“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars<\/em>” (Revelation 2:1-2).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
When I began preaching (36 years ago), I sympathized with the institutional position. At best, I thought such views were right; at worst, they were merely matters of opinion. Two things profoundly affected my thinking. A debate between Guy Woods and A.C. Grider, and my introduction to Truth Magazine<\/em>.<\/p>\n
So enthused was I with all that pertained to the latter that even on my honeymoon I took the time to go visit with Cecil Willis, a man who profoundly influenced my preaching and teaching and for whom I had the highest regard. Through him I met Luther Blackmon, and because of Luther I began to write for that journal. I wrote periodically for that paper and never had an article rejected – that is, unless it examined the doctrinal position of a staff writer.<\/p>\nThe hallmark of Truth Magazine<\/em> has always been its unwillingness to abide them who are evil. Nobody can fault the resolute determination to stand up and be counted wherever false teachers may be found. To this day I have listed Guardian of Truth<\/em> when I encourage
\nbrethren to subscribe to other papers (although reciprocation is not the order of the day), and I have every intention of continuing with that practice.\nIn fact, so great has my admiration for the considerable good that has been done by that journal that it pains me deeply to publicly make any kind of criticism. However, the Lord did not spare his disciples (even calling Peter “Satan” –Matthew 16:23), and I cannot be a respecter of persons, even though others are (James 2:9).<\/p>\n
“And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted<\/em>” (Revelation 2:3).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The labors of the many associated with that journal are myriad. Men are now preaching the gospel who would not have been doing so without the input of the many men associated with the Guardian of Truth<\/em>. Others are grounded in the faith because the institutional battle has been waged aggressively. We rejoice in all the good that has been done, as we lament the damage that has resulted from zeal without knowledge or without love. We all need to be reminded from time to time that “God’s servant does not strive, but is gentle to all men<\/em>” (II Timothy 2:24). Any teaching which does not emanate from meekness and humility is suspect. Too much appearing in the pages of Guardian of Truth<\/em> suggests an arrogance and condescension not suitable to a child of the King (Proverbs 8:13).<\/p>\n
There has always been an unwavering aggression toward those outside the Truth family who might teach something unorthodox. Heretics need to fear the immediate and relentless pursuit that will follow any introduction of error. “Heretics,” however, tends to include only those outside the fold of the clan. Error within has been treated differently.<\/p>\n
The steadfast endurance of the editor and his undeclared co-editor cannot be denied. Mike is thorough in his approach to the scriptures, and his prose is clear. Ron leaves no stone unturned in his attempts to negate his perceived opponents; even resorting with regularity to “argumentum ad hominem” (arguments to the man; that is, if you can’t prove his argument wrong, destroy the man himself). He often tries to link his opponent to an already discredited man or movement. For instance, he will find where Carl Ketcherside said something similar (even if it was in an entirely different context) and print it in the article attacking the opponent. The audience will be swayed by the association, even though it is not relevant to what is being said. To this end, files are kept on others so that any slight fault can be called to mind. (Frankly, I cannot imagine the purpose that one would have for keeping an enemies list complete with files on that person. In fact, I don’t even keep complete files on the things I have written myself. The Craig Livingstone mentality should have no place with God’s elect.)<\/p>\n
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love<\/em>” (Revelation 2:4).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
What rational soul can declare that the spirit of the founders of Truth Magazine<\/em> is the spirit of the current board? When Roy Key of Chicago was being opposed unceasingly by Leslie Diestelkamp, who could charge Leslie with any uncharitable behavior? Did Bryan Vinson close his eyes if close friends sinned, but rail against others? No, he did not. He dealt with sin fairly and forthrightly without prejudice.<\/p>\n
Several years ago, Ed Fudge was hounded by two among the inner circle so that he uttered a profanity in exasperation. They reported it to show that Ed was not the “sweet-spirited” fellow he wanted people to believe he was. A point that needs to be understood by every careful student of the Bible is this: One of the Greek words translated “slander” (defamed, evil reported, etc.) when referring to men is translated as “blaspheme” when referring to God (blasphemia — Matthew 9:3 [God]; Romans 3:8 [man]). A sobering thought to add to that is this: God warned that we cannot love God whom we have not seen, if we do not love our fellow man whom we have (I John 4:20). If we will defame men, whom we have seen, what will we do with God if the opportunity presents itself? Incidentally, another word translated “slander” is “diabolos<\/em>.” Indeed, slander is diabolical in its origin and its effect.<\/p>\n
