Mission

Volume 19 | Issue 12 Article 1

6-1-1986 Mission: Vol. 19, No. 12

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Recommended Citation (1986) "Mission: Vol. 19, No. 12," Mission: Vol. 19 : Iss. 12 , Article 1. Available at: https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/missionjournal/vol19/iss12/1

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Stone-Campbell Archival Journals at Digital Commons @ ACU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Mission by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ ACU. THE MOST IMPORTANT HOUR IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH By Paul Magee and Gary Duke

Dealing With Disappointment By Gene Hartman

More on Guinn vs. The Collinsville Church of Christ "TO EXPLORE THOROUGHLY THE SCRIPTURES AND THEIR MEANING ... TO UNDERSTAND AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE THE WORLD IN WHICH THE CHURCH LIVES AND HAS HER MISSION ... TO PROVIDE A VEHICLE FOR COMMUNICATING THE MEANING OF COD'S WORD TO OUR CONTEMPORARY WORLD." - EDITORIAL POLICY STATEMENT, JULY, 7967

CONTENTS PAGE 2 From The Editor THE MOST IMPORTANT HOUR IN THE LIFE 3 OF THE CHURCH By Paul Magee and Gary Duke THE BATTLE 6 By Ken Cameron SEEING WITH THE EYES OF AN EAGLE: DEALING 7 WITH DISAPPOINTMENT By Gene Hartman A WORD FOR OUR TIMES A Small Book In A White Box; Memories 10 By Karen Sampson Space Shuttle America 11 By Ben B. Boothe Sister Ethylwyn 11 By John Whitfield BAPTISM, EUCHARIST AND MINISTRY: BUILDING 12 BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING By R. Scott Colglazier FORUM 14 CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES IN THE APPEAL OF THE 15 COLLINSVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST. PART I: THE FACTS OF THE CASE By Flavil R. Yeakley, Jr. MISSION AND THE CHURCH 19 CHANGING WINDS: HYMNALS AND "OTHER" CHRISTIANS By Robert M. Randolph BOOKS THE BIBLE AND POPULAR CULTURE IN AMERICA 20 (Allene Stuart Phy) Reviewed by Edwin S. Gleaves CONFINEMENT 21 By Bo Whitaker INDEX 22 WRESTLING WITH GOD 24 Art: Joyce Barton, Dallas, Texas (Cover) Gayle Brown, Columbia, Missouri

EDITOR BOBBIE LEE HOLLEY BUSINESSMANAGER KITTYJAY PROMOTIONS SECRETARY KIM CLASSER

Mission Journal is published monthly by Mission Journal, Inc., 12102 Tanglebriar Cove, Austin, Texas 78750. Annual, $ 12; three years, $30; annual student and senior citizens, $7 .50. Bundle and bound volume rates on request. Sin&le copies $1. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome. Those submitted for publication should be submit­ ted in duplicate, double spaced, and typed. Maximum length: ten pages. Editorial Office: 1508 Ephesus Church Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Phone. 919/929-4936. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mission Journal, 12102 Tanglebriar Cove, Austin, TX 78750, which is also the address to be used for circulation and bookkeeping correspondence. JUNE, 1986 MISSION JOURNAL

The Most Important Hour In The Life Of The Church

Paul Magee Gary Duke

By PAUL MAGEE and GARY DUKE

he Sunday morn ing assembly is the most impor ­ invo lvement, nor Presbyterian with a rationa l thrust , T tant hour in the life of the church. It is the only we are in a no-man' s land of mediocrity , trying to time when most of the church members are present sell others and ourse lves a "b rand X" church service and ready to give whatever they have to give in a plain wrapp er with very litt le appeal. Much of (money, interest, loya lty, support) and receive much th e content is du ll, slow -moving, unintentiona lly of what they seek (inspirat ion, a sense of belonging , offensive, and oblivious to many we ll known information, corporate communion with God). It is princip les of social psychology and group behavior. the time when the church exp resses its beliefs and Much of the time there is a noted lack of the simpl e values before God, itself, and a watching world. W e but elegant virtue of common co urtesy. The impr es­ are present. We are doing what we say is import ant. sion often made is th at we do not take this hour very We do it eve ry week. People have a right to assume seriously and that we are not really getting much out that the se activities reflect something of what we of it . Otherwise, why are we dragging in so late, are. The character and quality of the Sunday morn ­ looking so bored , and acting so eager to leave? ing worship hour may, in fact, be a measure of th e We see three elements of worship need ing mor e general health of a church's corporate life. attent ion in our fellowship which , if properly In view of the se realit ies, it seems only sensible to addressed, would bett er meet needs within our own take this hour and make it as effective as possible in membership and strength en our appea l to others. meeting our needs and the needs of those who may These are (1) spiritu al-a recognition of the presence come among us. In this article we hope to suggest of God, (2) intellectual -a n apprec iation of the some practical ways in which th is may be done and beauty of thought, and (3) organizational-effective to examine some phi losophical matters which relate planning and execution of whatever kind of service to worship. may be desired. We must first look carefu lly at another reality that may be painfu l to observe: general ly Church of THE ELEMENTOF THE SPIRIT Christ worship services are not very appea ling. They have littl e imp act upon members or visitors. There God is at the cente r of the chur ch and of the are some needs left essentia lly unsatisfied . Like the worship hour. The corporate worship mu st center naked king unaware, we are fearfu lly weak in upon the 'person and wi ll of God . There are other worship. times to do teaching, to commu nicate plans and Neither Catholic wit h tradition and pageantry to news, to have fellowship, and to serve ot hers. The carry the weight, nor Pentecostal with emotion and most propitious time for corporate worship is Sun­ day morning . We have a track record of crowding The authors are members of the Central Church of Christ, Irving, Texas. Paul Magee is a sociologist and Gary Duke is a librarian in the Dallas the spiritua l out with many other priorities. We County Community College District. never have had much time in our "auditori ums" for

3 JUNE , 1986

worship. At best, we highlight communion or do a organization to worship . We can learn from these litt le extra singing. people. Once we get past prejudices -e ven whi le If the time and ideological emphasis is upon maintain ing everyone's integrity regarding preach ing, fellow ship, and announcements, people differences - we can see real value in altars, stained leave w ith the impre ssion that these are indeed the glass, confessions, and carefu I preparation for wor ­ most important things; and they will not often have ship. Our religious heritage will allow us to make the feeling that they saw God and drew close to some · adaptive use of these elements and will be Him . This strike s to the heart of our case, which is nouri shed by doing so. the neglect of the absolutely vertical dimension of Our fear of silence is yet anoth er matter that we worship and the failure to afford the wor shiper an must overcome if we are to gain a new power in opportunity to respond in spirit to God. The power worship. If a moment of silence occurs in thi s hour, and joy of Christian worship come from encounter­ it is interpreted as an awkward time to be fill ed as ing God, being aware of his presence, and praising soon as possible with a song. We have not been Him for his holiness and magnificence. taught to be qui et, to reflect, to look for God inside Getting the vertica l element of worship back into ourse lves or in the cross or communion . Because we the center of the hour w ill not prohibit hori zo ntal have had few symbo ls and litt le architectural beauty emphasis or effective communication about news or to encourage that reflection, we have lived with very programs. It wi ll restore a balance which places the litt le of it. We need a time to come into the "Holy of praise of God at the hour' s heart and center . Other Holie s" and confront God's presence . Silence, activit ies which occur befor e, during and after wor­ reflection, and reverence can be significant ingre ­ ship will be enhanced in their effectiveness. dients in that exper ience.

THE ELEMENTOF THE MIND Our heritage includes a major emphasis upon doing right things in right ways with In a time of great pluralism and egalitarianism, the frequent consequence of negating often accompan ied by a fear of elitism, it seems worship through the fear of doing it appropriate to note that the minds of worshipers may be as bored in a country church as in an urban wrong. As in many of life's concerns, we church. The issue is not one of how intelligent , may try so hard to do it right that we do not educated, or sophisticated are the worshipers, but do it at all! rather of whether the worship content and pro­ cedure are appropriate ly designed to take into account their respective needs and to provide a There are some fears and blind spots that we must challenge and reward . overcome if we are to restore- or perhaps create for Fundamenta lists have historic habits of denying the fir st time in our experience-an emphas is upon the intellect with Scripture quotations about the the spiritual element of worship. Our heritage "foo lishness of preaching" and sermons on the include s a major empha sis upon doing right things in blindness of faith and obedience. We are deter ­ right ways with the frequent consequence of mined to "keep it simple." We tend to neglect tho se negating worship through the fear of doing it wrong. Scriptures which speak of mystery, life's complex­ As in many of life's concerns, we may try so hard to ities, or even the more comp lex aspects of spir itu al do it right that we d.o not do it at all! This matter of growth. Our hymn selections are more often the being right is of concern to both conservatives and simp le ones to the neglect of those wh ich speak to liberals, although in different ways. It must be the profundity of God's relation to the wor ld. addressed with care if we are to create a worship Romans, the Magna Carta of Christianity and a experience that is biblical and meets our needs. One treatise of the highest inte llect and logic, is rarely would hope that no conflict exists between these studied and appreciated. variables. People live in a complex world . Their work, their Another limitin g factor is our prejudice toward persona l lives and their faith are comp lex. To come other religious groups and their practices. to chur ch and be told that life is simpl e and then to Pentecostals and Baptists are noted for joy in their be subjected to an experience which denies one's worship. We need that. Catho lics have historic intelligence is to question the validity of the hour . symbo ls and traditions which lend solidarity and There is a serious loss of power and attractiveness strength . We may not need those particular when the role of the mind is neglected in sermon, symbols, but we certain ly need the strength. song, and prayer . Man is the only being with a mind Presbyterians and Episcopalians app ly intellect and to know God. We are to love God with all our hearts

