Recent issues of the “Tidings” have featured lively discussion on matters of prophecy and of principles vs. pragmatism. There is also a series on how the Truth was rapidly lost in the second and third centuries with the established church adopting non-scriptural doctrines on basic issues, doctrines that are now accepted as the very definition of Christianity.
Differences of opinion among Christadelphians on matters of Biblical interpretation may be disconcerting. While we agree on the fundamentals of the Truth, we may also prefer that everyone saw the details alike. We may even wish there was some central authority to arbitrate matters and issue potted explanations on points of dispute. Such a course may sound appealing until we reflect on where we would be if the lively Bible student Dr. John Thomas had not challenged the ingrained views of the established church.
A lively Bible student
Bro. Thomas was first and foremost a Bible student. He would not be bullied into accepting a teaching because of someone’s status or formal education. If the presented teaching did not agree with the Word, he would reject it.
We can imagine how disconcerting this must have been to his initial mentors, such as Alexander Campbell. John Thomas was a young man with potential to go far in ecclesiastical circles but he kept putting the Bible first and other authorities second. As he did so, intense Bible study led him to the Truth but gradually separated him from those of orthodox persuasion.
The spirit of the Word
The great attraction of the pioneer writings is that they breathe the spirit of Bible study. Sometimes proof points are not set out as systematically as one would like, but when the expositions are carefully researched, they are seen to have picked up the broad principles of divine revelation. That is why they are so valuable and should be respected among us.
One does not read the conclusions of these sound, lively Bible students and regard them lightly. Neither should one squash the spirit of others among us who, like the pioneers, have minds that search the Scriptures with keen interest.
A community heritage
As the community was founded by an earnest student of the Bible, so the community will attract to its membership exactly that type of person. This is wonderful, but it can also be disturbing. Such people think for themselves. They respect the Word as their first authority. They ask questions and enjoy edifying discussions. This can be both a joy and a challenge.
As a person asks questions, others may not be ready with a clear-cut answer. This can lead to several alternatives being discussed representing a spectrum of emphasis and insight. As long as we keep the fundamentals clear and let them provide boundaries for discussion, such probing considerations help to clarify issues and provide an impetus for deeper study. Detailed study indicates hearts that love God’s Word and are seeking a fuller and more profound grasp of divine principles.
Rather than discourage lively Bible students, let us realize we exist as a community because our spiritual forebears were men devoted to scriptural study and “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One