Vol.I No.VII Pg.8
July 1964

Stuff About Things

Robert F. Turner

Discussing some moral problem in a certain church, editor Reuel Lemmons writes, "Since the encounter the en- the eldership, while agreeing to the inadvisability of fellow elder's action, are urging that the thing be swept under the rug. It isn't the error of the brother's position at all that seems to count; it is the stink that has arisen over it!" (FF: 6-16-64)

This "keep it quiet -- don't rock the boat" attitude is responsible for much condoning of sin. Further, it is responsible for -- or the result of-- a :"mediocrity" which steadily lowers Christian standards to the "level"(?) of human acceptance. It destroys genuine whole-hearted submission to the divine will, making it contingent upon the winds of human favor.

Repeatedly some brother will acknowledge that error is taught and/or practiced in his home congregation, but he refuses to seek correction because, "It would be wrong to cause trouble." What kind of reasoning is this? The trouble is already there!!

It is possible that in seeking to correct error tempers will flare and things will be said and done that are wrong. Such sins of the flesh are soul-damning, and we must "repent or perish."

But the acceptance and condoning of things we know to be contrary to God's will is PRESUMPTUOUS SIN-willful, premeditated rebellion; upon which God has pronounced certain condemnation. (Num. 15:30-f. Jas.2:10-f.)

Nor am I blood-thirsty. I appreciate and share the desire for tranquility; and realize that peace is some- times shattered by public airings of irresponsible opinions. But it is spiritual suicide to tolerate error because we fear the struggle necessary to remove it.

When Premillennialism threatened to sweep the church some counciled: "Don't make a fuss about it; what will our religious neighbors think?" Some characterized bro. Foy Wallace's battle with the theorists as, "hanging out our dirty linen for all to see." This is worldly pride-- thinking more of the praises of men than of God. Thank God, bro. Wallace did not hesitate to fight error among his brethren .

What wind chills our blood, that

we now -- GO TO HELL, QUIETLY!?