A giant leap in that direction would be to adopt the Pauline doctrine that Christianity is indivisible. There is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism". Sectarianism is the bane of evangelism. Every sect, denomination, church claim that they are the "one". Evangelism witnesses to the fact that Jesus Christ is the "One"! If we are invited to address God as Father we must also be eager to accept each other as kin!

SDA evangelism is bipolar: First it tells the "mark" that all other Christian belief systems are the handiwork of the devil then it tells that same "mark" that Seventh-day Adventism if the final little remnant of "Truth".

Only civil law prevents murder as a tool of the church.
Even yet we have Martyrs like Martin Luther King Jr.

"Peace Like a River" should be sung along side of "We Shall Over Come!" Followed by a ringing "Amazing Grace".

To make man whole takes a "Whole Man" why does every church want just a little piece of Him? Tom

Hey Tom,
While I agree that Christ is the One, saying that only civil law prevents murder as a tool of the church is going a bit far. Why not extend to the brethren the same kindness that you want used in a united evangelism. We need peace like a river inside as well as outside the church. Let's do as Paul suggested and look for the good.
Thanks,
Bonnie

A Story,

When I was 19 a friend and I went to the "Royal Peacock" club in Atlanta. We were the only 2 whites in the club of perhaps 350. It seems the Supremes had shown up unexpectedly and gave a cameo. We were in a booth next to Cassius Clay (later-Mohammed Ali) and saw Dr. King on the way out...I guess visiting a parish member on Auburn Ave.

The way Blacks were mostly treated in our growing up days was dehumanizing. I still remember when they were "in the back of the bus" and were turned away from First Baptist church in Atlanta. I too would have been angry. I am thankful for the civil "rights" won and discovered through Dr. King.

But...What an evening for two young brash "crackers" in old Atlanta...yet all were nice to us and the music and drinks were delightful!

Bonnie

I think I was misunderstood. We don't have to go back as far as the Salem Witch Trials to find murder as a tool of the Church. I was writing globally. Global terrorism is religion based in most cases. I give you the late Jerry Falwell and currently Pat Robertson et al. I find no turn the other cheek in any of the lot.

But to use your understanding of what I wrote: I can assure you that I was threatened by death by a local elder of the Augusta Georgia SDA Church for advocating the enrollment of a black girl into fourth grade of the Augusta Church School. (The daughter of a Black SDA Surgeon stationed at near-by Fort Gordon.) The weapon of choice was a 357 Magnum. Bombing of my house was also included while another church officer only advocated beating me up in the parking lot.

Bonnnie I fail to read any hate or rancor in what I wrote. I stand by my statement that civil law has been a restraining force even for churchmen since 1787. Sure they are my brothers but even brothers are capable of murder.

I think if you were to reread what I wrote you will find I was contrasting: what is with what should be. In that sense, I do not retract or apologize for my comments. But thank you for being a good editor.

Tom

Growing up in the deep South before the Civil Rights movement we all took for granted the separate drinking fountains, eating places, even houses of worship. Adventists were no different: deacons were stationed at the church doors to prevent Blacks from entering and letting them know that "their" church was on the other side of town. Both slavery and the intermingling of Caucasians and African-Americans were prevented by civil laws. Intermarriage was not legally permitted until the 1960s in "Loving vs. Virginia."

Elaine,

The question SDA Blacks in Atlanta might have asked in the 1960's might be:
"Why on earth would we want to go to a white church when we can go to the Berean SDA and hear good music and a real preacher...H.L. Cleveland preach?!" :~)

Tom,

Bessings...glad your still alive and I do believe you!

It's true, Tom. The Black churches always had the liveliest music and most powerful preaching. I loved the "Amens" and "Preach it, Brother" that let the speaker know he was really being heard.

"Still alive"? We are the same age. Should we accept bets on our longevitiy? :-)

Elaine

I have a very serious Doctors appointment Next Tuesday.
So you may have the edge on me. But if you can please forward your comments up I hope. Tom

Elaine...that was this Southern Boy's "observation" not that transplant Tom's.

Blessings Tom...hope you live as long as Moses and as in good health.

Thanks Pat

It is great to have pen pals and pen critics---how else would one grow?

Tom

Thanks to Alex, that's the beauty of this blog: we have all made some fantastic friends and often the faceless atmosphere gives us more freedom to openly express our opinions without fear of losing friendships or "surprising" some of our long-time other friends.

Tom, sorry to hear of your upcoming medical situation. Sure hope things go well for you. I'm scheduled for a 2nd new joint on St. Patrick's day--may the Irish saint bless.
Every year past the 8th decade is gravy!

"The infinity of eternal life confounds earthly priorities. It seems as though the logic extends that if heaven is really going to be the ultimate experience, than what's the big deal with fearing Others, be they undocumented, illegal, or former slaves."

Preach it Alex! A great thought to remember at a time when we seem so scared of The Other.

It's nice to hear the perspective of those in our community who remember Dr. King when he was alive!

My own grandfather has had some serious medical worries of late, and I know how that affects the patient and the family. My prayers are for you, Tom.

Thnak you all for your good wishes and prayers I do need them.

As I ponder the situation, I have concluded it is most likely a difference of opinion between two doctors--I feel fine--They seem quite concerned yet schedule me down the line. In my day, If I had a concern about a patient, I
made room in my schedule, stayed late, came back in, or make a house call.

Elaine I have had both hips replaced. The second one went a lot smoother than the first. Except the night nurse could rip tape off like peeling a banana.

I am not fearless but I am in very good spirits and your interest in my well being is a great comfort. Tom

From fear to friendship, this thread has taken a lovely turn. Tom, I also send along my prayers for renewed health. And thanks to all for the thoughtful conversation.

Thank You Bonnie

Please watch for the March April Liberty Mag. It should have an article Candor and Civility by Tom Zwemer
(Editor's title" I submitted under the Pall of Orthodoxy
taken from a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Tom

Congratuations, Tom on your soon-to-be published article. Perhaps Alex will post it here for all of us to enjoy.

I, also have two artificial hips, the most recent went much more smoothly, thanks to improved surgical techniquesl. Now I am secheduled for both knees (but not at the same time).
Best wishes for good news with the docs. Your voice here is greatly enjoyed.

I remember being one of only two black families at church in the 80s. When we moved to town, it was routine for church members to greet blacks at the door by letting them know where the 'black church' was.

As time went by - slowly, surely - things changed. These days, when I visit the home church, I see more diversity than I ever would've imagined when I was little. More, I know, than those that had the audacity to petition for the blacks to leave the congregation. And yet, there is still so much more to do.

Let us keep on this road.
jen*

Jen, thanks for that testimony. It would be amazing if our church could hold its own truth and reconciliation commission, in which anyone could share their testimony like you just did. The more that we listen and love, the faster that arc of history will be toward justice.