Is This the Way to Make Disciples? Newspaper Advertising?

[mythociate]

In Oklahoma's newspaper, a pastor from a Church of Christ asserted that 'use of musical instruments in worship' was NOT the "sin" that the mainline Church of Christ says it is.

Well, Pioneer and Bell Church of Christ's leaders disagreed, and proceeded to buy several advertisements (in the Daily Oklahoman and in Elk City's paper) publishing articles that explained why 'instrumental music in worship IS a sin.'

I'll argue against their reasoning there coming-up, but right
 now I'm arguing against this confrontation-method ...

See, this 'volley in an ad-war' so-satisfied the staff of Pioneer & Bell that they proceeded to buy ad-space for ALL the church's arguments against 'the world.'

I don't think this is the way Jesus wanted us to 'go & make disciples.' All His disciples' letters were read only to people who WANTED to hear them; and--even though the ads are arranged so that you can skip them if you DON'T want to read them (the 'LET THE BIBLE SPEAK'-header kinda carries a silent 'if you don't wanna hear it, turn the page')--they're still there to be read (as opposed to the spoken word, which you can shut up or forget with time).

What do you think?

[sak4kat]

It's not so much what I think but what I know... and I know this is America we live in and we have the right to free speech - including what goes into print.  We also have the right not to acknowledge, listen, or pay attention to what others say - therefore it is our choice to pick up, pay and proceed in reading, watching and listening too. 

[mythociate]

It's not so much what I think but what I know... and I know this is America we live in and we have the right to free speech - including what goes into print.  We also have the right not to acknowledge, listen, or pay attention to what others say - therefore it is our choice to pick up, pay and proceed in reading, watching and listening too. 

Right; but I'm not talking about 'the Kingdom of Democracy,' I'm talking about 'the Kingdom of God.' As resident aliens serving Our Father King, is 'buying advertising' an acceptable method of 'doctrinal corrections'?

I hear that 'going to church is like going to the hospital for your soul.' That makes 'doctrine-talk in newspaper-ads' like 'house-calls by forced entry' ... or--even worse--having doctors pin you down for examination, diagnosis & treatment, while you're trying to have dinner with your family in a restaurant!