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 According
to an old story, when a Campbellite baptizes a man he comes from
the water shouting, "I challenge anyone to debate!"
The prejudice in this tale is apparent, but it points to a
reputation that, right or wrong, has stuck with restoration
efforts. If there is rational explanation and scriptural
justification for confrontation (we believe there is) then we
should better understand our role, and make a determined effort
to carry it out to the glory of God.
Light
and darkness are eternally in conflict (Jn. 1:5), and truth is a
sword, opposing error (Matt. 10:34-f). The truth re. baptism,
the church, worship, etc.; is in stark contrast with error on
these subjects. We can not scripturally put light under a basket
(Matt. 5:13-f). God commands us to "go — teach" (Mk.
16:15-f; 2 Tim. 2:2), and all who have genuine convictions re.
truth, and recognize responsibility toward their fellowman, must
try to teach others also.
But
we are told our "approach" is wrong; we are too
aggressive. People who want their own way regardless of
consequences — who want to "go to hell quietly" —
will not consider the truth no matter how it is presented. The
god of this world has blinded their mind (2 Cor. 4:4). We do
not, however, consider our brethren blameless. Some blunder in
ignorance, ineptness, and misguided zeal. Their technique could
be improved, but they are already far ahead of those who make no
approach, who "couldn't care less." We thank God
for those who try regardless of blunders, for we know The
Cause rests upon their shoulders.
The
salvation of souls is the ultimate reason for teaching truth,
and we must
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measure our "approach" by its
contribution to this end. Some debaters say they are
"defending the truth" but this must be understood in
reference to teaching; for God's truth is the anvil, and
is not damaged by hammers of error. God doesn't solicit our
effort to sustain truth, lest it perish; but to convey it
to others. We are not serving God simply because our sermon or
article is "strong as horse-radish." We may be driving
folk away from truth. Nor do we serve God because we are mild
mannered. In our desire to spare their feelings we may be
withholding from our hearers truth that is essential to their
salvation. Hearers and circumstances vary, and our judgment will
be imperfect, but our goal must remain the same. Let us measure
our shouts and whispers by what they contribute to leading
others to Christ. This is the real test.
And
in the process of upholding truth, let us demonstrate the effect
of truth in our conduct. Rules of controversy are, for a
Christian, those which govern every affair in life. He does not
try to win battles for God by use of Satan's instruments.
But
a fair statement of desirable principles have long been
recognized in "Hedge's Rules." These are from a book,
"Elements of Logic" by Dr. Levi Hedge, third edition,
1821. Because the book is not readily available, we are
publishing those rules (slightly condensed) on a page to
themselves; so they may be reproduced, passed to others, and we
hope — used to improve the clime of religious discussion.
(continued next page)
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