Those of us who have compiled this book consider that fact significant enough to bring to the attention of our readers. We feel that emphasis on those who left other churches to come to us and complete disregard of our own talent drain is a dangerous distortion. When we know only this side of the story we are blind to facts and there is an ever-present danger of cultivating a superiority complex at the expense of our religious neighbors. If this book does nothing more than to awaken good Church of Christ members to an ominous, steady drain of talented persons, it will be worthwhile. Since this collection was conceived and carried through on my initiative, I am the proper person to justify it or to suffer for its failure.
Thousands are restless and dissatisfied with the aridity of exclusivism and authoritarianism.
Bright young minds are refusing to be put off with answers that have no more to commend them than the hoary beard of antiquity. And they need a guide to healthier outlooks. While this collection was in progress, a young woman came into my church office seeking help. Near hysteria, this daughter of an orthodox Church of Christ minister had grown dissatisfied with the cold legalisms of he church, but her love for her father was immense and beautiful. Torn terribly between the urgent need to make a change religiously and the desire to remain in her father's good graces, she was near prostration.