Because I do not believe in gossip under the shallow guise of journalism, I will not name names, but was the treatment given to one of the closest staff writers when he committed adultery the same as was given to Ed? What about the fact that he confessed the adultery only after he got caught, rather than because he came to himself? (Cf. Luke 15:17; II Corinthians 7:10). Incidentally, he brought forth no fruits worthy of repentance but, rather, kept on preaching as if nothing had occurred. Did the Guardian of Truth<\/em> trumpet this to prove he is not the holy fellow he wants people to think he is?<\/p>\n
A staff writer was arrested for sexual assault on women at a hospital. His name was dropped from the masthead, but was he otherwise “exposed” for his hypocritical behavior?<\/p>\n
What about the current staffer whose wife put him away, but who later declared himself free of her to remarry? Will we slander him the way the aged luminary has been treated over his position on divorce and remarriage? The honest reader knows: Staffers are treated differently than others.<\/p>\n
Were the current board members who boldly declared they entered into a debate agreement which they had no intention of honoring rebuked for such a cavalier attitude toward truth-telling? In fact, one of the two is so careless with the truth that one cannot believe even the exact opposite of anything he might say.<\/p>\n
How about the bullying tactics that are typical of one featured writer?<\/p>\n
When he once slandered me from the pulpit, his only defense was “I didn’t know you were in the audience.” (I have it in writing.) He once told a preacher that the elders at Annandale had denied him access to the pulpit because of my recalcitrance. The truth of the matter is, he preached here on the very occasion in question because I had asked him to do so. Frankly, this brother needs desperately to learn to tell the truth. However, he is both a bully and a coward whose behavior is ignored because he is a part of the Christian “Cosa Nostra” (our thing).<\/p>\n
Multiple examples of such could be called forth. No recriminations are generally offered while the person remains intimate with the organization. If the person volunteers to separate himself, who knows what might happen.<\/p>\n
After Truth Magazine<\/em> merged with the Gospel Guardian<\/em>, the difference in editorial style became obvious. The humility and kindness of Yater Tant is sadly lacking. As a young preacher, I tried to emulate the sweet spirit that was Yater’s when I dealt with those with whom I am at variance. I miss that in the merged paper. One remarkable thing about Brother Tant was his fairness to his opponent. Yater didn’t always insist on the last word. He gave his detractors’ comments fair consideration.<\/p>\n
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent<\/em>” (Revelation 2:5).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I would certainly hope that the enormous good that has characterized the Guardian of Truth<\/em> will be repeated, without the negatives clearly defined in this treatise. And no, I do not believe that the Guardian of Truth <\/em>is a church with a candlestick in danger of being removed. It is a legitimate coalition of men dedicated to presenting and preserving the gospel as they understand it. This is altogether commendable. I do not question their sincerity. I do not, for one moment, believe their intentions are evil. I do believe that they have become so insular in their outlook that they perceive that anyone who would question them is questioning the teaching of God.<\/p>\n
While I believe their intentions are good, they have established all of the accouterments of a denominational structure should circumstances ever be right to form one of God’s people.\u00a0The\u00a0Guardian of Truth\u00a0<\/em>not only publishes a paper, but they also publish a commentary, a songbook (an excellent one, I might add), and class materials. A board member prepared a creed by which men could be determined “faithful” or not. That is the purpose of the Bible. In fact, let me say a little about the creed.<\/p>\nAs a list of questions, it has legitimacy. However, the cover letter stated that its purpose was to determine faithfulness. What list of 28 questions could possibly do that? The
\nQuestionnaire, it is averred, has been withdrawn “out of love,” so why bring it up again? For three reasons.\n\n
- Love wouldn’t have authored it;<\/li>\n
- Love wouldn’t have lied about who prepared it (it was not an eldership as first proclaimed); and<\/li>\n
- Love would have defended it and not withdrawn it only when it was discovered that the preparers were outnumbered.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The “creed” is evidence of a frightening mindset. Consider, for instance, the following taken from the pages of GOT with full endorsement of the board:<\/p>\n
“These new Christians were appalled by what some were believing on marriage, divorce and remarriage in the Seattle area. They were appalled even more at one suggestion that each congregation must make up their own minds on this present controversy. Brethren, I wonder if we can do that with baptism, the one true church, the work of the church or scriptural worship? Just let each congregation decide what is best for them. Let’s get real!” (June 3, 1993, p. 18).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Brethren, read that and weep! I say, absolutely let each church decide for itself what it will believe. When did the day come when we had to yield to the Guardian of Truth<\/em>‘s decisions on this issue or any other? The standard to be used, of course, is God’s word. If a church decides to take a position of error, then by all means attack the error and expose it for what it is. But take over the church by some outside board to make the decision for them? Brethren, if that isn’t denomination-alism then I don’t know what it would take to have it.<\/p>\n
