There Have Always Been Questions, Issues, & There Have Always Been Questions, Issues, & Problems Among BrethrenProblems Among Brethren

• Is circumcision essential to salvation (Acts 15)?Is circumcision essential to salvation (Acts 15)?

• From among “yourselves” – perverse things (Acts 20:30)From among “yourselves” – perverse things (Acts 20:30)

• Doctrine of no resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12)Doctrine of no resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12)

• Colossian Heresy (Col. 2)Colossian Heresy (Col. 2)

• Some will depart giving heed to error (1 Tim. 4:1-3)Some will depart giving heed to error (1 Tim. 4:1-3)

• Doctrine that 2Doctrine that 2ndnd Coming is imminent (1 Thess) Coming is imminent (1 Thess)

• Judaism (Hebrews, etc.)Judaism (Hebrews, etc.)

Roy E. CogdillRoy E. Cogdill

1930’s & 1940’s

• During / shortly after the “Premillennialism” controversy

• Many churches (rejected the false doctrine)

• Also didn’t tolerate the preaching against it

• Not one of them stood – 50’s /60’s

During The Restoration MovementDuring The Restoration Movement

• Pointing men back to the Bible: “Where the Bible speaks, Pointing men back to the Bible: “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where it is silent, we are silent.”we speak; where it is silent, we are silent.”

• Called for men to lay aside opinions and unite upon the Called for men to lay aside opinions and unite upon the ScripturesScriptures

• Soon two major mindsets developed:Soon two major mindsets developed:1.1. Church can do only what is positively authorizedChurch can do only what is positively authorized2.2. Church can do anything not specifically forbiddenChurch can do anything not specifically forbidden

• Division was inevitable!Division was inevitable!

Churches of Christ Divided Churches of Christ Divided In mid 1800sIn mid 1800s

Issues:Issues: Missionary Society (1849)Missionary Society (1849) Instrumental Music (1859)Instrumental Music (1859)

Result:Result: Formation of Christian Church (1900)Formation of Christian Church (1900) Later: Disciples of Christ (liberal)Later: Disciples of Christ (liberal)

Churches of Christ Divided Churches of Christ Divided In mid 1900sIn mid 1900s

Issues:Issues: Sponsoring Church (Hearld of Truth)Sponsoring Church (Hearld of Truth) Orphan HomesOrphan Homes Colleges in Church BudgetColleges in Church Budget Social Gospel (Recreation)Social Gospel (Recreation)

Result:Result: Split among churches 1955-1965Split among churches 1955-1965 Institutional churches of Christ Institutional churches of Christ

Divisions WithinThe Church of

Christ1. Missionary Society (1849)2. Instrumental Music (1859)3. Colleges in Church Budget (1938)4. Orphan Homes (1950’s)5. Sponsoring Church (1950’s)6. Social Gospel (1960’s)

History is a vast early warning system.  ~Norman CousinsHistory is a vast early warning system.  ~Norman Cousins

DivisionsDivisionsWithinWithin

The Church of The Church of ChristChrist

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes

• Most noted of all the differencesMost noted of all the differences

• Carried the most emotionCarried the most emotion

• Most misunderstood of the issuesMost misunderstood of the issues

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes

A.A. Orphan homes started long before real divisionOrphan homes started long before real division1.1. Tennessee Orphan Home (Spring Hill, TN) – 1909Tennessee Orphan Home (Spring Hill, TN) – 19092.2. Potter Orphan Home (Bowling Green, KY) – 1914Potter Orphan Home (Bowling Green, KY) – 19143.3. Boles Home (Quinlan, TX) – 1927Boles Home (Quinlan, TX) – 19274.4. Tipton Home (Tipton, OK) - 1928Tipton Home (Tipton, OK) - 1928

A.A. Orphan homes started long before real divisionOrphan homes started long before real divisionB.B. Opposition 30’s – 40’sOpposition 30’s – 40’s

