Bible Study???
Cecil Willis
Marion, Indiana
It is absolutely appalling what some brethren do in the name of Christ. In describing the judgment, Jesus said, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matt. 2: 22, 23).
To do something in the name of Christ is to do it by the authority of Christ. Those in the passage above were banished from Christ's presence for doing in his name that which he had not commanded them. The "iniquity" Charged against them means "lawlessness." They were doing that for which there was no law.
One of the most liberal churches among us today is the Bering Drive church in Houston, Texas, where "Dr." Pat Harrell preaches. Incidentally, "Dr." Harrell is writing a part of the new commentary on the Bible which is to be published by the Sweet Publishing Company. To give you some idea as to what kind of material is being taught in some of these liberal churches, read this report on a "Seminar on 'Religion and Literature'" which was conducted at Bering Drive.
"A Summer Seminar 'Religion and Literature' has been announced to be held at the Bering Drive building on June 22-23. Dr. Edwin Gleaves, Jr. of Peabody College is the director. All interested parties in the Houston area are invited to attend. Participants are asked to read: Huckleberry Finn, Lord of the Flies, and San Manuel Bueno, Martyr from Spanish Stories and Tales in preparation for the seminar."
A bulletin from Bering Drive stated that on coming Wednesday nights they will be studying and discussing "Bonnie and Clyde and The Graduate: Hollywood's New Social Criticism." On another Wednesday night they are to discuss "Life in Appalachia--the case of Hugh McCaslin."
Did Jesus die to build a body whose mission it is to teach Huckleberry Finn? Furthermore, I wonder how long one would have to study "Life in Appalachia", Huckleberry Finn, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Graduate before he would become a Bible scholar? Does growth in the "grace and knowledge" of the Lord include a study of these? Must one study The Graduate in order to give a reason for the hope that is in him (1 Pet. 3:15)? I think, "Nay!"
TRUTH MAGAZINE XIV: 18, p. 4
March 5, 1970
