On the theory: "When your enemy writes a book, buy it; he'll tell you what he intends to do to you." I subscribe to a number of publications from our liberal brethren. Among them is Mission. I have every issue from its beginning and carefully have read it to keep abreast of the latest "developments" among the brethren it represents. It provides a steady diet of apostasy in one form or another with a little "middle-of-the-road" writing to keep some from being completely turned off with it otherwise. Incidentally, it does not want articles that differ sharply from its philosophy. I have had articles turned down on this basis, the editor writing me that my material would not suit the needs and desires of its audience. Well la-de-dah! I never expected it would. But in view of its policy of printing virtually anything any liberal writes, I did hope I might be given equal opportunity. Alas, the FCC is more fair than are our brethren.

Reflecting the desires of its editor, board, contributors and, in general, subscribers, this magazine has advocated some "interesting" things. These include but are not limited to acceptance of homosexuals (without repentance), women preachers, evolution, fellowship with the denominations and even an ordination board which would determine who would (and obviously, also, who would not) be permitted to preach in churches of Christ. Beneath all this, there seems to be an intent of establishing a functioning unit of the church universal. Not being privy to the minds of those running that magazine, I can only surmise their ultimate desire. But from what has been published in it and what it has advocated and supported, it is my conclusion the thrust of those running it and writing for it to forge a loose (perhaps later, a structured) brotherhood of congregations to function collectively. This is to enclose all the editor, board and contributors believe can be persuaded to support the things they want. They are moving carefully so as not to run off too many who still claim to believe in the restrictiveness of God's Word and the exclusiveness of His church.

I wish this were not so, but it is. We can weep over our lost brethren, and pray for them, but neither will change their minds or bring them back. As Ed Harrell said of the apostasy in the last century, slightly modified to fit today's circumstances: "these are seeking a different Christianity than the one we know from the New Testament." They have become a law unto themselves. See Judges 17:6 and 21:25. It was a disaster then. It will be no better now.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 32, p. 517
August 16, 1979