Fussy People
Some brethren pride themselves of staying clear from all fussing. It has been difficult for me to determine just what they mean. One publication that claims to have nothing to do with the unholy practice, points out that instrumental music is wrong in worship; that Christmas is pagan; that the kingdom of God is spiritual and not material or earthly; that Peter was not the pope; that denominationalism is wrong; etc. I wonder if the denominational people consider this fussing? They have told me that they did. To me this is nothing more or less than the old idea, "Preach the gospel and let other people alone" dressed up in new clothes.
I certainly believe that all the above things need to be studied and compared with the scripture. I also think that some of the practices of the brethren need the same comparison. Are brethren immune to error? If such is fussing, then I am sure the Lord commanded us to fuss. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1.)
If a paper doesn't want to deal with the errors of the brethren, that would be all right. But to call others who do, "fussers" seems to me is coming pretty close to the very things they are condemning. It is rather hard for the pious to practice piety.