years to encourage and teach the members of the Church of Christ, and those others with whom we should have fellowship. I feel as I am sure others do, that it is wise for you to retire, but your paper has meant so much to me and to Morris when he was living. Amber Yadon, Portales, NM

      As for your series on what the Church of Christ must do, I find nothing with which I disagree. What you have said describes the first 50 years I spent in the Church of Christ. I was faithful in attendance and gave generously, but I was scared of going to hell. I had bypass surgery followed by a heart attack. Imagine going through all that when you are not sure of your salvation. I learned about grace through long hours of study and with the help of some dear brethren. At first my mind was closed, but gradually I came to see many errors in Church of Christ teaching. I am no longer afraid, and I remain in the Church of Christ in hope that I can teach others some things I have learned about grace. - George R. Clark, Snyder, Tx.

      It looks to me as if it is a simple thing for us to have fellowship together regardless of our differences. The older I get the morel see that differences are more congregational than they are doctrinal. Your readers will miss your publication after this year. I hope you will have some means of keeping us in touch with your activities and let us know what is going on in the church at large. - Ralph Davis, Kirkwood, Mo.

      Carl Ketcherside's best was The Death of the Custodian, and I think yours might be "What Must the Church of Christ Do to be Saved?" I hope you will publish it in book form. I think it could make a big difference in the transition the church is making. -Adele Bowen Rogers, Farmington, NM

      I grew up in the Churches of Christ in the Southeast. I am currently an elder in a Christian Church in Honolulu. I appreciate the "Tyranny of Opinionism" that you write about and seek to be objective and open to the Lord's leading. I firmly believe the statement "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love." I have learned much about love by reading our Restoration fathers that has helped me capture their zeal. We need a revival of the Restoration plea. J. Harrison Hassell, Kailua, Hawaii

      Your series on what the Church of Christ must do is outstanding. Your honest and forthright assessment is as refreshing as a spring breeze. I believe every denomination could apply what you say to its own situation. Most especially, though, I hope the Restoration churches will hear your prophetic message and heed it. -Judith Hazen, Milligan College, Tn.

            Your series on what the Church of Christ must do is one of the best, if not the very best, recipe for reform within our churches. I especially appreciated your exposing our exclusive claims and the fallacy that we are a first-century church. - Marguerite McSpadden, Dumas, Tx.