What’s happening over there? A sister exhorting at a Bible school! A magazine article disclaiming the coming kingdom on earth! Other articles claiming that divine judgments oppose the teaching of Christ and casting doubt on the inspiration of the Bible!
Normally we would not comment on matters that are outside of the North American ecclesial scene. In this case, however, many readers of the “Tidings” are aware of the problems which have occurred in Great Britain and may be wondering what, if anything, is being done about them. Furthermore, the current situation dramatically illustrates the absolutely fundamental need for integrity in ecclesial life.
Actions taken
The issues are focalized in the “Endeavor” magazine, a small magazine published three or four times a year, and a four-day Bible school taught and run mostly by the same people. A sister did, in fact, exhort at the 1988 school. She has since visited the Christadelphian office, apologized for her action and declared never to do it again. For some reason, she was apparently ignorant of Scripture teaching and our community sentiment on the point. But what of the brethren who allowed such participation?
The writer who disclaimed the coming kingdom is no longer a Christadelphian. But what of the editors who ran the article — with no explanation and no counter-argument? Other articles in the “Endeavor” are justified as being useful for stimulating discussion. But when does such a rationale become a subterfuge for deliberate erosion of the foundations of the Truth?
The home ecclesia
As most of us realize, members of the home ecclesia of a brother or sister are normally the first to become aware of troublesome ideas. Many a person has advanced an incorrect point in private conversation or Bible class only to have his error quietly exposed and corrected. Usually that is the end of the matter. Therefore, when we were recently in England, we deliberately visited the “Endeavor” editor’s home ecclesia.
Arriving unannounced and, for a while unrecognized, Ellen, myself and two of our boys were able to listen to the prayers, presiding and exhortation without any fear of it being modified by our presence. While I was critical of one particular phrase, the rest of our party convinced me I was being overly sensitive and that there was nothing unusual at all about the service.
Afterwards, we openly approached several brethren about “Endeavor.” We went back to the home of the assistant recording brother for our meal (the recorder being away for the day) where he produced the ecclesial file on the “Endeavor” matter. They had been aware of the editor’s involvement in the magazine but few of the members subscribed to it and fewer yet read it.
Unusual ideas had come up in their ecclesial life but they had been talked out and apparently resolved. Consequently, they were dismayed by the editor’s inclusion in the magazine of some obviously incorrect material.
Upon taking the matter up with the editor, the arranging brethren reached an accord with him whereby the magazine would be examined to ensure that any novel views would be counter-balanced by editorial comment or “appropriate references from authoritative Christadelphian sources as to the accepted view.” A reading of the August, 1988 issue indicated the editor had not satisfied this agreement and he has resigned as editor.
We are vulnerable
The “Endeavor” editor did not act alone! What of those who wrote articles contrary to our fundamental beliefs or who arranged for a sister to exhort?
Unless a person has the integrity to stand apart or keep silent, we are vulnerable to errorists in our midst. We expect local ecclesias to handle the problem. Vigilant overseers are essential to the well-being of their own ecclesia and to that of the worldwide community. Yet in some cases, the troublesome individual dominates a small ecclesia by his intellect, his personality and his charisma and the ecclesia is unable to withstand him.
When neighboring ecclesias become involved, they must tread cautiously because of the Master’s warning to spare the wheat lest it be torn out with the tares. Thus, a great deal of time may elapse before any changes are made.
If an entire ecclesia has gone astray, our community procedures are even more cumbersome. We expect people to be honorable in the espousal of their convictions. If they are not, we have no hierarchy for dealing with the problem.
Brethren and sisters may think that the fraternal magazines act as a control in this regard. They do their best, but their only power is in expressing editorial opinion and refusing ecclesial news. Before doing this, however, they are restricted by the injunction to beware of judging “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.” None of us wants to be judged on the basis of distorted information, wrongly imputed motives or imagined heresy so we dare not judge others in such a manner.
Some would like a stronger central authority. However, our method of ecclesial autonomy has the distinct advantage of forcing many brethren to take responsibility and thus develop into individuals fit for ruling the world to come. May we accept the challenge with all diligence
Our openness to discussion is good, our ecclesial and inter-ecclesial structure is sound and our concern for the principles of Christ is essential. But if someone is dishonest and wants to disown the Truth while staying in our community, they cause us trouble for a long time.
Ecclesial action is being taken in Great Britain dealing with their problems. Results do not come quickly in these matters and it ill behoves us to think we could handle the problem better.
In the midst of present concerns, all of us need to remember that the preservation of the Truth in these last days is dependent on the integrity of individuals, of individual ecclesias and local ecclesial areas. Let us remember, as well, that while there may be restraints upon our judging one another, each of us will stand before the one who searches the mind and the heart and who will judge righteous judgment. Let us, therefore, practice integrity before our omniscient judge.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One