Writing has long been an important tool for teaching. God had Moses write down His commands and keep a record of events for the children of Israel (cf. Exod. 17:14; 24:4; 34:27). The history of Israel, the messages of the prophets, and the inspired wisdom were all written down for posterity. In the New Testament, the apostles and prophets of the first century not only spoke in order to teach, but they also wrote (e.g., the epistles). Though early writers after the first century did not necessarily claim inspiration, they obviously thought that writing had a proper place in the process of teaching. This has continued through the centuries. Some of the writing has done much good; some has had its ill effects. But writing continues to be an important part of teaching and study.

Writing can be very effective because it allows one to organize thoughts and carefully put it down on paper. It can help one be more precise than when a person speaks. I encourage the discipline of writing because of these factors. Even when one has no intention of publishing what he writes, it can still be effective for clarifying thoughts and organizing material.

Papers (journals, magazines, etc.) have been important over the years for helping people study through issues and understand passages. They have served to document the history of movements. They have been instrumental in clarifying arguments and warning of dangers. They have served very useful purposes among Christians.

But there are dangers involved in publishing papers. They can serve the purpose of creating dissension, divisions, and factions. People may be tempted to rally around a particular paper and think that that paper is the true voice of truth. Quarantines may be pronounced upon those who differ with the general conclusions of the writers. Competition between papers can become a problem. Defense of the papers and their policies can become more important than seeking to know and understand the will of God. This is why great care must be exercised by those who write for any paper.

Since this paper is an effort to publish useful studies, it is important to try to clarify the purpose (and avoid abuse) of this paper. Papers should never exist for the purpose of being the voice of any fellowship of believers, especially on a universal or brotherhood scale. To think of a paper as a "brotherhood paper," or to think of it as having any official capacity among brethren, is to have a misconception of what papers are about. A paper does not exist in order to tell anyone else what to believe or with whom to associate. Papers are not arbiters of truth; they possess no authority whatsoever to make any pronouncements about the brotherhood. They do not represent the universal body of Christ. If used as a means to centralize believers, or to arbitrate truth, then they have been abused. No paper can decide, once and for all, what everyone must believe or teach. Only the word of God can do this.

Myriads of issues exist among Christians. Who has the right to decide which issues are more important than others? No paper has this right to make such a decision and then pronounce that upon all believers. If this, or any other paper, is used to prioritize which issues are the most important, and intimate that there is a problem with those who don't see it "our" way, then the paper has been used in a way that is not right. Individuals might prioritize issues, and congregations might do the same, but none can do so for the brethren at large; and any attempt to do so is out of place. Papers do not exist for the purpose of setting a brotherhood agenda. Individuals and congregations must set their own agendas according to the guidelines of Scriptures. Depending upon the individual, congregations, and perhaps other factors, issues will be dealt with in different ways, according to the perceived needs of each situation. We are individuals who have our own concerns, and we will address them in the time at which we believe to be appropriate. Some may disagree with our timetable, but that is ours, as individuals, to set.

Though papers are often joint works of individuals, it is still the individuals who do the writing. Each individual has done his or her own study, and each one represents no one but himself. Editors may agree on something (such as a policy) and sign their names to a particular piece, but this is still the work of individuals. The paper is not tied to any conglomerate brotherhood organization. It speaks for none but the individuals who write and express their views.

The purpose of a paper is simply to publish studies by individuals. They want to share their ideas and conclusions with others so that, hopefully, others will be edified and good can be done. Papers provide an expedient format in which to do this, if they are used properly. They become inexpedient if they foment division and bitterness.

People publish articles and studies with which others disagree. This is to be expected, since God has given each one a mind in order to think things out and through. Not even the editors will agree with everything that is printed, unless the whole paper is written by one person. It is sometimes appropriate to publish another article to give another side of an issue. This is so that others will be able to read and judge for themselves the merits of each side. Good can come from this, if these writings are done in the proper spirit. But this is where personality problems are usually engaged. In FOCUS, we wish to be able to publish different studies without giving way to personality attacks. We have no intention of going in the direction of vitriolic and ugly responses that focus upon personalities rather than truth. How we teach truth is just as much a part of the Biblical pattern as what we teach (Col. 4:6; Eph. 4:15). Truth at the expense of proper attitudes is as dangerous as soppy attitudes at the expense of truth. We hope to reach the elusive balance. Thoughtful responses written with respect can effectively present different conclusions in the event of disagreement. We encourage these. FOCUS is not a one, two, or three issue paper. Our topics are as broad as the Bible. We have much to say about many issues. We intend to study the Scriptures and plead for open and honest investigation of the Bible; we do not shun controversy.

We are thankful for the wonderful responses we have received over the first several issues of FOCUS. The editors do not pretend to be perfect. We do not think that we have a corner on the market with good reading material; we are in competition with no other paper. We only want to provide another avenue for study and thought. We hope that the magazine will serve these ends so that all will be done to the glory of God.

Focus Magazine | Doy's