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 Last
month, under “Some Thoughts on Papers,” we published a brief
history of a few religious journals, and tendencies of such to
become “organs” and “influence centers” for various
distinctive doctrines. Of course any influential church,
preacher or writer has the same effect and should be censured
only if the influence is exercised for selfish or sectarian
purposes. We should also realize that such centers get undue
power from the weak or sectarian minded brethren who lean on
them for their “authority.”
But
there has been a change in the brethren’s tolerance for
brotherhood “centers of influence.” Perhaps the popular
rejection of the Establishment is responsible for this. We are
affected by social changes. Too, our emphasis upon
congregational independence versus any sponsoring or
controlling center has left its mark. Conservatives who have so
long taught the error of following this paper, that school, or
BIG preachers, are beginning to believe their own message. We
have long claimed that individuals could learn truth for
themselves, and independent churches could survive without an
earthly “headquarters.” Now we are developing a generation
that is willing to try it.
The
“all- sound- brethren- read- this paper” day is passing.
Some think major
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journals have killed themselves by
infighting, but I think there is more to it than this. The “day”
of dominating papers is passing. But the need for mature,
thought — provoking journalism has not passed. Freedom to
think for oneself is not the same as wisdom to think
well. Sometimes the excuse to “quit reading the papers” is
an excuse to quit consulting the opinion of others, and to lose
balance in our judgment. Those “centers of influence” we
rejected were also the media for rich thoughts that otherwise
might have but limited exposure. We must not allow the abuses
of “influence centers” to blind us to proper usage.
Individual “free thinking” can also produce wild extremes
and heady pride.
We
expressed our liking for noncommercial, free- to- the- reader
publications by various congregations, as part of their teaching
program. But repeats of repeats of cartoons and “Stuff About
Things” can not take the place of serious religious journalism
any more than V.B.S. can take the place of college-type Bible
study.
Independence
needs a soap-box; the exchange of ideas. We must be able to
reject “headquarters” without puffing up in self-esteem.
Only as we hear others can we submit one to another.”
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