An ecclesia needed to expand their hall and sent out a familiar appeal for support of their project. When the matter came up before our arranging board, one of our members had recently visited the ecclesia. They commented on the overcrowding that existed. People were sitting in the foyer, in the basement and in Sunday school rooms.
At two ecclesias we visited in recent months, the same overcrowding existed. And in our own meeting, some youngsters were overheard saying, “The only place we can sit is in the front row.” That Sunday we had occasion to be on the platform and noted they were right. Several members were absent due to illness and we had only one family visiting. The crowded conditions were not due to anything special, just growth, youngsters getting larger and occupying a seat instead of the floor and several interested friends who are regular attenders.
The Kouts, IN Ecclesia reports their annual study day has out-grown their facilities and Livonia, MI, indicates record attendance at a youth weekend.
These are good problems to have. It does make us wonder, however, how do big churches do it? Where do they get the money to have such large physical facilities which are only filled to capacity on special occasions?
A crowded magazine
Another place where space has become a problem is in this magazine. As some have noticed, the crossword puzzle has not appeared for months. The “Family Life” section and “From the Mission Field” are appearing erratically. Many letters to the editor do not ‘appear. A number of articles have been waiting over a year for publication. Interesting Bible expositions are sitting in the file cabinet.
We’ve been reluctant to enlarge the magazine because some find the present size is convenient for an hour’s read. The other negative factor is cost. While we changed printers in January to reduce costs (resulting production problems may have been noticed), adding pages will throw us into a higher postal category and will move our printing costs back up again.
Despite the disadvantages, however, we are increasing pages this issue and will probably do so on a permanent basis if the material continues to flow in.
Prices will not rise. While not yet covering costs of printing and mailing, income is up this year and shows signs of eventually catching up with costs. We are very thankful indeed for those who send in more than the $10. Your generosity greatly strengthens our hand. We also appreciate notes of encouragement that come along with subscription payments. They are very helpful.
Selection of articles
While on matters of Tidings business, we take the opportunity to answer some questions that have been raised.
As noted on the inside front cover, editorial endorsement does not attach to all articles. An objective of the magazine is to encourage and stimulate brethren and sisters in North America. We do not feel that objective is well served if the editor’s opinion dominates the articles.
Some have suggested editorial comments should appear at the end of material, or perhaps throughout it, if we disagree with a particular point of interpretation or item of advice. We may have done this on one or two occasions, but we have no intention of regularly doing so. For one thing, the editor does not view himself as always being right nor does he wish to embarrass authors by following such a practice. In fact, as contributors know, we will work with them to help them better express their ideas even though we may not agree with the particular point of view they have taken.
Feeding the babes
Publishing different points of view is regarded by some as being dangerous to those who are new to the Truth. Different perspectives are said to disturb them and shake their confidence in the fundamentals.
To an extent, the argument has merit. For that reason, anything that impinges on first principle issues as defined in the BASF will either not appear or will be accompanied by clear editorial comment. (We may, for example, publish some of the Megiddo Mission’s views on the atonement but only with accompanying clear exposition showing where they are incorrect.)
While there is a danger in allowing expression of varied opinions, even on non-fundamentals, there is also a danger inherent with excessive editing. It can easily be used as an excuse for fostering one’s own point of view as the only acceptable one. That is not our aim. Furthermore, it is insulting to the brotherhood. We are a community of thoughtful Bible students who have committed ourselves to living the Truth. We are well aware that not everybody thinks the same on all aspects of interpretation and application. In fact, having agreed on the first principles, discussion of other Biblical issues keeps our minds active on spiritual topics.
Even our children, raised in the sheltered environment of our families and ecclesias, need to come to their own personal convictions. True, we steadfastly teach them the first principles never wavering in our confidence in the fundamentals. But, rooted and grounded upon a firm foundation of Biblical truth, we need not fear exposing them to discussion or an exchange of ideas which often serves to deepen their understanding of the Word. At some point, they will have to stand on their own feet. We must encourage their growth by helping them think about scripture in a lively and thought-provoking way.
Anonymous contributions
Objections have been received about the number of submissions that are unsigned or appear over a nom de plume. The comment has been made that, if somebody doesn’t have the courage to sign his opinion, it isn’t worth reading. But issues sometimes transcend individuals.
Some current matters, particularly those treated in the family life section, can only be appropriately discussed if people involved remain unnamed. Scripture deals frankly with the issues of godly living. (Consider letters to ecclesias at Corinth, Thyatira and in Galatia.) We need to do so as well, but this requires tact and anonymity.
The word of God is the criteria of truth. At times, Biblical exposition and useful observations come from individuals who, for a variety of reasons, prefer to remain nameless. Our primary concern should be the validity of the points advanced. Furthermore, we have known some statements to be accepted as correct because of the author’s reputation. This is regrettable when all things are to be measured by the Word. While the world may rely on human authorities, we have our authoritative source — the word of God. For these reasons we feel the present practice is useful.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One