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University church of Christ

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"Authorized By A Well Defined And Clear-Shown Majority Of The Churches Of Christ In Texas"

by F. Yater Tant

The title for this editorial is taken verbatim from the restrictive clause in the deed to the new property of a congregation in Henderson, Texas. The Church of Christ in that town has had a most interesting history. Some twenty years ago (December 12, 1939, to be exact) Brother John W. Akin deeded a piece of property to the church there, and safe-guarded it for the faithful brethren by inserting the usual restrictive clause in the deed, to wit:

"As a part of the consideration for the transfer of said described property to said Trustees it is understood and agreed that no innovations, such as mechanical instruments of music in the worship, Church shows, festivals, suppers, or human societies, such as are not authorized by the New Testament . . . shall be tolerated in the church building to be erected on said property, etc"

The church in Henderson grew and prospered. The old building became out-dated and inadequate. Some months ago another plot of land was secured, and a new and more modern meeting-house was erected. But when it came time to write the "restrictive clause" for the new property, a real problem arose. For the Henderson congregation had come under the blighting influence of the "social gospel" craze now sweeping through so many congregations; and their leaders were intelligent enough to realize that the restrictive clause under which they held the original property was far, far too "restrictive" to permit of the ambitious plans and schemes and promotions which they were now engaged in, and which they planned for the future.

Yet, if they held the property with NO restrictive clause at all, this would be too clear and obvious a step toward modernism, and might cause several of the older and more conservative members to leave them and begin worshipping with the conservative group in Henderson. So they worked out this new (and highly revealing!) "restrictive clause":

"And as a part of the consideration for the transfer of said described property, and as a material inducement for the transfer of said property, it is understood and agreed that no innovation such as the use of mechanical instruments of music of any type or form in any kind of worship service by the Church; church shows, festivals, suppers, or human societies, such as are not authorized by a well defined and clear-shown majority of the Churches of Christ in Texas, shall be tolerated in the church building to be erected on said property, etc."

Thus you have the contrast! The original property was to be used only for those things "authorized by the New Testament"; while the new property is to be used for anything authorized by a well defined and clear-shown majority of the Churches of Christ in Texas"!

The Henderson brethren have been honest enough and frank enough to acknowledge, at least by implication, that they are no longer going to be "restricted" to that which the New Testament authorizes; but will feel free to practice anything which is "authorized by a well defined and clear-shown majority of the Churches of Christ in Texas."

There was a time within the memory of thousands of Texans now living when a "well defined and clear-shown majority of the Churches of Christ in Texas" used instrumental music in their worship, supported the Texas Christian Missionary Society, endorsed and supported women preachers, raised money by pie suppers and church socials, called all their preachers "Reverend", and participated fully and enthusiastically in all the "innovations" of digressionism. In fact, that "majority" at the turn of the century was about four to one — for every faithful congregation in Texas there were four digressive "Churches of Christ." Where would the Henderson church have been had her present attitude prevailed at that time? Obviously, she would have gone with "the majority". For it is clearly the conviction of her leaders that the "majority" of Texas churches are to be accepted as the standard of what is, and what is not, pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God.

The Henderson brethren also are wise enough to realize that the present little flurry over orphan homes and Herald of Truth are the beginning rather than the end of popular promotions. And they are putting themselves on record early in the game as being anxious to go "with the majority" — right or wrong, scriptural or unscriptural, true or false! Well, as they have it now, they will never have any difficulty over their property just as long as they can determine what "the majority" are doing. Church contributions to colleges will be next in order. Let nobody think for one moment that the liberal brethren have abandoned their plans for such an arrangement. Already they are making their defenses of it, saying only that it is inexpedient "for the present time". Then will come church supported hospitals; medical schools; social agencies; and all the vast accumulation of clubs, organizations, institutions and human promotions which have always developed in human churches, and which are so clearly illustrated in the conglomerate chaos of Roman Catholicism. Indeed, Romanism itself developed from the very attitude of abandoning "New Testament authority" for "authority of the majority".

We quote the words of a well-known gospel preacher of a past generation: "Don't forget, brethren, we are drifting!" – Gospel Guardian, July 23, 1959

  

Other Articles by F. Yater Tant
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