4 and souls and minds. We may be closest to God Organization is not so complex or difficult. But given when in our minds we grasp his reality and adore his the level of neglect traditional in our history, we grandeur! must decide to commit rather vastly increased time Let us note here that we refer not only to logical, and resources to this task. rational thinking processes, but also to the ability of First, let us do good planning. We must move away from the tendency to use the default mode of The character and quality of the Sunday last-minute or one person decisions on worship morning worship hour may be a measure structure and content. Let us find some people in the church who have skills and experience in planning of the general health of a church's meetings and organizing behavior. There are effec­ corporate life. tive logistical procedures and sound social psychological approaches which enable a service to the mind to perceive beauty and to soar in ecstasy at proceed with minimum disruption and distraction the wonder of love, grace, and forgiveness. In that and maximum attention to the essence of the occa­ respect, we may observe that in churches known for sion. These principles operate across a continuum the distinction of their worship, there is an element for Pentecostal to Presbyterian, and they will work that is found consistently: the common appreciation for us. For example, people are more involved when of beauty. As different as they are-from the high they stand, but there is an art in determining when structure of a formulaic liturgy to the seeming non­ and how frequently to stand and the creation of structure of a meeting in silence-each has its own unobtrusive means of giving instructions. Opening kind of elegance. and closing every service with a standing song offers Elaine Herrin, writing in Christianity Today, says, structure, continuity, and a sense of participation. It "The language of worship has become dull, prosaic, also masks some inevitable movement of people. In­ without fire or life. A return to old language is not structions can be simplified through tradition or the answer; a return to poetry is." The poetry of good print forms. There is no need for worshipers which she speaks includes all those vessels through even to know that this is well planned. It is not which meaning and beauty are communicated. manipulative and will enhance, not limit, their wor­ Poets and musicians and artists and prophets and ship experience. preachers stand together in a creative stream that connects history-a stream from which we have in We may be closest to God when in our large measure cut ourselves off. However, since art divorced from life is feeble and poetry without minds we grasp his reality and adore his power is disappointing, this beauty must never grandeur! become an idol and is valid only in so far as it reminds us, as Herrin says, "that we are participants Second, let us have good content. Find some more in a mystery to which we adhere by faith." people who have a sense of what these worshipers Perhaps that mystery, indeed the whole message seek and need, who have the maturity of thought of the Gospel, is best communicated through the gift and experience to rise above their individual and of music. Music speaks directly to the soul, with thus limited perceptions to what is beneficial for the words and beyond words. It is the language of the whole. We might suggest an avoidance of both heart and the gateway to a sense of power and highly individualistic content which can be embar­ strength that is so desperately needed in our worship rassing or offensive and rigidly structured forms assemblies. We must examine anew the admonition which may become boring or limiting. We need bet­ to "speak to one another in psalms and hymns." ter "stuff" --something equal to the proven, historic, Perhaps we can find new resources in music-even classic material of Christian worshipers through the in acappella form. centuries. People have given lifetimes and centuries to planning and developing liturgy: prayers, THE ELEMENT OF ORGANIZATION readings, movements, atmosphere, poetry. Let us be realistic and appropriately modest as we try to im­ We may be more brief in this matter than in the prove on this. We need new and relevant content. discussion of other elements. After all, we intend to But it has to be very good. say merely that a church should take the time and Finally, we wish to say that worship is not the only resources to plan well and execute well an hour vital element in this most important hour of the life which enables people to worship God with their of the church. We have limited our observations to it hearts and minds. There is considerable complexity because it seems to be the most essential as well as to God, the experience of worship, and the mind. the most neglected. An atmosphere of friendliness,

5 acceptance, warmth, and service is critical to this SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART hour. Other items include properly furnished and maintained facilities, excellent sound systems, well I am not a machine. designed and written print material, and every other element which enhances the beauty and joy of the My life's most momentous decisions hour. are not a mere weighing of the facts. The people and churches of our religious heritage My most potent life experiences have beautiful and valuable qualities for which there are not straightforward, objective occurrences. is urgent need in the world. In our own midst there are many who are seeking a more meaningful life. I worship a dynamic God, This important hour can make a critical difference in one of passion and energy. individual and corporate lives. It deserves our best Yet, much of the time efforts. church for me is stale and procedural. Our closing challenge may perhaps best be stated thusly: symbols are Catholic, emotion is Pentecostal, I visit other churches rationality is Presbyterian, quiet is Quaker, medita­ and I feel alive. tion is Eastern. What are we and how much of these My senses and my soul respond can we claim for our experience in worship? What is to the drama and color and richness of texture. the unique contribution that we have made to Chris­ I go to the church of my childhood tian worship? and I'm met with predictable blandness. We have rejected Joseph's rainbow robe, settled for and even demanded a somber cloak of black. _.MISSION

THE BATTLE At the center of the universe lies a vacant, dimly lit room. Its inner walls are barren, devoid of decora­ tion except for a small sign above a solitary door which reads, "SUMMIT OR MAKE WAR. 11 A man pauses anxiously outside the door, then tentatively steps inside. The door slams harshly and ir­ revocably behind him, echoing deafening thunder throughout the tiny room. In one corner of the room stands Satan, arms folded, waiting confidently. A twisted sneer circles his mouth, betraying malicious hate. In the opposite corner of the room lies a radiant silver case housing a sharp, double-edged sword. On one side of the rapier are the words "THE ALMIGHTY SWORD Of THE SPIRIT. 11 On the other, "THE EVERLASTING WORD Of GOD. 11 The man lifts the sword from the case uncertainly, now cursing himself for never having learned its pro­ per use. "One hand or two?" he wonders feverishly as Satan stealthily begins his approach. "To jab or to swing?" he cries silently as he begins to circle the room. Quickly, impulsively, the man makes a wild, backhanded swing, throwing himself off balance and leav­ ing himself undefended. Satan stabs him viciously in the back and retreats tauntingly. The man stumbles in pain, then regains his balance and circles again. He raises the sword over his head clumsily, and Satan slashes a gaping wound near the man's heart. falling to his knees, the man makes one final, faltering sweep of the blade toward Satan. He strikes Satan impotently with the broad part of the blade, leaving hardly a bruise upon his heel. The man lies crumpled to the ground in a dying heap, completely vulnerable. In one fluid motion Satan hurls him through the door, leaving him battered, bleeding, and defeated. In the corner of a vacant, dimly lit room at the center of the universe lies an all-powerful, double-edged sword. It waits patiently for one skilled in its use.

- KEN CAMERON

Ken Cameron is a clinical psychologist at the Ozark Guidance Center in Springdale, Arkansas.

6 ------~- ~~-- MISSIONJOURNAL

Seeing With The Eyes Of An Eagle: Dealing With Disappointment

If we set our hope ultimately on the accomplishment of God's will in our own personal lives, in the lives of others, and in the universe as a whole, the disappointment of daily set-backs will give way to a deep joy and peace.

By GENE HARTMAN

he feeling is the same even though the people conclusion. My hope and expectations were T and the situations may vary greatly. When we in­ thwarted; what I wanted I was not going to receive. vest our time, energy, and hope into an expected Everything revolved around me. Such an attitude outcome which is not realized, we experience disap­ makes it impossible to feel anything but bitter pain. pointment. It hurts. Imagine a high school boy being We experience disappointment in the first place turned down the first time he musters enough because our eyes focus primarily on the personal courage to ask out a pretty girl, or a young couple consequences. awaiting news from an adoption agency who receive With the passing of time, I began to see a this notification: "No babies available at this time." somewhat broader scope: this situation which had We all know the pain of "hope gone awry," and it's affected me did not involve only me. In fact, often defeating; but it doesn't have to be. everything that happens to us rarely affects only us. Several years ago I went through the worst dis­ My failure to receive the position I wanted so badly appointment I had experienced up to that time in meant that someone else had received it. He or she my life. For the second year in a row I was turned was surely as much affected by the situation as I was. down for a graduate internship. Because I had envi­ Perhaps there were others who had applied and not sioned my whole future with this as the point of been chosen-their lives were also touched. origin, I felt, when I received the news, as if my At this point I let my imagination run wild: what career plans were completely thwarted. What about the people I would have been working with would I do now? What could I do now? How could but now am not; or those I have come to know since Cod let such a thing happen to me? In seeking but never would have met if I had been selected; answers to these questions I made some comforting and beyond that, the many who would be influenc­ observations, and my outlook changed from fearful ed indirectly two or three times removed from me? hopelessness to confident hopefulness. The ripples created in the pool of my life and in the lives of others may even be felt many years from The First Step Toward Hope now. It may sound rather far-fetched, like a mind Perspective was the major factor in coming to game- "If I turn right at the corner instead of left, grips with my disappointment. I had begun with a the course of all history will be changed forever." vary narrow viewpoint: "How does this affect me?" But the point is that the "just me" perspective is not This is probably the first question for all of us, but adequate or helpful when we are trying to deal with consider the implications if it is followed to its logical disappointment in our lives. Gene Hartman holds degrees from Pacific Christian College and Califor­ Besides the rippling pool, another water picture nia State University, Fullerton. He is employed in sales for a manufactur­ helps in broadening our perspective. We can think ing company and is a member of the Eastside Christian Church, in Fuller­ ton. of our lives as a river and the individual incidents as