1.1. Like other innovations – slow to catch onLike other innovations – slow to catch on2.2. Sound brethren fought it as did in 1849-ffSound brethren fought it as did in 1849-ff3.3. Guy N. Woods – Opposed itGuy N. Woods – Opposed it

"The ship of Zion has floundered more "The ship of Zion has floundered more than once on the sandbar of than once on the sandbar of institutionalism. The tendency to institutionalism. The tendency to organize is a characteristic of the age. organize is a characteristic of the age. On the theory that the end justifies the On the theory that the end justifies the means, brethren have now scrupled to means, brethren have now scrupled to form organizations in the church to do form organizations in the church to do the work the church itself was designed the work the church itself was designed to do. All such organizations usurp the to do. All such organizations usurp the work of the church, and are unnecessary work of the church, and are unnecessary and sinful" and sinful"

((Abilene Christian College LecturesAbilene Christian College Lectures, 1939), 1939)

Guy N. WoodsGuy N. Woods

"There is no place for charitable organizations in the work of the New Testament church. It is the only charitable organization that the Lord authorizes, or that is needed to do the work the Lord expects his people to do"

(The Annual Lesson Commentary for December 15,

1946)

Guy N. WoodsGuy N. Woods

A.A. Orphan homes started long before real divisionOrphan homes started long before real divisionB.B. Opposition 30’s – 40’sOpposition 30’s – 40’sC.C. Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947

N. B. HardemanN. B. Hardeman

““The right to contribute to one is the right to The right to contribute to one is the right to contribute to the other…The same principle that contribute to the other…The same principle that permits one permits the other. They must stand permits one permits the other. They must stand or fall together.”or fall together.”

((Gospel AdvocateGospel Advocate, 1947, p. 844), 1947, p. 844)

CollegeSupportedby Church

Orphan HomeSupportedby Church

Shifted to

A.A. Orphan homes started long before real divisionOrphan homes started long before real divisionB.B. Opposition 30’s – 40’sOpposition 30’s – 40’sC.C. Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947D.D. DebatesDebates

1. 1954: Holt-Totty Debate (Indianapolis, IN)2. 1955: Harper-Tant Debate (Lufkin, TX) – April & November3. 1956: Porter-Woods Debate (Indianapolis, IN)4. 1957: Porter-Woods Debate (Paragould, AR)5. 1957:Cogdill-Woods Debate (Birmingham, AL)6. 1957: Porter-Deaver Debate (Dumas,TX)7. 1959: Wallace-Holt Debate (Florence, AL)8. 1961: Grider-Woods Debate (Louisville, KY)9. 1962: Sutton-Woods Debate (Peoria, IL)

A.A. Orphan homes started long before real divisionOrphan homes started long before real divisionB.B. Opposition 30’s – 40’sOpposition 30’s – 40’sC.C. Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947D.D. DebatesDebatesE.E. Journals published on both sidesJournals published on both sides

Journals – Favored Orphan HomesJournals – Favored Orphan Homes

Gospel AdvocateGospel Advocate

Firm FoundationFirm Foundation

20th Century Christian20th Century Christian

Christian ChronicleChristian ChronicleB. C. GoodpastureGospel Advocate

Reuel LemmonsFirm Foundation

Two Different Types of Orphan HomesTwo Different Types of Orphan Homes

Under Elderships

Maude Carpenter(Wichita, KS)

Tipton Orphan Home(Tipton, OK)

Sunny Glenn(San Benito, TX)

Lubbock Childrens Home

(Lubbock, TX)

Under Board

Tennessee Orphan Home

(Spring Hill, TN)

Boles Home(Quinlan, TX)

Potter Orphan Home(Bowling Green, KY)

Child-Haven(Cullman, AL)

Journals – Opposed Orphan HomesJournals – Opposed Orphan Homes

Gospel Guardian

Truth Magazine

Searching the Scriptures

Preceptor

Yater TantGospel Guardian

Roy E. CogdillGospel Guardian

H. E. PhillipsSearching the Scriptures

Cecil WillisTruth Magazine

A.A. Orphan homes started long before real divisionOrphan homes started long before real divisionB.B. Opposition 30’s – 40’sOpposition 30’s – 40’sC.C. Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947D.D. DebatesDebatesE.E. Journals published on both sidesJournals published on both sidesF.F. Churches divided 1955-1965Churches divided 1955-1965

