Of Motives and Methods

In case anyone hasn’t noticed, I have an agenda. My aim is to help conservative/traditional members of the Church of Christ to see the inconsistencies and failures of their (in my humble perspective) radical exclusivism, and to open their minds to what I believe is a more biblical approach to the issue of salvation and [...]

A Word from Cecil May Jr.

A little background: In the 1991 Freed-Hardeman University Preachers’ and Church Workers’ Forum, Larry James, Cecil May Jr., Bill Swetmon, and David Lipe discussed whether the use of instrumental music in worship is a matter of human judgment or an activity that violates the teaching of the New Testament. The speeches, as well as the [...]

There’s Got to Be a Line Somewhere

I wish I had more time to interact with others in the “comments” following an article. I appreciate those on both sides who engage one another—in a very Christlike spirit, I’m happy to say—and provide a lively discussion of the issues for the benefit of us all.
One reader asked, “If grace covers missing the mark [...]

Hoping Against Hope—And Against Their Own View of 2 John 9

One of the differences you will find among traditional preachers is this: Some argue that all Christians (at least all who are sufficiently mature) who persist in practices believed to be unauthorized in scripture—such as instrumental music in worship—are unequivocally lost. There is no hope for them unless they repent and cease the practice. But [...]

Does 2 John 9-11 prove the traditional doctrine of fellowship?

I have been in correspondence with a respected conservative preacher. We have been exchanging arguments for some time now, but neither of us has persuaded the other. Since he is contending for the traditional view which I am here attempting to critique, I will be addressing his arguments periodically in this blog.
 
[9] Anyone who goes [...]

Response to Gil Yoder’s Review: Part 2

Here I want to wrap up my response to Yoder’s review of the first chapter of my book. Yoder says that the theme of the book “is in effect that various inconsistencies among brethren, whom Deaver accuses of having a ‘no-unity perspective,’ go to prove that the doctrines taught by those brethren regarding fellowship are [...]

Response to Gil Yoder’s Review: Part 1

I respect Gil Yoder. For two reasons, especially. First, he is willing to disagree strongly with a brother without eviscerating him. While that should be the invariable custom among Jesus’ disciples, it is regrettably uncommon enough in our fellowship to warrant special commendation. Second, he is willing to engage a problem that most traditional preachers [...]

Welcome

 Members of the Church of Christ basically operate in one of two worlds, often characterized as “conservative” and “progressive.” While usually there are a number of hermeneutical and doctrinal differences between the two groups, the most fundamental difference, as Jay Guin rightly observes (One in Jesus), has to do with the scope of God’s grace: [...]