Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday September 18, 2008

I seem to have the knack of gathering mountains of rebukes for using quotes from many who do not agree with the sum total of the beliefs held by many whom I quote. The premise is that if I quote anyone they must be in harmony with everything I believe. The position is silly and at great risk I am sharing a few near unknown quotes from one of the most quoted men in American history. Here goes:

I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races—I am not, nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes—nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people."

This is but one of the milder statements of this famous man on the subject of race. One of the most famous speeches of the 20th Century was given on the steps of the monument built in honor of the man whom I quote today. This quote which will surely cause a mega response is rightfully attributed to Abraham Lincoln during the First Debate on August 21, 1858.

So, do we throw Lincoln out? You must know that Martin Luther King was aware of this and other statements by The Great Emancipator. Yet intelligent people do not insist that all men everywhere are in 100% agreement with them on all things. In spite of public ideas counter to the mainstream ideas of today, Lincoln is one of the giants of history. Keep in mind that in Lincoln's day an Indian was held in much lower regard. And not only by Lincoln. Am I in agreement with Mr. Lincoln on the subject of race? Of course not.

A principle I have followed going on 48 years of ministry concerning statements is simple; does this statement I am quoting agree with the premise of this sermon, speech, or article? If it does, then I use it. I certainly have very little agreement with Joseph Stalin, yet I used one of his statements on education in a recent article.

Am I in an argument with anyone over using quotes? Yes, practically every day! At least I'm not ignored.

The only person I can quote whom I know to be right on all issues is Jesus Christ and quote Him I do and do it often. Mr. Spurgeon wrote, "He who quotes not, is not quoted."

The real point of today's article is help each one of us to see that just because we are in disagreement with someone over a point, does not mean that the person needs to be thrown under the bus in all other areas of belief. As a pastor I do understand that I must check out a statement on any subject in relation to what I understand the Bible to teach about that subject. One man wrote and attempted to give me a fit over quoting C.S. Lewis. I am aware of the contradictions in the Don's life. In addition one of the most explosive religious and I believe accurate, Greek documents in existence was prepared by a man whom I could not quote if I permitted some to determine whom I may quote. And most of the ones who condemn me over quotes would not have the man of whom I speak, grace the pulpit of the church where they hold forth in supposed pristine purity.

Ah, the joys of being aged!!

In reference to those whom I quote who were/are not perfect concerning all things; be kind to them, for there are only a few of us who are perfectly rounded in all things.

Jesus said; Mark 3:25 "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2008 Use with credit

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