Acts20.com

I believe you will enjoy his discussion as he goes into some COG history. youtu.be/uKFz4UOj0FY

Eddie,I watched the video, found it interesting, and learned a couple of things about Church of God history. I not sure I agree totally with Charles Conn's assessment of A. J. Tomlinson having just a regional influence or vision. It seems he had a global perspective that reached beyond the Southeastern culture. I think before the split in 1923 there were works outside the south, and more importantly AJT had a more inclusive racial vision than most southern, which included appointing black (both African-American and Caribbean) leadership. As I said, it was an interesting video, and I learned about some folks and some details I had not heard before. For the sake of understand the expansion of the COG from its genesis, it was instructive.

Original Vision

I'm not sure AJT had the original vision, as he was greatly influenced by the Spurlings and the nature of the Holiness Church at Camp Creek. That said, once he was convinced (by the Spirit or by the spiritual elders) he seems to have the calling that equipped him to see well beyond Camp Creek, NC. It does not seem AJT came to the mountains with the ministry goal of going beyond the mountains, but his mission was radically changed.How many editions of LAMA did Charles Conn participate in (I think there are four now)?

I'm not sure AJT had the original vision, as he was greatly influenced by the Spurlings and the nature of the Holiness Church at Camp Creek. That said, once he was convinced (by the Spirit or by the spiritual elders) he seems to have the calling that equipped him to see well beyond Camp Creek, NC. It does not seem AJT came to the mountains with the ministry goal of going beyond the mountains, but his mission was radically changed.How many editions of LAMA did Charles Conn participate in (I think there are four now)? Mat

Eddie,The truth is, the only edition I have read of LAMA is the First Edition. As I understand it, from those who have read the newer editions, the characterization of AJT (as well as the events of 1923 and the relationship between COG and COGOP) has changed with each edition. I was just wondering how much of that change came from Charles Conn. There have been some who have said to me that as a Lee student or facility, questioning Conn's First Edition in the past could have negative consequences on your grades or career. So I'm just wondering about the involvement of Conn on subsequent editions and if any editions have been published after he passed away?

What aspect of my comments ...

Eddie,Perhaps the comments about the Lee students and faculty was a generalization based on hearsay, and that could be deemed unfair, unless specific situations were addressed. As to the changing nature of LAMA from the first edition to the forth(?), a comparative study might be interesting. Just as authors write about other peoples lives, I feel it does no injustice to examine the influences and evolution of the authors. I would even say it is a scholarly endeavor and would give us greater insight to the context in which they wrote. I understand you readiness as it is your family by marriage, but as one who has seen his family under the scalp of researchers and writers, such examination can contribute and often have positive outcomes. I have also learned, you can't stop'em so you might as well join'em.