Editorial Page

Would contributors please note the early deadlines for the July issue. Due to the editor's travel plans, June 3 is the latest we will be able to take material by mail, fax or phone. We apologize for the inconvenience but the choices were between an early deadline, a late issue or missing our son Bro. Jonathan's wedding.

Editorial policy

The publishing of articles on various sides of an issue and the editorial position on the Jew — Arab matter have led to several questions respecting the editorial policy of the “Tidings.”

We like the statement in “The Testimony” magazine and have used it as a guideline for the “Tidings:” “Publication of articles does not presume editorial endorsement except on matters of fundamental doctrine, as defined in the Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith.”

The BASF

As with any humanly authored document, over the years, imperfections in wording have been exposed. However, we have been through the BASF phrase by phrase and have looked up every reference in connection with the point it is intended to support. The statement is more than adequate, it is excellent, and should serve us well as a definition of the fundamentals of the faith until Christ comes.

Varying viewpoints

While agreeing on the first prin­ciples, brethren may vary in their understanding of specific passages of scripture (such as Deut. 24:1-4 or Gal. 3:13) and in their perspective on many non-first principle matters (the identity of Magog and Tubal or home-schooling). We feel they should have opportunity to express such points of view through the magazine. We therefore include articles which differ from our own opinion.

North American perspective

Our objective is to be useful and informative to the Central ecclesias in North America. In doing so, we recognize there are contemporary problems in the practical application of spiritual principles to personal, family and ecclesial situations. These we attempt to see addressed by articles or letters to the editor. We also recognize some are interested in the philosophy of the Truth and we endeavor to serve that need (the series on “The Law of the Lord” is an example in this regard).

Tradition and the pioneers

We neither support nor oppose an idea because it is traditional or contained in the pioneer writings. However, we have great respect for Bro. John Thomas as a Biblical genius and for Robert Roberts as a gifted writer who understood the Truth.

Our instinctive reaction is that the position taken by them or by other “pioneer” brethren is right until proven wrong. But their writings cannot be used to prove a point, only scripture or established fact can be used as proof.

In summary, our objective is to ensure that the magazine contributes to preparing a people for the coming of our Lord.