7 .stopping points along the way. A squirrel might see it The most universal statement in the Bible about as a quiet pond from his vantage point; farther along the will of God can be found in Ephesians 1 :9-10: it may appear as raging rapids to an onlooking deer. Both spots are undeniably parts of the same river, For /-le has made known to us in all wisdom although the squirrel and deer would give very and insight the mystery of /-!is will, according different descriptions. However, the eagle, soaring to the purpose which /-le set forth in Christ as high above ground level, sees the river from start to a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in /-lim, things in heaven and things on God's will looks far beyond the particulars earth. in my life to a glorious consummation That all-encompassing will which Jesus referred to in which will involve all of creation. the "Lord's Prayer" seems to be equated here with God's unifying of all things under his lordship. In his finish. He understands the interrelations of the twists letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul explained and turns, the whitewater and the calm. He sees it this way: "That at the name of Jesus every knee tributaries joining and adding to the river, small should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the streams branching off and taking away from it. For earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is the eagle, the river is ever changing, not static; a Lord, to the glory of the Father" (Phil. 2:10-11). flowing process, not a stagnant product. Talk about changing one's perspective! After con­ As we become able to look at the broader picture, templating these Scriptures, I had to acknowledge our focus widens to include more than just that God had a goal which far overshadowed my ourselves. When we can see that many other per­ momentary disappointment. His will looks far sons are also involved, the disappointment we feel beyond the particulars in my life to a glorious con­ for our own loss becomes less intense. Not only is summation which will involve all of creation. No this new vision comforting, it is also more accurate. wonder Paul was able to say, "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Seeking God's Will Him, who are called according to His purpose" At the time of my lost job opportunity there was (Rom. 8:28). Glimpsing this great purpose helped to another factor which kept the dial turned up on my soothe the disappointment I had felt. disappointment meter: the quest to find God's will. In terms of the image I used earlier, I suppose I Just what was God's will in this situation anyway? could say that the eagle flew a second time, even Did He want to teach me some particular lesson? higher, enabling him to see the river flow ultimately Was He closing one door in order to open another into an ocean. And not only his river, but hundreds for me? Where should I look for this open door? and thousands of others cut their way into the ocean If you analyze the motives behind these questions, as well. So while they enjoyed an individual however (and I did not, at least initially), you can see existence for a time, their ultimate course led them I was not really centering on God's will, but still on all to being united in the much greater expanse of myself. I was interested in God's will only insofar as the ocean. Only as the eagle flew very high was he it affected me. But as more time passed and I able to see his river in such a relation to the whole became more honest with myself, I could see that network of bodies of water. God's will encompasses much more than my not getting a particular job at a particular time. from The Universal To The Particular In developing this new attitude, the most impor­ Seeing with the eyes of the eagle enabled me to tant insight came through reexamining the prayer see my disappointment in a larger context, but it also Jesus taught his disciples. The first thing Jesus taught seemed to diminish me as a person. It became very them to pray was "Thy will be done, on earth as it is easy to feel insignificant in the grand scheme of in heaven" (Matt. 6:10). Therefore, one of our most God's will. Rather than my disappointments being seen urgent desires, if not the most urgent, should be that as major catastrophes, now it seemed that they were God's will be accomplished. Certainly we should trivial except as instruments in bringing about God's want God's will before our own (Matt. 26:39). We purpose. As an individual I would mean nothing. If must also recognize that his will involves all of earth these were my choices, I preferred disappointment. and all of heaven-an all-encompassing will from However the Bible does not teach that we and our Him who created all things. It seems, then, only individual lives are insignificant. While guiding the reasonable to conclude that God's will involves whole of history and creation, God's will also more than "just me" in my disappointment of the touches the particulars--and with the highest moment. regard. Two further statements from Ephesians

8 illustrate how the will of God is concerned for us as eagle began to appreciate that each river was cutting individuals: its own unique course through widely different ter­ rain. Some rivers ran more swiftly than others. Some He destined us in love to be His sons through were short, some were long; some wide, some Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His narrow. A few of the rivers flowed straight and will, to the praise of His glorious grace which strong into the ocean, whereas others were dotted He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. with rapids and waterfalls along their course. What (1 :6-7) the eagle finally understood was that the whole net­ In Him, according to the purpose of Him work was inseparably connected. It was not all who accomplishes all things according the ocean, nor was it all river; and in this understanding counsel of His will, we who first hoped in the eagle.captured the true beauty of his own river. Christ have been destined and appointed to Keeping pace with my eagle, I finally realized that even my disappointment came under the umbrella live for the praise of His glory. (7: 7 7-72) of God's will-not only in establishing his lordship over all creation but also in nurturing my own Chris­ As individuals we are significant to God; we are tian maturity. Therefore, to suffer disappointment not merely instruments in the fulfillment of his plan. that God's will might be accomplished was actually His will becomes intensely individual and personal a special privilege: God has made me his partner. I at the level of our salvation. If we ever doubt that, did not know then, and still do not know, all of the we need only to reflect on God's love as expressed ramifications involved in my not getting that job. But in the death of Jesus Christ. Not only this, but God I do trust that in them God is drawing all things also cares that we grow to Christian maturity. nearer to the culmination of his Master Plan. Following the broad assertion in Romans 8:28 that This leads to a new attitude toward our "in everything God works for good," Paul shows the experiences of disappointment. It does not mean narrower scope of God's will in his desire for Chris­ that the pain of "hope gone awry" will vanish; but tians to grow: "For those whom He foreknew He with the acute vision of an eagle we may be able to also predestined to be conformed to the image of understand it better-perhaps even see something His Son, in order that He might be the first-born beautiful in it. Furthermore, if we set our hope among many brethren" (8:29). The will of God, as it ultimately on the accomplishment of God's will in applies to me personally, is that I be saved and grow our own personal lives, in the lives of others, and in to become like Jesus. This applies to all of us as the universe as a whole, the disappointment of daily individuals, not "just me." Therefore, we can view set-backs will give way to a deep joy and peace. This the individual situations of our lives as opportunities is the hope of which Paul speaks in Romans 5:5: for God to "grow us up." And hope does not disappointment us, What the eagle missed on his second flight was the because Cod's love has been poured into individual beauty of each river as it flowed into the our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has ocean. They were much more than mere tributaries been given us. to the final outcome. On a closer examination the . ··-----·----·-·------MISSION

Have You Made Your Reservation? The Richardson East Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas, is hosting our Annual Readers Seminar on June 21 at 12:00 noon. Reser­ vations for the luncheon/seminar may be made by calling Larry James at (214) 231-8231. Cost is $5.00 per person. The speaker will be Harold Straughn, author of The five Divorces of a Healthy Marriage.

9 JUNE, 1986 ------

a columnfor opinion and A Word For Our Ti01es personal reflection

A Small Book In A White Box: Memories By Karen Sampson

Within two weeks of our wedding book for the first time. Time pressures Mom pulled into the driveway, we day David and I loaded up a creaky U­ and stress are the watchwords of would fly to our bedrooms and Haul truck and moved from Tennessee today. Life's pace has quickened and pretend to be asleep. The show was to Louisiana. David was to be the families have hurried and harried okay, but the conspiracy with Dad was minister of a small congregation just themselves to near exhaustion. The the fun part! north of New Orleans. The days baby book is being replaced by the A little creative thinking and a com­ quickly settled into a routine: David baby calendar with stickers to quickly mitment to spend time together is all driving proudly off to work leaving me mark the date of baby milestones. that is needed to make special to unpack and organize our first home. What kind of everyday memories memories. The benefits to be gained Late one afternoon as I was un­ will our families have? Dad and Mom are incalculable. A major plus is in­ packing a carton of David's comatose in front of the television creased self-esteem for our children belongings, I came across a small flat night after night? Or so caught up in and spouses. Spending time white box. I had never seen it before projects for work or projects for volun­ together-whether having a picnic on and decided it must have come from teer groups that time pressures the back porch, reading a special bed­ David's home in Indiana, where we squeeze them into a bundle of bad­ time story, or playing a quiet game of had picked up some things after our tempered nerves? backgammon-sends the message, honeymoon. I sat down on the carpet Traditions and memories are the "You are special; I like to be with in the study and opened the box. In­ roots of our family systems. Normally you." Life in our modern world seems side was a small book. I opened the cruelly calculated to chip away at our cover and realized with a small thrill of feelings of self-worth. We need to be delight that it was David's baby book. aware of this and make our families As I leafed slowly through the pages, places where everyone is affirmed as a I read all the small wonders and tri­ worthwhile person. umphs that had been recorded. Family identity has taken a beating David's mother had written about in today's hectic and mobile society. everything: the first shots, the first Most people live far from their exten­ teeth, the first words, the first steps. All ded families, making it hard for was chronicled in loving detail, page children to understand their family after page of everyday memories. She structures and values. Few children continued to write past David's first now know the pleasure of sitting and birthday, recording all the toddler listening to a favorite uncle or grand­ stories. I giggled, enjoying this unex­ parent tell stories of the family's past, pected peek into my husband's past. the funny, exciting, or sad escapades Then there was his second birthday: that make up their heritage. the party, the cake, the presents, the we connect these special family Recently, in a Wednesday night cousins who came. memories with holidays and the Bible class, the teens I teach were But somewhere past the second traditions that surround them, but assigned to conduct a "family history" birthday, somewhere past the third memories are made everyday in the scavenger hunt. They were to spend Christmas, the entries began to thin give and take of life together. two weeks digging into their family out. Before the third birthday party One of my earliest memories is of past for facts and memorabilia. When they stopped altogether. I thought a conspiracy that my sisters and I the night came to share, we had a back to the day, when we were dating, shared with our dad. One night a week wonderful time laughing about moms' that I asked David to tell me about his my mom would drive off to the local and dads' baby pictures, parents' early family. "My dad's a farmer and a mail college to take a night course, leaving boy friends, and old hairstyles and carrier," he had said. "My mother us in our father's care to be fed, clothes. We examined family trees, died of cancer when I was three. I bathed, and put to bed. The feeding pictures of great-great-grandparents, don't remember much about her ex­ and bathing were accomplished with and war time medals. The teenagers cept her being sick." dispatch. Then when we were sup­ seemed to enjoy delving into their posed to be put to bed, Dad let us sit history and were excited about sharing It has been nearly thirty years since up with him and watch his favorite their finds. David's mother opened that baby television show, "Combat." When Memories, the roots of our family

10 MISSION JOUl,NAL

systems, grow into traditions that help memorable times in your family. If you a drawer. Why? Nothing earth-shat­ us to know who we are and where we need some ideas, invest in the book tering was recorded there. It's not stand in the community and the world. Making Family Memories by Shirley unusual for a baby to say "Mama" for Time set aside to make a special Dobson and Gloria Gaither. They have the first time. It's not front-page news dinner, write a note of encouragement, collected enough creative and inex­ when a little boy gets his first haircut. or leaf through a family album together pensive ideas to get anyone started But these everyday memories, quietly is never wasted. But don't just wait for immediately. recorded by a proud and loving it to happen spontaneously. Make it I put the baby book back into the mother, have become a special part of happen-now! For "when I have more little white box. My eyes filled and her grown-up boy's self-esteem. And time" almost never comes. Give con­ tears splashed down onto the little someday they will be a legacy to share scious thought to the creation of book of memories as I put it gently into with our children.

