Brethren And "Communications"
Attitudes And Ideas
We hear much these days about communication with those who "went out from among us" (or, we who "went out from among them," depending on one's viewpoint). One idea expressed on the subject is that we should (1) boycott everything our institutional brethren do. Another is that we should (2) call a truce on difference and join forces on points of agreement in order to fight "worse" errors. Then a third position is that (3) we cannot call a truce, but we should not sever lines of communication or refrain from trying to establish new ones up to a certain point. The latter view seems to be that which was practiced by Christ and the apostles.
Examples From Scripture
Jesus sought opportunities to communicate with the Jews. Sometimes he was successful and at other times he was not, Mt. 4:23; 13:15. On three occasions Jesus ate with various Pharisees and these communications led to a discussion of differences, Lk. 7:36-39; 11:37, 38; 14:1. Another time he ate with a fallen Jew (Zacchaeus) who was receptive, Lk. 19:1-10.
It was Paul's custom to go to the synagogue every sabbath, Acts 13:14-16; 18:4. Many times these communications led to opportunities to teach and dismiss. Paul did not have to go into "enemy territory," but he did. When in Philippi he sought out a place by the riverside "where we supposed there was a place of prayer," Acts 16:13. Paul knew that so long as he could keep the lines of communication open or establish new ones this opportunity could be maintained. However, sometimes he was thwarted (Acts 18:5, 6) and it was at this point that he quit trying to establish communications and departed to greener pastures. This was in harmony with Jesus' commandment to "shake the dust off your feet" (Mk. 6:11; Acts 13:51) and "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine.. (Mt. 7:6).
Things To Consider Further Before Jumping To Conclusions
Much of Paul's writing is directed to brethren who were guilty of various sins and for whom Paul had not given up hope. Others he had "delivered unto Satan." I Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17, 18. On one occasion Paul identified himself with the Pharisees concerning the resurrection (Acts 23:6-10) though this did not amount to a truce or of "joining forces" and forgetting their differences (see remainder of chapter). John still intended to talk to Diotrephes though Diotrephes had already "drawn lines" against him, 3 Jno. 9, 10.
Dialogue
It appears that the day of formal debates has ended. This is regretted but dialogue seems to be taking its place. There is not as much glory in dialogue as there seems to be attached to debates. With some brethren this word "dialogue" has a compromising sound to it. It shouldn't, for there is nothing wrong with it. Webster's first definition of dialogue is "a talking together; conversation." I have taught the truth many times on Bible subjects through this means without compromising. Some think we cannot teach the truth without raising our voices and others want to make things one-sided. They will talk if others will listen. Paul "reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath. . ." Acts: 4. "Reasoned" in this verse is translated from "dialegomai" from which we get our word dialogue. I am ready to converse with anyone whom I may differ. If he wants to call it a debate, that is fine. And if he wants to call it a discussion, dialogue, reasoning, or an argument, that is fine too (provided it is kept on the right plane). (Somebody might want to debate me over this)!
Conclusion
I see no violation in brother Tant's desire to attend the ACC lectures in hope of establishing communications which may lead to some good. (I attended the Harding lectures recently). I love many brethren whom I have not yet relegated to the "dog" and "swine" position (Mt. 7:6), as did Paul. I send them bulletins and talk with them when the opportunity arises. May we engage in a thorough examination of Scripture and then in a self-examination to see if our attitude is right before taking a hard fast position on this and other matters. (I am willing to be shaken on this if it is not right).
It is possible that I have unintentionally misrepresented the views of brethren in my first paragraph. If so, I wish to be corrected.
— P. O. Box 147, Trumann, Ark. 72472