Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 22
July 9, 1970
NUMBER 9, PAGE 6b-7a

Start With "Brother"

Ralph Sweet

(Christian Chronicle, May 11, 1970 )

Christians are continually obligated to communicate both to other Christians and to those outside of the church. In this effort they are faced with the same dangers and temptations facing all who engage in communication. There seems to be an increasing tendency among Christians to employ many of the techniques of communications experts which are incompatible with Christian principles.

An examination of numerous publications indicates that many Christian communicators apparently assume that the end justifies virtually any means. It may be seriously questioned whether the techniques of the propaganda expert are open for Christian use.

IN PARTICULAR, there is reason for concern about the increased use of such un-Christian techniques both in publications and sermons. This practice is not confined to any particular "camp," but is a temptation for all and can be seen in publications of various emphases. Outside of the destructive impact of such methods on those using them, their effect on the brotherhood is equally harmful.

Rather than leading to more understanding and openness for discussion of differences, such tactics actually clog the channels of communication with confusion, suspicion, and misinformation.

The employment of emotive language without argument or explanation is seen too frequently. The bombastic use of slogans and labels is also too frequently seen. The naive and irresponsible use of such terms as "fundamentalist," "liberal," "conservative," "modernist," "anti," and "radical" give the impression of having some message. Examination too often reveals that the writer using such terms is engaging in gross oversimplifications, motive judging, slander, and charges of guilt by association.

SUCH EFFORTS at "communication" are undeserving of the name. They only serve to further polarize different groups within the brotherhood by confirming prejudices in one direction or another.

Certainly one cannot expect Christians not to criticize each other or argue among themselves. History suggests that this would be impossible.

Yet, in such a critical era in the world's history and in the history of the church, it would seem that constructive and open communication is demanded. It is vitally necessary that people understand each other and are able to talk through differences. Anything working against this end is destructive. Any journalistic or rhetorical technique furthering a climate of suspicion and fear is unworthy of Christian use.

IN A NATION threatening to divide into irrational slogan flinging groups of emotionalism, nothing is more tragic than the church also moving in this direction. If there ever was a time when Christians could afford the luxury of irresponsible communication, certainly this is not the time.

While there may be situations demanding the use of generalization, there is virtually no time for slander, maligning of motives, and innuendo. While there may be occasions when the use of labels is necessary it is better confined to the grocery shelf or the medicine cabinet.

Labels belong on things, not people. Or, if a label is absolutely necessary, one could start with "brother."