SpaceShuttle America By Ben B. Boothe

But I wonder, if science has turned into a monster whose final triumph will be twentieth century dark ages? man's own destruction. If our worship of science and Thomas A. Edison late in his career technology doesn't destroy us, surely it will lead to eventual despair. Hence Like the members of the ill-fated power we may have left is to speak. I would call for continued space shuttle crew, our society has On the brink of a nuclear holocaust progress-progress in putting priorities become convinced of the omniscience is our only voice going to be "Roger .. in a balanced perspective. The and omnipotence of technology. .. full throttle"? Will some of us at least technocrats must step back a little; Technocrats speak in languages speak now to slow it down to give us review and resume our study of the unknown to the massesand deal in the time to analyze and find a way out of humanities, the liberal arts; reaffirm interconnections so complex-and this accelerating madness? Or will the the traditional values of human yet so pervasive-that in the event of age of reason, the age of science, end relationships; and learn again that disaster most individuals would not in a blaze of glory and blow us into the happiness is not to be found in even know the questions to ask, much technology and gadgetry to the ex­ less have the ability to find solutions. clusion of humanness. Indeed the Certainly the majority of people would quiet life, or the simple moments of not know how to protect themselves. respite from all the monsters we have Also like the members of the created, or the ability to say with Challenger's crew, we have allowed a meaning to one another, 11 1 love you, 11 scientific community to empower may again become as sacred as our some persons with the potential to science has been. destroy us all. We can't even get off Perhaps a renewed application for the ship-planet Earth. We are strap­ the basic values of God and humanity ped in, roaring through time and space could be our salvation in more ways to the inevitable. About the only than one!

Sister Ethylwyn By John Whitfield

An Anglican nun, Ethylwyn to the rules. not taking a stand is, as she rightly ob­ Wenham spent more than forty years Relaxing the rules is a badge of our serves, everybody doing his or her serving the poor and sick as a member society. We smile at the likes of Sister own thing. of the Sisters of St. John the Divine. At Ethelwyn: austere, straitlaced, un­ Finding a place to stand and stand­ age seventy-six she has quit-the order compromising, rather unreal. On the ing there is challenge both for each that is, not her commitment to pover­ other hand, the logical conclusion of Christian and for the Church. ty, chastity and obedience. Disgrun­ tled that the monastic rules governing silence, prayer, habit, and fasting weren't being strictly enforced, she complained, "Everything has become optional and you can't run a com­ Speakers of A Word for June: Karen Sampson is a social worker for Christ's Haven for Children and munity with everybody doing what the director of the counseling ministry at the Park Row Church of Christ, Arlington, Texas. Ben B. they [sic] like." So she has formed a Boothe is President of the Western National Bank of Texas in Fort Worth and a Mission Trustee. John Whitfield teaches in tile Department of Mathematica/ Sciences at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, breakaway group that strictly adheres Ontario, Canada.

11 Baptism, Eucharistand Ministry: Building Bridges of Understanding

Designed to assist churches in coming to a greater vision of Christian unity, the B.E.M. document can stimulate fuller appreciation of the worldwide fellowship of Christian people, a fellowship which interfaces with such issues as race, nationality, and denominational tradition.

By R. SCOTT COLGLAZIER

Fragmented and splintered, our world is plagued fellowship which interfaces with such issues as race, by nations, families, marriages, and churches which nationality, and denominational tradition. Naturally, fail to communicate meaningfully with one another. if there is to be a visible witness to Christian unity, A terrorist group hijacks a TWA airliner, making there must be significant discussion and apprecia­ demands that seem strange and incomprehensible tion of the gifts which God has granted to the for nearly all of the western world. A husband packs Church. There are no gifts which the Church should his last box of clothes, says good-bye to a lost love, cherish more than baptism, eucharist (communion), and kisses a confused child; heading into a new and ministry. The document which explores the rich phase of life he wonders what happened and at diversity of these gifts as well as accentuating the what point the marriage turned sour. A member of broadest levels of common theological understand­ the Church of Christ looks at a Methodist business ing is the Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry document, partner; exasperated over a two-hour luncheon which was adopted in an extraordinary ecumenical discussion on baptism, he is nonplussed over how gathering in Lima, Peru. two people reading the same Bible can arrive at such The B.E.M. document is a marvelously crafted, different positions. In spite of the fact that we live in theologically responsible, intellectually stimulating an age of ubiquitous communication, there never­ piece of writing which deserves reading and discus­ theless exists surprisingly little dialogue and sion among members of the Church of Christ. Ideas understanding among human beings. Therefore, any come of age. For many members of the Church of forum which fosters better communication among Christ the fundamentalist isolationism is no longer human beings is to be appreciated, applauded and ringing true. A new generation of Church of Christ utilized. members are seeking a way to claim their faith tradi­ In 1982 the most important ecumenical document tion which is rooted in the Stone-Campbell move­ of this century was drafted by the Faith and Order ment and at the same time to move beyond the fear­ Commission of the World Council of Churches. This ful hostility and polarization which has characteriz­ document is the culmination of nearly fifty years of ed relationships with other church traditions. study, discussion, and Christian sharing. Designed to What is so compelling about the B.E.M. document assist churches in coming to a greater vision of Chris­ is that it functions as a key to open the locks on tian unity, this work can stimulate fuller appreciation doors long closed because of religious insecurity or of the worldwide fellowship of Christian people, a theological wrong-headedness. I would encourage a serious reading of this document because it can R. Scott Colglazier holds the Master of Divinity Degree from Christian dialogue with Christians of other traditions, Theological Seminary and is Associate Minister of the Third Christian create Church, Indianapolis, Indiana. and it will enhance one's understanding of the

12 biblical and theological complexity of such faith will be faithful growth for either the adult or the issues as baptism, eucharist, and ministry. The docu­ infant. Finally, both infant and adult baptisms ment also provides what I think is an equally operate on the assumption that the efficacy of valuable service to Christians, namely, the realiza­ baptismal waters is dependent upon the faithfulness tion that theological inquiry done in an ecumenical of Jesus Christ, the Christ who Himself was baptized context has an integrity all its own and provides, in as an adult, but who also said, "Suffer the little many cases, a more authentic theological voice to children to come unto me." the Church than does systematic theology or biblical What is exciting to me is not whether or not one study which has proceeded mainly through the halls agrees with the above statements. Initially, agree­ of academia. In other words, the document attests to ment is not what is at stake. What is at stake is that an often overlooked reality: theology is not simply such a statement has the ability to stir thought, concerned with what we know but how we know create discussion, open up communication, and and even where our knowledge is processed. lead one, even if it is a small step, toward the I would like to draw attention to various highlights ecumenical vision of the Church. The polarization in all three sections of B.E.M., not that these are which has existed between churches over the gift of more important statements than others, but in order baptism is tragedy. The diverse practices of baptism to reflect the provocative and sensitive tenor of the bear witness together to the one baptism of the writings. The very best way to read the document is Church, each respective baptismal position being a with a study group seeking to broaden their dimension of a full understanding of this very mean­ theological perspectives. ingful experience. The issue is not which is In the "baptism" section of the B.E.M. document right-adult or infant baptism, sprinkling or immer­ there is a striking passage that reflects the kind of sion. The most significant question which B.E.M. can stimulating insight that pervades the entire docu­ cause one to ask is, what part of the total truth does ment: a respective baptismal position illuminate? In the case of adult believers' baptism, the truth of per­ Both the baptism of believers and the baptism sonal confession is accentuated. For churches prac­ of infants take place in the Church as the com­ ticing infant baptism, the truth of the importance of munity of faith .... In both cases, the baptized children in the community of faith and the steward­ person will grow in the understanding of faith. ship of Christian parenting become central. Both For those baptized upon their own confession positions, practiced and taught across the broad of faith, there is always the constant require­ spectrum of the ecumenical church, provide a ment of a continuing growth of personal balanced appreciation of God's watery gift to the response in faith. In the case of infants, per­ Church. sonal confession is expected later, and Chris­ The greatest strength of the "eucharist" section of tian nurture is directed to the eliciting of this B.E.M. is the comprehensive way in which the confession. (p. 4) Lord's Supper is presented, i.e., as a meal of thanksgiving. "The eucharist signifies what the There is perhaps no other subject among world is to become: an offering and hymn of praise members of the Church of Christ which is more to the Creator, a universal communion in the body sacrosanct than baptism (adult immersion in of Christ, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace in water/for the forgiveness of sins). Interestingly the Holy Spirit" (p. 11). The eucharist is also viewed enough, the B.E.M. document does state that "bap­ as anamnesis or as a memorial of Christ. As the tism upon personal profession of faith is the most Church gathers to remember Christ through the clearly attested pattern in the New Testament breaking of bread and drinking of wine, there takes documents" (p. 4). However, for most in the Church place both representation and anticipation. What of Christ, adult immersion for the forgiveness of sins Christ has done is represented through the creative is the only true baptism and any alternative power of symbols; what Christ will do is anticipated understanding is usually treated as a heresy. This through hope of the parousia. particular message from B.E.M. presses one to see Additionally, the eucharist is presented as invoca­ the great similarity between adult and infant bap­ tion of the Holy Spirit. "The spirit makes the tism. Both types of baptism are authentically crucified and risen Christ really present to us in the celebrated only within the context of the Christian eucharistic meal, fulfilling the promise contained in community. Both practices require confession of the words of institution" (p. 13). There is a faith-adult baptism by the recipient, infant baptism mysterious working of God's Spirit in the eucharist; by the parents followed by the recipient in later communion is not a strictly rational exercise of years. Both baptismal practices assume that there pinching bread and then trying to think up crucifix-