In fact, it is in the area of recognizing what constitutes the New Testament church that I have the greatest disagreement with the Guardian of Truth <\/em>dogma. The Guardian of Truth <\/em>seems to feel that the universal church is a collection of congregations. It is not. It is the numbered saints who make up the church universal. There is no consensus, no sharing together, no oversight, no commonality and no functional unity in the universal church of Christ.<\/p>\n
Trying to establish consensus among congregations is disturbing to me no matter what means are proscribed to accomplish it. Let each church be independent, free from the encroachments of any other or any thing. A doctrinal consensus is apparently the aim of the Guardian of Truth <\/em>and was evident when one of the authors of the new commentary series discovered that his manuscript was to be revised to teach the “official” view, or that an appendage was to be added to his concepts. His independent scholarship was not going to be honored. He withdrew from the project under the protest of the compiler of the work (not an intimate of the Guardian of Truth <\/em>board). Brethren, it is rank denominationalism that would allow a body of men to decide what the acceptable teaching is going to be.<\/p>\n
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate<\/em>” (Revelation 2:6).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Like the hated sect of the first century, the Guardian of Truth <\/em>group labors diligently against any and all heresies. Unless such, of course, is promoted by an insider.<\/p>\n
As an example: What was the Guardian of Truth <\/em>view of the creedal questionnaire? Well, some might say that the editor’s view was that it was an expedient which was wholly optional. But the editor strongly objects to optional expediences concerning the “name” of the church; even when such does no harm to any local body. The questionaire was used to divide at least one church. Was the expediency opposed? Of course not.<\/p>\n
Several years ago Roy Cogdill proposed that churches contribute to the legal defense fund of the Akin Foundation. The appeal was made in the Guardian of Truth<\/em>. Sentry<\/em> was the first to respond, in violent protest, to this suggestion. Mike finally responded by saying he didn’t know enough about the Akin Foundation to know if it were right or wrong. How much does one need to know, other than it was a human organization deserving of no funds from churches of Christ? One board member chastised me with the admonition that Roy Cogdill had done too much good over the years for someone like me to criticize him. Brethren, that is partyism, pure and simple (see: Galatians 5:20).<\/p>\n
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God<\/em>” (Revelation 2:7).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Another thought needs to be considered. The co-editors frequently attack the “so-called” unity-in-diversity movement. The reason they do this is they know a prejudice will be established in the minds of their readers against whomever they are considering. If there ever was a red-herring, it is the “unity-in-diversity” issue.<\/p>\n
The Guardian of Truth <\/em>family is a classic case of “unity in diversity.” They operate as one, but do not agree on the Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage question (Mike thinks Ron’s view is heretical). There is no total agreement on the covering question, the war question, the role of women (in fact, the wife of one of the board members has been strongly criticized for her expressed views on this subject), Sunday night communion, the “name” of the church, etc. Were the truth to be told it would be this: The only kind of unity possible is that which includes diversity.<\/p>\n
Now, if the “unity-in-diversity” movement were attacked for what some propose, I would agree. Those most often aligned with the idea are trying to forge a union of churches which includes the no-class, the institutional, the non-institutional, and the Christian Churches. Those most vocal on the Guardian of Truth <\/em>apparently see nothing wrong with the union of churches so long as only the non-institutional ones are in it. Brethren, that is nothing but an argument over how big a denomination you are going to accept. Leave churches “unaligned” except as saints are committed to Christ. Do not create fellowships that extend from coast to coast so that brethren will ask if we are in fellowship with some brother who has never darkened the doors of our assemblies. Do not try to drive people out of the church as was once proposed by the editor of the Guardian of Truth<\/em>.<\/p>\n
Fellowship is a local church issue. Let us not broaden it to include some amalgam of disparate bodies. The Lord’s church is too precious to allow it to become a denomination, yet this is what I fear the Guardian of Truth <\/em>board is unintentionally bringing about.<\/p>\n
Also, I differ sharply with the apparent view of the Restoration Movement. Some seem to believe that the Restoration work has been done; accomplished by the likes of Campbell one hundred and fifty years ago. Others, such as I, believe that it is an ongoing effort. We must continue searching for truth in every age. To the one the Church of Christ is a museum display and we are the curators. It is our job to dust off the displays and make sure nothing disturbs the scene. To fellows like me, it is an archaeological dig which must go on continually. The Guardian of Truth <\/em>apparently has the museum mentality. We must preserve what we already have and allow nothing to be added to the display. That was never more evident than in the recent controversy over whether or not women may participate in the decision making process.<\/p>\n
