A True Account
Slavish Deference?
I once knew a man about 30 years ago who had been raised in The Church. At 17 he left and began looking for alternatives. He painstakingly examined all of the various denominational beliefs over the years, ultimately settling on the Christadelphians a decade later.
For about three years prior to baptism, he studied the Scriptures, reading these through completely each year. He attended meeting and Bible classes. He read brother Thomas' Elpis Israel, but only the first 100 or so pages.
He didn't particularly care for it.
Other than hearing a rare quote from the Doctor's writings in lectures and classes, that was about the extent of his exposure. He read neither Eureka nor Phanerosis. Never read either Anastasis or The Revealed Mystery. Exposition of Daniel? Not a chance. The Herald? Couldn't find them back then. Neither The Ambassador.
His guide was - and still is - the Scriptures "which are able to make wise unto salvation through Yahshua Anointed," and to "prove all things, hold fast that which is good."
Consequent upon baptism, his growth in the truth commenced. Eventually, by comparing Scripture with Scripture, he found his beliefs in the meatier areas of the Word agreed with brother Thomas'. Needless to say, he was surprised. So was most everyone.
Seems incredible doesn't it?
Out of some estimated 50,000 Christadelphians worldwide, there could still be brethren and sisters scattered about whose beliefs agree with those which gave birth to the Community of believers in these last days - both in doctrine and fellowship? After all, there are so many Biblical expositors today that are much wiser than brother Thomas. Why read him when you have modern writers to use as study guides, such as some that the Central has produced in this generation? And with such innovative ideas!
Alas, they choose, instead, an old brother's writings as a study guide to the deeper areas of the Word. Poor mis-guided souls. All they really know how to do is mindlessly follow and parrot brother Thomas and, sometimes, brother Roberts.
Think this is sarcasm?
You're right. It is.
But not by me.
These characterizations I have heard over the years. They are so typical of the baseless charges that are leveled against brethren and sisters who have the "misfortune" of possessing a belief system too close to Christadelphia ca.1871.
Bob Widding