13 JUNE, 1986 -·------·----·-·-·-·-··-··---·-··--

ion scenes based on some Easter film one saw years tradition and celebrating the eucharist every ago. The presence of God's Spirit makes the Sunday, this document has the potential of il­ eucharist a celebration of Christ's presence in the life luminating the many dimensions of this marvelous of the Church. gift of bread and wine. The eucharist is also viewed as the communion of The final section of B.E.M. is an exploration of the the faithful. The ultimate moment of the Church's meaning and function of ministry. Much of this sec­ sharing is visibly culminated in the communion ser­ tion will be less applicable to members of the vice. To share bread and wine means to share life; Church of Christ than the previous two sections. I barriers of race, wealth, education, and theological would nevertheless encourage a reading and study­ position tumble down as Christians gather to eat and ing of this section. The first part of it is a stirring call drink together. The eucharist then is rightly for the Church to be the Church, a ministering, pro­ understood as an experience of spiritual solidarity. claiming, witnessing, liberating community. Every Finally, the eucharist is presented as a meal of Christian has a place in this ministry, each taking his God's Kingdom. "As it is entirely the gift of God, the or her place in a broken world, carrying in one's eucharist brings into the present age a new reality respective broken vessel the treasure of the Gospel. which transforms Christians into the image of Christ I want to conclude this brief introduction of and therefore makes them his effective witnesses" B.E.M. by sharing my personal experience with this (B.E.M., p. 15). The eucharist becomes a visible document. I was chairperson of a local ecumenical experience of God's rule in the world now as well as ministerial group last year. I had the privilege of anticipation of a fuller expression of the Kingdom at leading several discussions with this group of a later time. The celebration of the communion is a ministers-four Methodists, one Baptist, one sign of God's ruling activity. Pentecostal, one Lutheran. Communication was One can see, then, that the B.E.M. document goes always lively and enlightening and our theological to great lengths to offer a multicolored portrait of the exploration always proceeded within the context of eucharist. The Lord's Supper is thanksgiving, Christian love and respect. It was particularly satisfy­ memorial, invocation, communion, and meal of the ing to witness the building of bridges from the Kingdom. The richness and complexity of this inquiry stimulated by the B.E.M. I encourage you to presentation could significantly influence a church purchase this document. Secure a study guide. that would be willing to establish a B.E.M. study Begin your own journey into the ecumenical vision group. Furthermore, such a study group might which God has for all God's people. It is only when engage in ecumenical discussion and sharing on the Christians begin experiencing meaningful and visible basis of what the eucharist means and not simply unity created by dialogue, sharing, and understand­ petty bickering over the frequency of the commu­ ing that we can hope for the healing of our nion service. For those living in a Church of Christ fragmented and splintered world .._____ M1ss10N would allege. "norm." Paul exhorts in 1 Cor. 6:18, It was after Paul that patristic writers, "Shun porneia." But what is porneia? especially Augustine of Hippo, In classical Greek porneia meant "pro­ developed a systematic doctrine of stitution." But the King James Version The Fall, so that Augustine could argue translates it "fornication." Fornicatio against Pelagius that fallen man could originally meant prostitution, but the not even will the Good. Highfield has English word "fornication" has a more Ron Highfield wishes to take "The interpreted the Bible in terms of this general meaning of any sexual activity Fall" seriously in assessing "The later Fall-Theology. outside of marriage. The revised Stan­ Ethnics of Church Politics" [March, But Highfield's position is more dard Version translates porneia as "im­ 1986]. Pat Ball in response to Highfield helpful than John Mark Hicks who morality," a vague word at best. So confesses that he is troubled by "the asserts that "The norm is u nam­ what is the norm? The fact is that preponderance of emphasis on The biguously revealed in Scripture." Such scholars are not in agreement as to Fall." I think Ball's instincts are an assertion is, to say the least, over­ what porneia meant when Paul used it, correct. stated-and like Highfield's position, so it is up-for-grabs as to what Paul "The Fall" is not a term to be found the product of a later, post-Biblical means when he says, "Shun porneia." in any of the sixty-six books of The Pro­ ideology. Hicks states, "I assume the Thus Hicks' general assertion that testant Bible. Paul argued that sin perspecuity of Scripture." That state­ "Scripture is unambiguous" is in­ came into the world th rough one man ment belongs to Martin Luther, but the defensible. There are still many things

( = Adam), and thus the originally im­ author of Second Peter, referring to "hard to understand, 11 as the author of mortal man became mortal (Rom. Paul's letters, says, "There are some Second Peter observed long ago. 5:12). But Paul did not argue that things in them hard to understand" (2 Adam's disobedience led to a defect in Pet. 3:16). Roy Bowen Ward our ability to reason, as Highfield I offer one example which involves a Oxford, Ohio

14 . MIJ.SIONJC>URNAL

Constitutional Issues In The Appeal Of The CollinsvilleChurch Of Christ Part I: The Facts Of The Case

By FLAVIL R. YEAKLEY, JR.

he First Amendment to the Constitution of the For some time Marian was a faithful member of T United States of America sets forth some of the the Collinsville Church of Christ. During this period, most important protections of citizens of this nation: as she later admitted in the trial, she was taught that "Congress shall make no law respecting an members of the church have an obligation to establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free admonish a member who sins and urge repentance; exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of she learned that the conduct of a member bears on speech, or of the press; or the right of the people the reputation and influence of the church in the peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Govern­ community; she knew that fornication could harm ment for a redress of grievances." Several of these the reputation of the church; and she learned both important constitutional protections will be seriously by teaching and example that the fellowship of the weakened if the decision is not reversed in the church is withdrawn from those who sin and refuse recent case of Guinn vs. the Collinsville Church of to repent. 3 She had witnessed a withdrawal of Christ. fellowship from a member whose sin, as she later Previous comments by various writers in Mission admitted in the trial, would not damage the in­ have generally been critical of the actions taken by fluence and reputation of the church as much as the the elders of the Church of Christ in Collinsville, sin of fornication. 4 She knew that the Collinsville Oklahoma, that led up to this case. These previous Church of Christ, based on its understanding of the comments in Mission, however, have not presented Bible,·required its members to abstain from all forms a full account of the facts, nor have they explained of sexual immorality; and she understood that to in­ the legal arguments that the Collinsville Church of clude any sexual intercourse between people not Christ is using in its appeal. The purpose of this lawfully married to each other. article is to provide readers of Mission with this infor­ mation. The Events While Marian Guinn was a member of the Collins­ The Member Who Sued The Church ville Church of Christ, rumors began to spread When Marian Guinn first came into contact with through the small town that she was having an affair the Collinsville Church of Christ, she was a recently with Pat Sharp, the owner of the Collinsville drug divorced mother with four children-an store and the town's former mayor. During a good unemployed high school drop-out living on welfare. portion of 1980 and 1981 Pat Sharp's car was often Her sister, a member of the Collinsville Church of seen at Marian Guinn's house. Marian was often Christ, told the elders of the congregation about seen visiting Pat Sharp at his drug store. During the Marian's situation. They offered to help. Members of trial Marian admitted that the affair was rumored the church moved Marian and her children to around town.s Collinsville, provided food and clothing for her and Pat Sharp had divorced his wife in August of 1979. her four children, helped her get through school, One of the rumors in Collinsville was that Marian bought her two cars, and paid her bills. 1 One of the Guinn had broken up the Sharps' marriage. Pat elders taught Marian and baptized her. 2 Sharp's former wife accused Marian of being the cause of the divorce. She testified that she overheard Flavil R. Yeakley, Jr. holds a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois. He has made special studies of First Amendment law on an extension telephone a conversation in which and taught the subject for ten years at the University of Tulsa. Pat and Marian said that they loved each other-and

15 JUNE,.1986 __

this was before the divorce. 6 Sunday, the fellowship of the congregation would In 1980 the Collinsville City Clerk, who was a be withdrawn from her. member of the Church of Christ, called one of the On 24 September 1981 Marian took that letter to a elders and reported the rumor. The elders decided lawyer. On his advice she wrote a letter on 25 that they needed to talk to Marian privately about September 1981, resigning her membership in the the charges. When they went to her house, they Collinsville Church of Christ and telling the elders found that she had gone to a laundromat. When not to say anything about her. That letter was sent they found her at the laundromat, they asked her to just two days prior to the time when she was to be leave the younger children in the care of her disfellowshipped. teenagers so that she could go with them to the After considering the matter, the elders decided church office to discuss some things in private. 7 In that Marian's resignation did not change what they the trial Marian admitted that every time the elders had to do. Those elders share with most other visited her, they treated her with kindness. 8 In this members of the Church of Christ the belief that 1 meeting at the church office the elders told Marian Corinthians 5:9-13 requires Christians to withdraw about the rumors. She denied that they were true. their fellowship from a Christian who is guilty of The elders accepted her denial, but suggested that sexual immorality and refuses to repent. This under the circumstances it would be better for her to passage is generally understood in Churches of stop seeing Pat Sharp. As it turned out, however, she Christ to make a clear distinction between a Chris­ did not. tian and a non-Christian fornicator. Paul says that In the late summer of 1981 Pat Sharp and Marian Christians are not to withdraw their fellowship from Guinn had a fight and broke up. Pat started dating non-Christian fornicators, since that would require someone else over the objections of Marian. Pat "going out of the world"; but Christians must then called one of the elders of the Collinsville withdraw their fellowship from any Christian for­ Church of Christ asking him to keep Marian from nicator who refuses to repent. In the view of these bothering him and his new girlfriend. In that conver­ sation, Pat Sharp admitted that he and Marian had What was withdrawn was not the frequently engaged in sexual intercourse before fellowship at church services because their relationship turned sour. 9 Marian had stopped attending and had The next morning the elders met privately with Marian and told her what Pat Sharp had said. Faced resigned her membership in the congrega­ with this evidence, she admitted that she had been tion. What was withdrawn was personal guilty of fornication. She said, however, that she was and social contact. going to come back to church and not see Pat Sharp again. The elders told her that if they saw her with elders Marian Guinn did not cease being a Christian Pat Sharp again, they would have to assume that the when she resigned her membership in the Col­ relationship was continuing. 10 Shortly after this linsville Church of Christ. They regarded her as be­ meeting, however, Pat and Marian started seeing ing in error, but they still regarded her as being a each other again. sister in the family of Cod. Thus they believed that 1 On 16 September 1981 one of Marian's children Corinthians 5:9-13, Matthew 18:15-17, and other was attending the Wednesday evening services at passages required them to instruct the members of the Collinsville Church of Christ. When asked where their congregation to have no further association his mother was, the child said that Pat Sharp had with Marian Guinn because of her refusal to repent taken her to Tulsa. When the elders learned about of the sin of fornication. this, they went to see Marian a third time. They told In spite of Marian Guinn's resignation from the her that her sin had become so much a matter of Collinsville Church of Christ, the elders went ahead public knowledge that it had hurt the influence and with their message to the congregation instructing reputation of the church. They said that such a sin the members to have no further association with against the church as a whole demanded a public Marian. In this Sunday morning message the elders confession. They told her that if she did not repent, identified the Bible passages violated and those that confess her sins, and ask for the prayers of the con­ required the members to withdraw their fellowship gregation, they would have to tell the members to from Marian Guinn. At the trial Marian stated that withdraw their fellowship from her. Marian told the she was unaware of anyone outside the church who elders to leave and they left. 11 heard from anyone in the Collinsville Church of On 21 September 1981 the elders wrote a letter to Christ about the withdrawal of fellowship or the Marian again urging her to repent. In this letter they reasons for the action.12 told her that if she did not repent by the following In the media coverage that later surrounded the

