Geology and Creation
Additional letters have been received on this subject but we feel enough has been said for the moment and discussion should be closed for the time being.
Censorship Feared
Dear Bro. Don,
With all due respect to the Tidings committee and their efforts to quiet the recent storm over the unity efforts, I would like to raise one issue. I am concerned that a measure of censorship is finding its way into our midst. My feelings are well founded and with your patience I would like to share them with you.
In my search for God’s word, many paths were taken. At one point, a particular path seemed to be right. Some 25 years ago, I was affiliated and studied with one group for three years and baptism was scheduled in only three weeks. Our Bible studies were taken from their books, magazines, and even their own Bible translation. At the time, I saw absolutely nothing wrong with this type of study. After all, “Satan” had been instrumental in publishing so many lies about God, that members were regularly cautioned about reading anyone else’s literature. The teaching was that since Satan had been so “crafty” in the garden, leading Eve into sin, it is little wonder that his poison could easily cause each of us to be led astray. It made sense, and I still remember the magazine studies where a paragraph was read, word for word, and the questions we “should” ask were written at the bottom of each page. In our classes, the questions were asked and answered word for word just as it was presented in the paragraph!
Thankfully, through God’s grace, I did speak with the Christadelphians before my baptism. Although not instantly convinced of their authenticity, I proceeded with caution. One of the differences without a doubt was the freedom to read anyone’s literature and being encouraged to do so (I John 4:1ff tells us to test the spirits whether they are of God which requires thinking through their message). This approach made an impression that would stay with me. In little over one year, after reading God’s word from cover to cover, I was baptized, as was my husband, into the saving name of Christ. Today, I continue to read a variety of literature as well as talk with people who hold beliefs that are very different from mine. I’ve found it to strengthen my faith and once again confirm my beliefs.
I trust that all of us read our literature with an open mind. If an article or opinion differs from my own beliefs, I am challenged to search it out within the context of God’s word; after all, it is His truth that is and should be guiding our lives. From that point, my opinion is formed on the subject and is then expressed to my brothers and sisters. It is my obligation to have a listening ear and return once again to His word and test whether any criticism of my conclusions is well founded.
We, as a body are always challenged to search God’s word. This includes finding answers to the question of unity. We need information, grounded in scripture. We need to talk about it openly and realize that, for the great majority of us, it will touch emotional chords. That’s good; it demonstrates our love and concern for one another. To restrict a magazine from publishing editorials, letters or articles on the subject of unity would be closing a door. A door that desperately needs to be wide open.
Deborah Betteley, Milford, MI
We publish the foregoing, not to start a discussion on the unity matter in the “Tidings,” but because it represents many similar concerns expressed to us. The editorial alluded to (April, 96) was quite specific in referring to only one topic and only in the immediate situation. We agree with our correspondent and favor open discussion of Bible-related issues confident that the Truth can easily withstand any assault. Generally speaking, we hope the “Tidings” reflects such a confidence. In fact, considering this is firstly a fraternal magazine, the editor feels the committee and readership have responded well to the editor’s approach to openness of discussion.
Letters with Payments
Dear Bro. Don,
The last time I wrote to you was to request you discontinue sending the Tidings to me as I was overwhelmed with lessons and things to read and study. Thank you for honoring that request and hopefully, for understanding where I was coming from. Now I write to thank you for sending the Tidings to me again. I have thoroughly enjoyed each copy this year and find myself poring over each article. The magazine is filling a need that I’m having and seems to have expanded my horizons, especially when I read of the work being done in the mission fields and of the successes and needs. Isn’t it strange how things work out for the best? Thanks be to God! I’m very grateful for your trying again with the magazine. Enclosed is a check to cover the cost of the subscription.
Arlene
This note was greatly appreciated especially since we have yet adequately to solve the problem of reaching those who have discontinued the magazine, who have recently been baptized or who have not notified us of a new address. The last problem is particularly difficult with Canadian addresses as the postal department does not notify us of a person’s new address, since we are a periodical.
We try to add new ecclesial members to our mailing list and pick up address changes when new ecclesial directories are published. In doing so, however, we may inadvertently resume mailing the magazine to someone who has asked us to drop his name from our mailing list. This probably happened in the above case which turned out to be an accidental (?) blessing.
Readers could help by notifying us of address changes and of new members. We are always pleased to send the latter a year’s free subscription.
Dear Bro. Don,
Herewith a check to renew our subscription. We have read your editorial “Settling Differences” with great pleasure. We thank you for your efforts.
Tom
Dear Bro. Don,
Please send Tidings for 1996. I pass my copy on to another sister in our meeting as she can’t afford the magazine.
Could you mail me a list on tape-recordings.
Vivian
Many subscribers generously send in more than the minimum amount specifically for those who cannot afford the magazine. Please don’t hesitate to take advantage of the funds we have available for this service. Among other sources, tapes are available from: Bro. Reuben Washington, 196 E. Stearns St., Rahway, NJ 07065 and WCF Resource Center, P.O. Box 982, Bloomington, IL 61702.
Several have noted they receive requests for payment even after paying. We sympathize with your frustration and can only plead your patience with our record keeping. Those who help with the mail lists and mailing do a splendid job but the editor sometimes fails to pass on all the relevant information they need.
Strong’s Concordance