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 From
its earliest days, support of the Herald of Truth has been urged
on the basis of the nominal costs per participant. Through
expensive brochures and skilled promoters, impressive statistics
have been advertised in support of what many consider to be a
real bargain in evangelism. But the “bargain” is only
imagined. It is time to consider the real and unpublicized
costs; costs far greater than mere money. It is time for all
brethren to realize that the Herald of Truth has been one of the
costliest projects ever to be instigated among God’s people.
The
Herald of Truth has cost precious unity among Christians. It has
played a prominent role in dividing churches throughout the
country. Because of it, life-long friends in the Lord have been
alienated; even members of the same family have been estranged.
It has promoted bitterness, prejudice, and ill-will among those
whom Christ prayed “may all be one”. It has sown discord
among those whom God instructs to “follow after the things
which make for peace and the things wherewith we may edify
another” (Rom. 14:19). Anyone who can see why the church was
not divided over the Herald of Truth thirty years ago can see
how it has been responsible for division! — think about it.
Honest brethren can recognize this culprit; they can see the
futility of blaming division on sincere and conscientious
brethren insisting on Bible authority (just as all Christians
once did!). When an alleged expedient such as the Herald of
Truth is pushed and promoted to the point of division, it’s
not hard to see who has sown the discord.
Brethren,
we are divided. The Herald of
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Truth has helped to divide us. Its every
supporter (not just preachers and elders) should realize that he
is contributing to that which has divided God’s
people! Is it worth it?
But,
there are other costs, such as those weak members who have quit
the church (the Lord) over these issues and the resultant
conflict. Some may never be reclaimed. It is another sign of
perilous times when promoters can label as a “good work”
that which has cost such souls as well as unity. Even
non-Christians have been influenced by these Herald of Truth
oriented problems. In many places our kin and neighbors have
witnessed this cleavage; some, with satisfaction; none with
understanding. Their question is a good one: “Why are there
TWO churches of Christ in town?” God is concerned about the
Christian’s reputation with non-Christians (Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet.
2:12).
Finally,
though, it must be remembered that these and other consequences,
injurious as they have been, are not what makes the Herald
of Truth wrong. In many places it has been accepted
without proving (1 Thss. 5:21); practiced without opposition.
But it is no less wrong where unopposed for agreement among men
is not the basis for determining right. It is wrong because it
is without Divine authority; no such arrangement can be found in
the Bible! It is outside the doctrine of Christ and is
therefore supported at the supreme cost of fellowship with God
Himself! (2 Jn. 2:9) such are the unheralded costs.
Honestly, is it worth
it? Dan S. Shipley
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