16 trial the elders of the Collinsville Church of Christ The elders felt that they had to tell these Christians, were pictured as harassing Marian Guinn and being for their own protection and for the sake of the con­ very harsh and unkind in their treatment of her. The gregation's influence in the community, to stop facts revealed in the trial, however, make it clear associating with Marian Guinn. The message was that the elders went to Marian privately to discuss not addressed to Marian Guinn. It was addressed this matter on only three occasions. She admitted totally to the members of the congregation and that they treated her with kindness on all three simply explained what they were to do in this occasions. After these efforts had failed, they wrote matter. one letter to her and finally announced to the members that they must have no further association The Trial with Marian Guinn; and with the Bible references Marian Guinn sued the Collinsville Church of they gave it was clear that the withdrawal of Christ for defamation. She later amended her peti­ fellowship was because of her fornication. tion by dropping the defamation claim since the Previous comments in Mission have focused on facts stated by the elders were true and thus there the question of a member's right to withdraw was no defamation. She then claimed actual and membership from a congregation. Statements made punitive damages for invasion of privacy and inten­ by the Collinsville elders during the trial were unfor­ tional infliction of emotional distress. tunate in that they confused the issues of member­ The Collinsville Church of Christ challenged the ship in the family of God with membership in a local court's jurisdiction on First Amendment grounds. congregation. But regardless of what those elders The trial court, however, exercised jurisdiction in said, what they actually did in no way denied Marian spite of this objection. In so doing, the court ruled Guinn's right to resign her membership. What they that it had jurisdiction to determine the propriety of did was simply to affirm their right and their duty to forms of religious belief and discipline-the First explain to the members of the congregation why Amendment notwithstanding. they must have no further association with Marian The case for Marian Guinn attacked religious doc­ Guinn. trines and practices of the Collinsville Church of Regardless of how the Collinsville elders explained Christ in several significant ways. The charge of their action, what they actually did was directed intentional infliction of emotional distress related to totally at those who remained as members of the the statement the elders made when they told Collinsville Church of Christ and not at Marian Marian that if she did not repent, they would have to explain to the members why they must have no fur­ In the view of the elders Marian Guinn did ther association with her. Marian's attorney called not cease being a Christian when she that "emotional blackmail." He said that no church resigned her membership in the Collins­ should be permitted to make such a statement to its members. The case against the Collinsville Church of ville Church of Christ. They regarded her Christ also charged invasion of privacy by intrusion as being in error, but they still regarded upon seclusion and by publication of private facts. her as being a sister in the family of God. The charge of intrusion upon seclusion related to the three times that the elders went to see Marian Guinn. In order to protect the members of their con­ privately to ask her about the rumors, to confront gregation from the corrupting influence of such a her with the evidence, and to admonish her to person as Marian Guinn and in order to protect the repent. Mrs. Guinn's attorney claimed that those reputation and influence of the church in their com­ elders had no right to talk to Marian about her munity, they had to instruct their members to have private sex life-or to talk to any other member no further association with Marian Guinn. At that about such a personal matter. The case presented point, such action could not have been a punish­ against the Collinsville Church of Christ would allow ment of Marian Guinn---but only a protection of the church leaders to engage in passive counseling, i.e., members and of the congregation's influence in the talking to members about personal problems if the community. Marian Guinn told the elders that she members come to the elders and ask for their wanted to be left alone. That is exactly what the advice. Active counseling, however, would be ruled elders told the members to do. What was withdrawn out by the argument presented against the here was not fellowship at church services because Collinsville elders. Acco 1ding to this argument, Marian had stopped attending and had resigned her church leaders do not have the right to go to a membership in the congregation. What was member who has violated the congregation's moral withdrawn was personal and social contact. Marian code to urge that member to repent. Marian's at­ still had friends and relatives in the congregation. torney also attacked the strict moral code of the Col-

17 linsville Church of Christ that defined sexual inter­ consider all the issues raised in Marian Guinn's case, course between single people as being immoral. He including: (1) the objections to the strict moral code said, "Those two people were single and this is of the Church of Christ that regards sexual inter­ America." He urged that in America today sexual in­ course between single people as being immoral; (2) tercourse between single people is not regarded as the objection to the doctrine of the Church of Christ being immoral. Thus he objected to the moral code concerning the active counseling role of its elders; of the Church of Christ, to its doctrine concerning (3) the discipline practiced by Churches of Christ in the active counseling role of its elders, and to its doc­ withdrawing fellowship from a member who sins trine requiring a withdrawal of fellowship from a and refuses to repent; and, (4) the doctrine of the member who sins and refuses to repent. Church of Christ that regards a person who The charge of invasion of privacy by publication of withdraws membership from a congregation as be­ private facts was the only charge that had anything ing a member in rebellion and thus still a child in the at all to do with any action taken by the elders after family of God rather than as being a non-member. Marian wrote a letter resigning her membership in Marian Guinn sued for $1,300,000 in actual and the congregation. This charge related to the state­ punitive damages. The jury awarded her both actual ment the elders made when they explained to the and punitive damages on all charges. The judge had congregation why they must have no further told the jury, however, that only the largest of the association with Marian Guinn. The attorney for the awards would be granted. The largest of the awards Collinsville Church of Christ argued that there was by the jury for actual and punitive damages was for no publication of private facts. He urged that the $390,000. The decision of the jury against the Col­ facts concerning the fornication were made public linsville Church of Christ was unanimous. The jury by the actions of Marian Guinn and Pat Sharp, by the actually had little choice, based on the instructions statement Pat Sharp made to one of the elders, and given to them by the judge. then by the lawsuit initiated by Marian Guinn-n.ot The Collinsville Church of Christ and its elders by the statement the elders made to the congrega­ have appealed the decision by the trial court in tion. He further argued that a statement from the Tulsa. The appeal should be considered by the elders to the members of the congregation on this Oklahoma Supreme Court-perhaps some time in matter came under the heading of "qualified 1986. The appeal is based on several constitutional privilege" as defined in the related laws on libel and issues that will be discussed in Part 2 and Part 3, in slander. The judge, however, refused to include in subsequent issues of Mission. his instructions to the jury anything pertaining to qualified privilege. NOTES Marian Gu inn's attorney attacked the beliefs of the Citations to the trial transcript are given in these notes as Collinsville Church of Christ on one remaining point: T. page/line and are as they appear in the appeal, No. the issue of whether the church should regard a 62,154, in the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma, member who resigns membership in the congrega­ The Church of Christ of Collinsville, Oklahoma, a non­ tion as being a former member and still a Christian profit corporation; Allan Cash, Ted Moody, and Ron Whit­ or a non-member to be treated like a non-Christian. ten, Appellants, vs. Marian Guinn, Appellee, an appeal One of the principal issues in the trial was the con­ from the District Court of Tulsa Country, Oklahoma, duct of the elders of the Collinsville Church of Christ Honorable Tony Graham, Judge, with the Collinsville after Marian Guinn withdrew her membership from Church of Christ and its elders represented by Deryl L. Got­ the congregation. The record shows, however, that cher, Roy C. Breedlove, and Graydon Dean Luthey, Jr. 1 after Marian withdrew her membership from the T. 237/20; 58/22; 59/17; 59/21; 238/12; 107/17; 110/13; 110/20; 239/2-25; 238/12; 113/11; 115/18-20; congregation, the elders never went to see her 238/12-240/15; 272/1; 114/22. 2T. 272/6; 65/12; 271/14. again. They wrote her one letter, but they did not 3T. 21/12; 126/4; 124/25; 138/6. 4T. 165/7. 5T. 147/15; talk to her again. They simply explained to the con­ 147/11; 167/24; 168/15; 168/25-169/13; 147/22-24. 6T. gregation why they must have no further association 227/4. 7T. 137/5-11. 8T. 173/6. 9T. 287/8-24. 10T. 291 /2-3; with her. 292/1-4. 11T 344/25; 346/8; 345/3; 294/5-295/24. 12T. The instructions the judge gave to the jury left little 1 71 /4- 172/24. doubt as to the outcome. He allowed the jury to ------·------·----·---·--MISSION MISSION'S Pf RIPATETIC f DITOR RETURNS HOME 1508 Ephesus Church Road ~ Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 929®4936

