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 A
disturbing letter from the Philippines says, "The
congregations here in ______ and ______ provinces are having
semi-division because of VEILING." It seems two U. S.
brothers toured these sections "teaching Veiling," and
have "started misunderstanding" among the preachers
and brethren there. The letter says a pro-veiling man, supported
by an Alabama church, has "reported" another
Philippine brother for "not teaching veiling" and
caused his support to be cut off. "He branded me and my
companions unfaithful gospel preachers for not teaching
veiling... He calls the women in the church who are not veiled
unfaithful Christians."
Now
I know nothing of the letter writer, nor of the matters
discussed; and I would like to believe this is all an
explainable misunderstanding-but it is still a disturbing
letter. The possibility that U. S. brethren would export as a
matter of faith that which most of that persuasion acknowledge
to be a matter of private conscience, is disturbing. And that
jealousies, vindictiveness, and carnal in-fighting should take
place in this "mission field"— you mean they
are like us?? Perish the thought.
Our
affluence, and travel facilities, put the world field within the
reach of small groups or even individuals, with whatever
peculiar doctrine they may have. It is a heartbreaking
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fact that the no-class, tongue-speakers, veilers,
national organizers, Calvinists, et al., can claim to act in
good conscience, and yet do much to tear apart congregations of
babes in foreign fields. Nor could we deny that each and all of
these brethren have the liberty to go and teach. We can
not say any of us have the right to teach as a matter of faith
that for which there is no Bible authority; nor to make matters
of private judgment and conscience into rules for determining
congregational fellowship.
Common
sense should tell us to remove private judgment matters from our
sermons — especially in weak fields and before those young in
the faith. But there is no way to shield the world from our
folly. What we are is going to show — and the only true
"defense" is to trim our light so it may show
unashamedly anywhere. A doctrine that is dangerous overseas,
is also dangerous at home!! Shall we "compass sea and
land to make one proselyte" when the same trip could
promote unity and peace (Rom. 14:15f).
Finally,
of course, truth will prevail on its own merit. We do not
advocate sectarian censorship, nor ask anyone to deny his honest
convictions. Maybe just, "Is this trip necessary?"
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