Christian Fellowship with Adventists
In the Christian Union of July 2, 1873, a correspondent asks: “Is it right for a Congregational or other evangelical church to grant a letter of dismissal and recommendation to a member who wishes to join an Annihilationist church? Can an evangelical church with consistency have fellowship with a church holding the doctrine of the annihilation of the wicked?” To this Mr. Beecher returned the following answer:— “We are in favor of the largest toleration and the widest fellowship consistent with Christian integrity. Many of the Adventist churches show a zeal that would put to shame half the orthodox churches, but they hold the doctrine of annihilation. And there is no subject regarding which one should be more tolerant of differences than the future life; because there is none concerning which we know so little with certainty, and because differences of opinion about the future life, and particularly about the nature of retribution, do not necessarily affect Christian living.” IRISH Presbyterianism still stands out against the use of instrumental music in public worship.