18 ...... ·-···· ...... MISSION JOURN.AL

Mllm and the Church

Changing Winds: Hymnals And "Other" Christians

By ROBERTM. RANDOLPH

Two things happened at this year's ACU Lec­ tians. Bill reminded his audience that "There are a tureship that give some insight into where the non­ million people, then, who are not part of 'our instrumental Churches of Christ are going. The first brotherhood', but they are part of the body of happening of note was the introduction of a new Christ." He spoke here of the Churches of hymnal, GREAT SONGS OF THE CHURCH, Revis­ Christ/Christian Churches, but his other examples ed. This book is the result of a number of years of opened the doors of the kingdom even wider. hard work by Forrest McCann and Jack Boyd of the The tone of the Lectureship this year was ACU faculty. They utilized a committee drawn from noticeably upbeat and the spirit of Humble's churches across the nation. The result is a book they remarks was evident elsewhere in the words of other can be proud of and that the church can use well in­ speakers. It may be that we can finally put to rest to the next century. that old joke about everyone in heaven having to There are some major changes in this hymnal. speak in whispers so the "Church of Christers" can Shaped notes are gone and many who learned to continue to think they are the only ones there. sing using this method will miss them. Gone too are On another note, but related, was the Conference many of the gospel songs which came out of the on Christian Unity held by the University Church of culture of the South and Southwest. This is a hymnal Christ in Conway, Ark. This small effort began three for the contemporary church. There are hymns from years ago and reminds all of us that there is a hunger every century and rural imagery is decidedly in our churches for a broader understanding of what diminished. it means to be a non-denominational Christian. I We have already adopted the hymnal here at the have read the speeches of the conference and was Brookline Church. I liked the response of one of our especially impressed by Bob Cannon's report on his older members when we first used it. She was ex­ pilgrimage into the Assemblies of God. His story is cited, she said, because there were so many new told without bitterness and with a sense of humor. songs to learn. The best argument we have for We have some things to learn from him. acapella singing is its beauty and its ability to draw Finally, I suspect the readers of Mission will find on the gifts of the whole church. Unfortunately we much of the current conversation about Christian do not often sing well. This new hymnal can help unity predictable, but welcome. After all Mission has give new life to our worship. A worship service that been saying these things for nearly two decades and uplifts and draws together a community can send they reflect the loftiest intent of those who began the them forth into the world with a greater sense of pu r­ Restoration Movement. I think, however, it is crucial pose and direction. to our well being as individuals and communities of The second event of note was Bill Humble's lec­ faith that we recognize and give thanks for change. ture on the topic "In Quest of Unity." For the first In doing so we can come face to face with God at time in recent memory there was a recognition that work and it is invigorating to be reminded that we those in Churches of Christ are not the only Chris- have not been left alone ... ·-··-··-···-----···--M1ss10N

19 The Bible And Popular Culture In America

Edited by Allene Stuart Phy. Philadelphia: fortress Press; Chico, California; Scholars Press, 1985, 248 pp., $15. 95. Reviewed by Edwin S. Gleaves

Ljubica D. Popovich is Associate Pro­ much joy in the King James Version of From Grand Ole Opry fessor of Fine Arts at Vanderbilt; and the Bible," he notes, "but little To Traveling Bible Salesman Charles Wolfe is an MTSU faculty laughter." Another new angle that To The Electronic Church member widely known for his work on deserves more attention than it has country and western music. Also, received is "The Electronic Church," Walter Harrelson, Distinguished Pro­ which Cotham rightly calls "the se­ REVIEWED BY EDWIN S. GLEAVES fessor of Old Testament in the Vander­ cond great invention [after the printing bilt Divinity School, is one of the press] to shape religious attitudes and The Bible has permeated American editors of the series of which this behavior." His analysis of the televi­ popular culture in innumerable ways, volume is a part: The Bible in sion evangelists is astute, perceptive, from the songs on the Grand Ole Opry American Culture. and fair to the point of bordering on to children's books of Bible stories. But Phy opens the book with a lively dis­ generous. with the coming of television the in­ quisition on "The Bible and American "My Mother's Bible" is just one of fluence that the Bible has on the pre­ Popular Culture," invoking names hundreds of Bible-based country songs sent generation is probably less direct ranging from Pat Boone to John discussed in Wolfe's "Bible Country: than before, reaching many Americans Dylan, from Rex Humbard to Tony The Good Book in Country Music." through the filter of popular culture. and Susan Alamo, from The King of Wolfe clearly and cleanly defines the Such paradoxes as these are address­ Kings to Jesus Christ Superstar. She types of Bible songs that have made ed in this original collection of essays points out what may be too obvious to their impact on country and western dealing with the impact of the Bible on notice: that "religious language even music, reaching their heyday during popular culture. The subject should permeates what passes for secular 1945-1955 and then giving way to have universal appeal, for no part of culture .... On the Grand Ole Opry it more worldly concerns. Those who American life remains untouched by is often difficult to separate the sacred remember the documentary film the heritage of the Judeo-Christian selections from [other songs], so full Salesman or who know about the Scriptures. are they all with Bible echoes." Southwestern Company in Nashville The backgrounds and faiths of the Phy contributes two other substan­ will not be surprised by Hyde's "The contributors differ widely, giving this tial chapters to this collection: "Retell­ Traveling Bible Salesman: The Good work a welcome variety of view­ ing the Greatest Story Ever Told: Jesus Buck from the Good Book." Hyde's points-although all of the con­ in Popular Fiction," which recalls such method differs from his colleagues in tributors are southerners either by disparate images of Christ as the mar­ that he bases his findings on first-hand birth or choice. The editor, now at tyred idealist, the psychotherapist, and interviews with the salespersons Alabama State University, formerly the positive thinker; and "The Bible as themselves. Popovich concludes the taught at Peabody College; G. Frank Literature for American Children," a volume with a scholarly but readable Burns is a Peabody product now bibliographical roadmap through the study of American popular religious art teaching English at Tennessee Tech; best and the worst of Bible stories and in "Popular American Biblical Im­ Perry C. Cotham has both taught at other books that draw their inspiration agery: Sources and Manifestations." David Lipscomb College and preached from the Old and the New Testament. Each article in this collection, at a local congregation in Nashville; Burns writes on "The Bible in regardless of its methodology, is Ralph W. Hyde, now retired, taught American Popular Humor" (not all of enriched by notes and lists of works English and folklore for many years at it in good taste), an area not often ex­ consulted. More importantly, each is Middle Tennessee State University; plored by serious scholars. "There is written for the same audience that made this collection possible in the first place: the American reading Edwin S. Gleaves is Chair of the Department of Library Science and Information Science, Peabody public. College, Vanderbilt University. ______MISSION

20 MISSION JOURNAL

CONFINEMENT

By BO WHITAKER

At first the sudden sound of hund reds of yelling much on the outside, though. men scares me, a fear-frozen reminder that too Also, I understand people too well. Prison makes many times have I heard similar screaming. The war psychologists of all its occupants, stripping per­ in the Pacific and the riot of '68 have taught me the sonhood to its core and revealing human beings as terr ible cries of attack, fear, and panic . remarkably adapt ive creatures seeking their private Then I recognize the noise as celebration-the pleasures-intelligent anima ls. Since I know what Super Bowl. I imagine the throng of inmates lies deepest in the human heart, I could not suc­ clustered around the television in the smoky day cessfully play those outside games again which in­ rooms. They care who wins. I don't anymore; yet I volve trust and loyalty . My talent, the comprehen­ instant ly treasure their shout of triumph because it sion of human behavior, allows me to spot doesn't belong in prison. Still, does mass joy sound phoniness quickly - in everyone I meet. I'd rather that much like terror, or has this place taught me to not know so much. th ink so? Certain people outside the bars have also molded The question causes me to consider the im­ my life. My father, the perfect one. He told me he mediate effects of my environment. This barn where I loved me many times, but even as a chi ld I knew his work, even some Sundays, has become my home, words were spoken for his own benefit. He had the instead of the cell where I have slept for eleven guts to say anythin g to anyone; yet he didn't even years. Here among mountains of feed sacks and pretend to love my mother. Daddy died rich, eight-inch rats I work long hours, loading, correct, and alone. unloading, and accounting a safe two hundred yards My sister visited me in prison once years ago, but away from the unit. Let them call this place a rat the experience made her uncomfortable, gave her a house; it still provides my simple, sustaining "funny feeling." She expla ined in a letter that she pleasures. Since I work hard, my captain allows me could no longer visit because she was too sensitive to keep my imp rovised hot plate on which I cook fat and awfully busy. I don't blame her. To my sister I pigeons. And daily I run several lengths inside the am a funny feeling. barn to keep in shape, trying to avoid the classic pot­ Most of my school teachers must have helped me bellied profile of old long-timers. Mostly, though, I to learn. I know the fundamentals and love to read. I call the grain barn home because it gives me a hated school, though, since it seemed always to to lerable kind of isolation . I crave solitud e. A sixty­ want me to change into someone else, as the army two-year -old lifer needs privacy, but I fear losing too did . And the teacher who stands out in my mind to ld much contact, with real people, especially myself. me in the sixth grade, "I'm not going to whip you, Because if my parole comes through - but maybe you'll get what you deserve someday ." The survival skills prison has forced me to learn Prophetess or witch? cause me to wonder if I could adjust to the outside. I remember the preacher back home too. I liked For one thing, I can escape in my head. The free him for talking too much; I enjoyed listening to the world might think me crazy, but I can borrow a map thing s he didn't know he said . Also, he had no fear and plan a detailed trip from town to town . Then, of surprises like most preacher s do , so he liked me with a powerfu l concentrat ion born of boredom, because I surprised him. What a shame we don't lone lin ess, and confinement I imagine myself allow preachers to have friends! He wou ld get close traveling . Fantasy becomes alive . I am there . My to nobody and had to live in his own icy world of mind has spared me from countles s hours of reality words and guilt. Knowing him was like trying to by transporting me to the enchanting Arkansas river shoot a moving target, as he zig-zagged toward bottom s of my childhood . That trick won't earn me Heaven - fun at first, but hard to follow. Except for myself, I under stand the peopl e who Bo Whitaker, of Abilene, Texas, teache s junio r high school English. This sent me here. My last day in the courtroom fro ze story come s from his experience in prison ministry . some characters in my memory. Instead of looking