The long-standing tradition of the Church of Christ (their view) is that women may not participate. Concerned saints raised opposition to the tradition and howls of protest were uttered. But we are a people of the book who insist on asking, “What does the Scripture say?” (Galatians 4:30). A searching of Scripture began by those in opposition to prove the tradition was right. In the absence of scripture, texts had to be taken out of context to prop up the concept. If you are still reading, consider this: The two chief texts used to prove women may not attend and ask questions (or answer them) are I Corinthians 14:34 and I Timothy 2:9-12. Take a moment and read them. Now, ask yourself this question: Do not both passages deal with situations where both men and women are present? How, then, can these two passages advance the notion that women cannot be there when they both regulate their conduct while there? We have a tradition to uphold, we’ll find a passage to prove it so that the museum can be kept as ordered.<\/p>\n
Let me make it clear. I believe those associated with the organization to be above average in intelligence and ability. I believe that their intentions are as pure as the driven snow. However, I believe that they have succombed to the ordinary human desire to build something larger than a simple, independent, church of Christ. Let us be careful how, and what, we build (I Corinthians 3:11-15).<\/p>\n
Finally, the pages of Sentry<\/em> are open to those who can briefly and fairly respond to what is said here. It is my wish that the pages of Guardian of Truth <\/em>were similarly open to those who would question the “official” stance of that organization.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by Floyd Chappelear via\u00a0Sentry Magazine, Vol 22 No. 3, September 1996 “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27],"tags":[1508],"class_list":["post-97642","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-institutionalism"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":33732,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/is-it-appropriate-for-someone-who-doesnt-have-the-right-to-remarry-to-be-dating\/","url_meta":{"origin":97642,"position":0},"title":"Is it appropriate for someone who doesn’t have the right to remarry to be dating?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"July 10, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I have a family member who is a Christian and has been unscripturally divorced for a long time.\u00a0 Recently she has been seeing someone who is also supposed to be a Christian and is unscripturally divorced.\u00a0 She claims they are just friends but has referred to their relationship as\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":41592,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/what-more-can-i-do-for-my-ex-wife-who-lost-a-child\/","url_meta":{"origin":97642,"position":1},"title":"What more can I do for my ex-wife who lost a child?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 16, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Good afternoon Brother Hamilton and all the brethren at the La Vista congregation.\u00a0 I'm hoping you can offer me some guidance on a complicated issue: My former wife's son recently died in a very tragic fashion.\u00a0 He and I had a great relationship while his mother and I were\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":92704,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/how-can-i-restore-my-relationship-with-a-brother\/","url_meta":{"origin":97642,"position":2},"title":"How can I restore my relationship with a brother?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"December 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Dear Bro. Hamilton, I trust you are doing well. Thank you for the great work you continue to do in the Lord's vineyard. I'm writing to seek your opinion on an issue that has been troubling me. A brother offended me, and I reached out to him directly to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":13690,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/should-i-attend-a-birthday-party-where-people-involved-in-sin-will-be\/","url_meta":{"origin":97642,"position":3},"title":"Should I attend a birthday party where people involved in sin will be?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"October 21, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: What would you do if going to a family birthday with people you love a lot meant you would be around a gay couple? Half of our family are not Christians and will say we are too judgmental. Answer: \"Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":24555,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/can-romans-1421-be-used-to-justify-the-use-of-alcoholic-beverages\/","url_meta":{"origin":97642,"position":4},"title":"Can Romans 14:21 be used to justify the use of alcoholic beverages?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"September 17, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: May His grace continually flourish in the good work He has started in our life. About Romans 14:21, many brothers in our congregation are having a field day with this verse. The worse are the defenses they use to justify drinking. I will not say am the weak type,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":9020,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/what-are-your-top-five-words-of-advice-for-newlyweds\/","url_meta":{"origin":97642,"position":5},"title":"What are your top five words of advice for newlyweds?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"March 16, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: What are the top five words of advice you give to newlyweds? Answer: I find your question hard to answer because I don't think in terms of single words. Nor am I naive to think that one size fits all situations. 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