Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: May 27, 2007
“THE GREATEST PROBLEM IN THE CHURCH”
A Review & Response (Part 1)
Ben Justice
On August 28, 2005 and September 4, 2005, I wrote a two part article entitled,
“Mack Lyon and the Edmond church of Christ.” This article has since
appeared in some brotherhood publications (e.g. “Contending for the Faith”).
This article can also be viewed on “The Demas List” (www.thedemaslist.org).
Just recently, I received an article entitled “The Greatest Problem in the
Church” written by Johnie D. Fredman. I have never heard of this brother
before, but it makes no difference. It is not a terribly long article, but the article
seeks to criticize brethren for “writing up” unsound brethren. The author of this
article specifically called attention to the article I had written concerning Mack
Lyon and the Edmond congregation. The author criticized what I had written as
being untrue. We shall address this issue later on.
The author begins his article by asking this question: “What is the greatest
problem facing the church today?” The author then seeks to answer his own
question. He states,
Obviously there would be a wide range of answers to this question. Some might say liberalism,
others might say postmodernism, while others might say traditionalism. There is no one “right”
answer, but I think there may be another “ism” that is doing more damage to the Lord’s church
than the ones listed. In fact, it is a malady shared by people holding to each of the belief systems
mentioned, as well as others.
After writing several paragraphs, the author finally identifies this “ism.” He says,
My friends, I believe the greatest problem the church is facing today is not liberalism or
traditionalism, it is negativism.
What does he mean by “negativism?” “Negativism,” according to this brother, is
“various publications” existing “for the purpose of condemning a brother a
Christ.” He says,
There are many publications which seem to exist for this one sole purpose. Each issue chooses
another brother to criticize and condemn, or to rehash the same old argument and information.
Much of the information presented is not corroborated or documented in any way.
He further states, “Unfortunately, much of the time the information presented is
blatantly false.” This is when this brother seeks to criticize what I wrote about
Mack Lyon. He says,
The recent article I was given was criticizing Brother Mack Lyon and the Edmond congregation.
One of the criticisms leveled regarded Brother Lyon’s involvement with the Oklahoma Christian
lectureship. It detailed his involvement at this year’s (2007) lectureship. Unfortunately, the
author never bothered to find out that Oklahoma Christian did not hold a lectureship this year!
This is the only thing he criticized about my article. It is ironic that he accused
what others have written as being “blatantly false,” but it is his own words that
are “blatantly false.” The article I wrote in 2005 did not detail Lyon’s
“involvement at this year's (2007) lectureship.” Rather, it detailed Lyon’s
involvement at the 2005 lectureship! Here is exactly what I wrote in 2005:
For year’s “In Search of The Lord’s Way” has had a luncheon held on the campus of OCU. This
year, they changed from a luncheon to an evening dinner so that more folks could be there. Of
course, Mack spoke at the dinner. In 2004, Mack cancelled their annual luncheon during the
OCU lectureship. He did this because of the protests coming from a large number of preachers
over the use of false teachers they were having to speak. . . . Mack agreed to jump back in bed with
the liberals at the 2005 dinner (emphasis mine).
The year 2005 is specifically mentioned above. How come the brother said it was
2007? Remember what he said, “Unfortunately, the author never bothered to
find out that Oklahoma Christian did not hold a lectureship this year.” However,
it is unfortunate that this brother did not bother to find out what I actually
wrote! I wonder will he correct his error and do so publicly?
As mentioned above, this is the only criticism leveled against the article I wrote
exposing Mack Lyon and the Edmond congregation. However, In my article, I
stated,
Many are aware of the fact that Mack Lyon airs every Sunday. His program is called “In Search of
The Lord’s Way.” The Edmond Church of Christ, located in Edmond, OK, overseers this work.
Without a doubt, the Edmond congregation is unsound. The evidence is simply overwhelming. An
investigation into their website revealed very quickly that they are not worthy of fellowship from
sound brethren and congregations. And, if the congregation is unsound, then what does this say
about the work they oversee — “In Search of The Lord’s Way?” And, what does it say about
Mack Lyon? If the congregation is unsound, then the work is also unsound. Note the following
things from their website:
I then proceeded to expose their close ties with Oklahoma Christian
University. Did this brother say anything at all about this? Nothing. I exposed
their unscriptural, unauthorized “Children’s Ministry.” Did this brother say
anything at all about this? Nothing. I exposed the immorality at the Edmond
Church. Did this brother say anything at all about this? Nothing. I exposed
their use of non-Christians. Did this brother say anything at all about this?
Nothing. I exposed the fact that the Edmond Church solicits and receives
funds from liberal churches. Did this brother say anything at all about this?
Nothing. I exposed Mack Lyon’s fellowship with error. It was noted that in
1999 Mack Lyon was exposed and marked in “Contending For The Faith” for
speaking alongside false teachers, one of which was Steve Flatt. Did this
brother say anything at all about this? Nothing.
I could end this review right now, but I want to go back to the thesis of his
article — “The Greatest Problem in the Church.” Remember, he stated that he
believes the greatest problem in the church is the “ism” known as “negativism.”
He blasts brethren for being “negative.” After having read this brother’s article
several times, I have come to the conclusion that he is a hypocrite. His entire
article from start to finish is “negative.” Now, who is being negative? By the
way, I am not condemning being “negative.” Being negative in not only what we
write but also in what we say is many times necessary. This brother makes it
out as if being negative is sinful. If this were true, then Jesus and the apostles
stand condemned. Not only, we might as well throw the Bible away, for it is very
much a negative book, as people think of being negative. It seems that so many
brethren today have a phobia about being negative. But, here is the problem I
have with this brother. He condemns brethren for being negative, but spends
his entire time being negative. Go figure!
There are many other things that need to be addressed, of which we will do, Lord
willing next week.