1.1. Historians estimate 80/20 splitHistorians estimate 80/20 split2.2. Usually small group pull off and start a new workUsually small group pull off and start a new work3.3. Exceptions: Louisville, Athens, TampaExceptions: Louisville, Athens, Tampa

A.A. Orphan homes started long before real divisionOrphan homes started long before real divisionB.B. Opposition 30’s – 40’sOpposition 30’s – 40’sC.C. Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947Hardeman shifted the issue in 1947D.D. DebatesDebatesE.E. Journals published on both sidesJournals published on both sidesF.F. Churches divided 1955-1965Churches divided 1955-1965G.G. Things got ugly & bitterThings got ugly & bitter

Things GotThings GotUgly & BitterUgly & Bitter

• Yellow Tag Of Quarantine – Yellow Tag Of Quarantine – B.C. Goodpasture, B.C. Goodpasture, Gospel Advocate Gospel Advocate 19541954

• Robert Jackson – knife pulled on him (Taylor Blvd)Robert Jackson – knife pulled on him (Taylor Blvd)

• Rufus Clifford – spat uponRufus Clifford – spat upon

• Ads: “No Anti need apply”Ads: “No Anti need apply”

• Charges: “Orphan haters” / “Let orphan starve…”Charges: “Orphan haters” / “Let orphan starve…”

• Some “locked out” of buildings where were Some “locked out” of buildings where were membersmembers

So… Who really left what?So… Who really left what?

“The mainstream churches of Christ, time and again, characterized those who opposed institutionalism as unfaithful to the heritage. The truth is that the dissenters stood squarely in one set of the footprints in the 19th century churches of Christ. And by the time the battle over institutions was complete, it was the mainstream, not the dissenters, that had removed itself almost entirely from its 19th century roots.”

Reviving the Ancient Faith Richard Hughes, Pepperdine University

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes

Is Not:Is Not:1.1. Should the needy be cared for?Should the needy be cared for?2.2. Is the church obligated?Is the church obligated?3.3. A matter of how (modes, means, methods)A matter of how (modes, means, methods)4.4. Systematic arrangementSystematic arrangement5.5. A matter of a “place” being maintainedA matter of a “place” being maintained

Is:Is:1.1. Can churches build and maintain benevolent Can churches build and maintain benevolent

organizations through which to do their work?organizations through which to do their work?2.2. A matter of a separate organization doing the A matter of a separate organization doing the

work of the churchwork of the church

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes

A.A. No AuthorityNo Authority

Command / StatementCommand / Statement

Approved ExampleApproved Example

Necessary InferenceNecessary Inference

Acts 15

VV. 13-21 – James appealed to direct statement from Amos 9

V. 12 – Paul & Barnabas appealed to example of their work & miracles

VV. 7-11 – Peter appealed to events at Cornelius’ house – infers…

How Authority Is EstablishedHow Authority Is Established

Command / StatementCommand / Statement

Approved ExampleApproved Example

Necessary InferenceNecessary Inference

Church SupportChurch Supportof Orphan Homesof Orphan Homes

NoneNone

NoneNone

NoneNone

A.A. No AuthorityNo AuthorityB.B. Parallel to the Missionary SocietyParallel to the Missionary Society

MissionarySociety

LocalChurch

LocalChurch

LocalChurch

LocalChurch

$$

$$

$$

$$

SupportPreachers

A Separate Organization A Separate Organization BetweenBetween

The Church And The WorkThe Church And The Work

The Missionary The Missionary Society Society

BenevolentSociety

“Orphan Home”

