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 Our
December, ‘76 issue carried an article headed, THOSE AWFUL
BAPTISTS. Reference was made to historic developments of the “restoration”
period, and to prejudices that hinder objective consideration of
differences now. My wife told me people would misunderstand the
heading — but what does she know about such things?
I
received a call from one Baptist who had talked with another,
and they agreed this was a fair and informative article. Other
Baptists have indicated a willingness to study — and none have
“kicked” about the heading. None of the Baptist, that is.
But we have had five or six cancellations from brethren. One was
apparently embarrassed by the directness (“poor taste”) of
the article. Another, who didn’t cancel, thought the article favored
the Baptists, of all things. I figured the Baptists would
recognize the tongue-in-cheek nature of the heading, and
apparently they did. The rub came as brethren proved they also
could be ”awful” or “prejudiced.” Yes, dear, I should
listen to you!
All
front page articles are aimed at developing better attitudes.
This one, if it did nothing else, demonstrated the need for such
an effort.
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I
have never understood why use of a name which the owner accepts
and applies to himself, is “poor taste.” If we fairly and
accurately state a historic fact concerning a doctrine, or the
denomination holding it, who has been wronged? Is not this
better than opposition on a “party” basis or poorly defined
“differences”? When a “good attitude” is nothing more
than an unwillingness to stand up for the truth and refute error
(2 Tim. 4:2-5), it begins to look like poor knowledge and/or a
weak conviction.
Brethren,
we need not fight doctrinal error on a prejudicial basis. The
more fairly and clearly we understand and state another’s
case, the better truth will shine and error be defeated. If, in
the process, we find error in our own position, thank God for
the discovery, and correct it.
The
Dec. ’76 article suggested the presence of Calvinistic error
among brethren — and maybe this is what caused the
cancellations. So be it! We regret poorly written articles, or
poor judgment in subject matter; but know these are likely to
reoccur. While PLAIN TALK lasts, we can only try to write
plainly and directly about those things we believe to be helpful
to those who would serve God. Of one thing we are certain, God
is the Master to whom we stand or fall. He is the final judge!
(Rom. 14:4-12)
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