Who’s on trial: Mary Winkler, or the church of Christ?

April 14, 2007 Matthew Keedy Clifton Cross Currents

by Matt Clifton

The world is watching with sadness and morbid curiosity as Mary Winkler goes to trial charged with the shooting death of her husband, Matthew Winkler, a preacher for the Fourth Street church of Christ in Selmer, Tenn. The trial is being broadcast live by CourtTV.

It was expected that viewers of the coverage and readers of newspapers would be exposed to the sadness of children being left fatherless, the uncertain rumors of “abuse,” and the spectacle of a high-profile murder case.

Some may have even expected that the defense would scrutinize the beliefs of the church of Christ in an attempt to give a reason for the horrible event, as a Christian Chronicle article shows.

What was not expected, however, was the opportunity the trial affords to discuss the doctrines of the Bible in open forums around the world.

According to trial coverage, the following list shows some of the issues brought up during the first week of the trial:

• The husband being head of the house
• Female preachers
• Scriptural cause for divorce

Fox News pointed out some other areas in which the beliefs and practices of the church of Christ are distinctive, such as:

• The church of Christ is not a denomination
• Elders are the leaders in each congregation
• The Bible should be interpreted literally
• Baptism is essential for salvation

In light of these subjects being brought up, The 7 Ones will present articles in the coming days explaining the Bible teaching on each of these subjects. As articles are added, the list above will turn into links to the new material.

Lord willing, this terrible tragedy can be turned to good, as the pure teachings of the New Testament are given a world stage.

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