LocalChurch

LocalChurch

LocalChurch

LocalChurch

$$

$$

$$

$$

Care ofCare ofNeedyNeedy

A Separate Organization A Separate Organization BetweenBetween

The Church And The WorkThe Church And The Work

The Benevolent The Benevolent Society Society

A.A. No AuthorityNo AuthorityB.B. Parallel to the Missionary SocietyParallel to the Missionary SocietyC.C. Church Can do its Own WorkChurch Can do its Own Work

Acts 6:1-6Acts 6:1-6

• Widow – neglected in ministration (v. 1)• Congregation selected 7 men (v. 3)• Apostles appointed them (v. 3)• The 7 men were over the business of caring for the

widows (v. 3)

FACTS:FACTS:

• Set up a separate organization between church & caring for the needy

Didn’t Do:Didn’t Do:

Happened:Happened:

• Local church taking care of its own needy

1 Timothy 5:161 Timothy 5:16

Relieve

Relieve

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes

A Secondary IssueA Secondary Issue: Could the church : Could the church (out of its treasury) help those who are (out of its treasury) help those who are non-Christians?non-Christians?

Was not the dividing issue – but an Was not the dividing issue – but an issueissue

SaintsSaints Non-SaintsNon-Saints

Acts 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45

Acts 4:32-35Acts 4:32-35

Acts 6:1-7Acts 6:1-7

Acts 11:27-30Acts 11:27-30

Rom. 15:25-31Rom. 15:25-31

1 Cor. 16:1-31 Cor. 16:1-3

2 Cor. 8:1-42 Cor. 8:1-4

2 Cor. 9:1-132 Cor. 9:1-13

1 Tim. 5:161 Tim. 5:16

??????????????????

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes

Shifted to

Benev. Soc.

A.A. ““Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”

1.1. Passage addresses individual – not churchPassage addresses individual – not church• Context: “anyone” v. 23; “he” vv. 24,25Context: “anyone” v. 23; “he” vv. 24,25• V. 27 – “oneself”V. 27 – “oneself”

2.2. If is church – no organization between church and If is church – no organization between church and the orphansthe orphans

3.3. Notice the shifting taking placeNotice the shifting taking place

Shifted to

A.A. ““Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”B.B. ““Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”

1.1. Passage addresses individual – not churchPassage addresses individual – not church

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!

12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

A.A. ““Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”B.B. ““Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”

1.1. Passage addresses individual – not churchPassage addresses individual – not church2.2. If is church – no organization between church and If is church – no organization between church and

the orphansthe orphans

A.A. ““Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”B.B. ““Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”C.C. ““Luke 10 – Samaritan gave to organization”Luke 10 – Samaritan gave to organization”

1.1. Passage addresses individual – not churchPassage addresses individual – not church2.2. Merely bought a service (v. 35)Merely bought a service (v. 35)3.3. Not:Not:

BenevolentOrganization$ Buy

service

InnkeeperInnkeeper

There Is A DifferenceThere Is A Difference

Radio StationRadio StationNewspaperNewspaper

Internet HostInternet HostTV StationTV Station

Sign CompanySign CompanyHospitalHospital

Publishing Co.Publishing Co.

Buying A ServiceBuying A Service ContributionContribution

Radio StationRadio StationNewspaperNewspaper

Internet HostInternet HostTV StationTV Station

Sign CompanySign CompanyHospitalHospital

Publishing Co.Publishing Co.

A.A. ““Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”Jas. 1:27 says to visit the fatherless”B.B. ““Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”Gal. 6:10 says to good to all men”C.C. ““Luke 10 – Samaritan gave to organization”Luke 10 – Samaritan gave to organization”D.D. ““Church can do what individual can do”Church can do what individual can do”

IndividualIndividual ChurchChurch

“If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them…” (1 Tim. 5:16)

“...and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows” (1 Tim. 5:16)

A DifferenceA Difference

A DifferenceA Difference

IndividualIndividual ChurchChurch

Get Money

Buy & Sell(Jas. 4:13)

Get Money

Freewill Contribution

(1 Cor. 16:1-2)

Orphan HomesOrphan Homes