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STUDY MATERIAL ON "INSTITUTIONAL" ISSUES
CLARIFYING THE PROBLEM:
WHAT "INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES" ARE REALLY ABOUT
- WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE ABOUT THE ORPHAN'S HOME QUESTION:
- Is it about caring for orphans?
- Do you know anyone who is "anti" orphans, who hates helpless children?
- The real issue is about congregations building and maintaining benevolent institutions. There
are many other kinds of benevolent institutions besides orphan's homes -- viz., homes for unwed mothers, homes
for aged, homes for the handicapped, hospitals, etc. If congregations may build and maintain orphan's homes, why
may they not build and maintain all the others as well? Jesus taught that we are to visit the sick. Why would that
not authorize congregations building and maintaining hospitals?
- The issue must be settled on the basis of what congregations are authorized to do from scripture?
It cannot be determined on an emotional basis. Is it right to call someone by a prejudicial label? -- "orphan
hater," or "anti orphans". Cannot the term "liberal" also be used in a wrong way?
- WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE ABOUT SO-CALLED "CHRISTIAN" COLLEGES?
- Is it about secular education in a "Christian" environment? Are you opposed to Christians
getting an education in a good, wholesome environment among Bible believing people?
- The issue is whether or not congregations can scripturally build and/or support educational
institutions.
- Again, the issue must be settled on the basis of what congregations are authorized to do from
scripture, that is, what the work of congregations is.
- WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE ABOUT "THE HERALD OF TRUTH" OR ANY KIND OF "SPONSORING
CHURCH" ARRANGEMENT?
- Review the division in the middle 1800's on the "United Christian Missionary Society"
-- why was there objection to the Society and would the same kind of arrangement be right, if put under a local
congregation?
- Explain what the Herald of Truth is? Is it just one congregation preaching on the radio and
TV?
- The issue must be settled on the basis of what congregations are authorized to do from scripture.
- WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE ABOUT CONGREGATIONS HELPING THOSE WHO ARE NOT CHRISTIANS?
- It is not about a lack of compassion or love.
- It is not about a lack of caring about our fellowman.
- It is about who may be helped by scriptural authority from congregational resources.
- The issue must be resolved by differentiating between the congregation's work and the individual's
responsibility.
["Institutional"
Issues Outline] [Introduction] [Lesson 1]
[Lesson 2] [Lesson 3] [Lesson
4] [Lesson 5] [Lesson 6]
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