21 JUNE, 7986 ___

in my eyes when he sentenced me to life, the judge curately-but not myself. From my seat on a feed­ busily shuffled papers on his desk and spoke like a sack in a cold barn, listening to other prisoners robot. My attorney, a court-appointed rookie who cheering at the televisions, I summarize. Hating the must not have looked at my file before the trial, people who hurt me seems impossible since I under­ politely thanked the judge and the D.A. The judge stand: all the vices I recognize in other hearts live graciously acknowledged and then shattered with also in mine. But how can I love either, knowing his gavel a tension they all felt. I wasn't the only what I know? People have blessed me but never guilty party who walked out of the courthouse that when they knew it. My brother cried when I broke day, but only I wore handcuffs. my arm. An old girlfriend sends me Christmas cards. Now most of the men who guard me here watch One time a little girl wanted to share peanuts with too much television at home and enjoy wearing me at a ball game. A favorite uncle took me fishing pistols for a living. Riding their gravy trains through with his boys. Mother cooked me breakfast every the units, the prison administrators never stop and morning. My wife loved me for a while. I remember step down long enough to focus. And I have a special things, just not special enough. governor, whose zeal to punish offenders destroys In ten more minutes the captain will take me back the possibility that the small percentage· of prisoners to the unit. I'm not hopeless like some of those guys who could be rehabilitated will ever get a chance. in there. Not yet, anyway, although I don't have A social worker helped me once, probably tried much to lose either-just my dreams. Even though I harder than anyone ever has. Then, when I stood no longer fear death, I don't want to die. I fear dying straight, strong enough to do some helping myself, I without the answer to me. Some strange eternal discovered that the social worker now despised my spark still burns in me, and I know that neither strength. He could only relate to people he viewed prison nor death represent the ultimate evil. as inferiors. Maybe prison has made me crazy after all, Several times I have corresponded from prison because what I want seems unreasonable, involving with people in churches who get a thrill of piety confidence, friendship, and devotion-things I know from the exchange. Subconsciously they enjoy rub­ little about. I appreciate friendship and have always bing up to my reputation for evil and applying sim­ stumbled around its fringes. Sounds peculiar, but I ple answers. Then, too, knowing a convict makes want someone to love me till it hurts, erasing my good conservation. wretchedness, so that I can start learning again how Hundreds of people and events have floated to be a friend and how to find my God. through my sixty-two years. I can interpret them ac------·-··----··--·---··------MISSION

Dickerson, Quinton H. Jr., Ethical Dilemmas For The Physician . Jan: 3 Duke, Gary, and Magee, Paul, The Most Important Hour In The Life of the Church ...... Jun: 3 Garrett, Leroy, When The Time Was Ripe ... Dec: 6 Adrian, William 8., Thoughts on the Role of the Gleaves, Edwin $., Nobody Ought To Know What Starving Christian Scholar . Nov: 7 Is Like . . . May: 3 Allen, C. Leonard, Cod's Magic: A Wedding Sermon ...... Feb: 18 Gose, Michael, The Dangers of Christian Education ...... Oct: 18 Missing . Dec: 14 Hannah, John D., The Fetus, Personhood, and the Ball, M. L. Pat, Response to "The Ethics of Church Biblical Witness . . .. Jan: 10 Politics"-A Paean To Politics? ...... Mar: 13 Hart, Larry, The Professional Ministry...... Feb: 12 Baumgardner, John, Noah's Ark-Have We Found It? . . May: 21 Hartman, Gene, Seeing With the Eyes of an Eagle: Butler, Jerry, and Laird, Angela, When Brother Takes Dealing With Disappointment . .. . Jun: 7 Brother To Court: Styles of Conflict Management . . . Jan: 19 Hicks, John Mark, Respome to "The Ethics of Church Cameron, Ken, Sounds...... Oct: 17 Politics"-Can Church Politics Be Ethical? ...... Mar: 11 The Battle. . .. Jun: 6 Highfield, Ron, The Ethics of Church Politics- Colglazier, Scott R., Remembering Another's 1/istory ...... Oct: 14 Taking the Fall Seriously...... Mar: 3 Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry: Building Bridges Hoover, A. J., Was The Holocaust A Misdemeanor/ Mar: 17 of Understanding ...... Jun: 12 Houston, Michael V., Wisdom: The Craftsman at A Covenant of Shalom...... Jul: 24 God's Side...... May: 8

22 MISSION JOURNAi.

Hunter, Lanny, R., Horizons...... Aug/Sep: Taliaferro, Gary D., Whose Forty-Four Hours A Week? .... Apr: 17 James, Larry, Have We Overcome? Reflections From Whitfield, John, Sister Ethylwyn ...... Jun: 11 A White Perspective ...... Aug/Sep: 6 Wright, John, Do Yoo Enjoy The Trip? ...... Jan: 15 The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise And Our Response...... Jul: 4 MISSl()l'i Al'iilTI ILCl1Ul

23 Address Correction Non-Profit Org. Wrestling With God Requested U.S. Postage PAID A New Film About The Beginnings Carrboro, N.C. Of The Stone-Campbell Movement Permit No. 63 12102 Tanglebriar Cove Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone on Broadway? Not exactly­ Austin, TX 78750 but Wrestling With Cod is a one-hour dramatic filmscript conceived, writ­ ten, produced, and acted by Hollywood professionals, most of whom are also members of the North Hollywood Christian Church . Alexander Camp­ bell will be played by David Haskell, who played John the Baptist in Codspe/1. The film was the brainchild of actress Jeanne Lange, also an original New York cast member of the Cod sp e/1 and producer of the film . She and co­ authors Carol Leigh and Toni Wilkes are first-generation Disciples, having discovered the church as youn g adults . Concerned that so few members , including ministers, could share 11 what we are, 11 that spiritual fervor seem­ ed to be waning, and that 11 our members are not given 'living links ' nor Mission Journal educated in such a way as to bind them emotionally to the wonderful message and purpose of the Stone-Campbell movement ," they felt the Board of Trustees 11 need to re-ignite the brushfire of spirit that exemplified the beginnings of Randolph, Robert, President - Cambridge, our movement ." Massachusetts Further they want the 11 unchurched" to know that there is a place in Adrian, William - Malibu, Californi11 " organized Christianity" for those who are spiritual seekers and ques­ Black, Mary Sue - Garland, Texas Bluckcr, Tom - Denton, Texas tioners, that there is strength in a community of people with diverse opin­ Boothe, Ben B. - Fort Worth, Texas 11 ions, and that our polar star of unity" can give purpose and direction . Not Buzbee, Bill - Los Alamos, New Mexico least of all, these talented people want to make a difference by using their Carver, Charles - San Diego, California God -given talents and business skills in service to the church , to God , and Casey, Shaun - Allston, Massachusetts to the world. Chester, Ray F. - Austin, Texas Dean, Nan - Hurst, Texas Through their own hours of study and research and with expert consulta­ Dickerson, Quinton - Jackson, Mississippi tion from noted church historians Ronald Osborn and Lester McAllister, Douglas, Robert C. - Stillwater, Oklahoma among othe rs, they have created a fast-paced and gripping historical Downs, Cal W. - Lawrence, Kansas drama with fictionalized dialogue but authentic history. It is hoped that Edwards, Bruce L. - Bowling Green, Ohio Evans, Dwain - Houston , Texas Wrestling With Cod will be used as a resource for the three churches (and Evans, Ralph - Palmer, Texas their educational institutions) whose heritage is the Stone-Campbell (or Fromberg, Paul - Pasadena, California Restoration) Movement: The Disciples, Churches of Christ , and Christian Gibbons, Hubert B. Jr. - East Islip, New York Churches. Glass, Jeffrey - Dallas, Texas Gottlic:h, Carole - Vinings, Georgia Non-stop production activities will be takin~ place from June through Haymes, Don - Macon, Georgia August. Filming will take place mostly in Kentucky . The film is scheduled to Holden, Allen. Jr. - San Diego, California be available for Christmas 1986. For futher information , write Jeanne Hoover, Bobby L. - Arlington, Texas Lange, 3600 Berry Drive, Studio City, CA 91604. MISSION Hughes, W. Norman - Agoura, California Hunter, R. Lanny - Flagstaff, Arizona Hunter, Victor - Conifer, Colorado lndermill, Lawana G. - San Diego, California James, Larry - Richardson, Texas To Our Readers: Jay, Roger - Austin, Texas Johnson, J. Rolfe - Houston, Texas Many of you reported receiving your March and April issues on Langford, Tom - Lubbock, Texas Matthews, Keller III - Temple, Texas the same day or receiving April before March. We regret this in­ Miley, Arthur L. - La Jolla, California convenience , but we do not know what happened. Mitchell, Lynn Houston, Texas So that you will not be apprehens ive about your July issue, we Murphy, Norman - Waco, Texas Myers, Nancy B. - Bridgeport, Texas are letting you know in advance that in order to save on costs we Nowell, Ken - Arlington, Texas are combining the July and August issues into one special and Parks, Norman - Murfreesboro, Tennessee enlarged issue. Perin, Ken - Malibu, California Pulley, Kathy J. - London, England Reynolds, Jim - Fort Worth, Texas Scott, Bob - Little Rock, Arkansas Scott, Jack - Costa Mesa, California Shaw, Robert - Coral Gables, Florida Simmon~. Dwayne - Malibu, California Stem, Carl H. Lubbock. Texas '>traughn, Harold - Brightwaters, New York Taliaferro, Gary - Friendswood, Texas Tyler, Ron - Fort Worth, Texas Ward, Roy Bowen - Oxford, Ohio Watson, William E., Jr. - Houston, Texas JOURNAL Willbern, Roy - San Marcos, Texas