Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources
0054
W. T. Boaz vs T. F. Moore (Baptist) Debate on Baptism
January 11, 1900
Cottage Grove, Tennessee
(by A. O. Calley)
This debate on baptism at Walnut Grove church house December 12-14.
Bro. Boaz used an array of scriptural arguments. Many of them Mr. Moore made an honest effort to answer, others he did not notice although he is an experienced debater having met nearly all of our debating brethren. Boaz defended every position he took with a skill that showed he had his work well in hand. Moore asked Boaz over 100 questions which were answered in almost the time they were asked. Mr. Moore began his affirmation (Salvation before baptism) on the second day at noon. He tried to show John's baptism was Christian baptism. Boaz showed that it was not even in the name of Christ; also showed that repentance did not begin in the name of Christ until Pentecost (Lk. 24:47) also they were to baptize into the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). To save his sinking cause, Moore said it was not necessary to use any formula in baptizing, that a man could be baptized without any of these names. Boaz asked him if he ever baptized anyone without using a formula or if there was anyone present that had ever seen or heard of a Baptist baptizing without any formula.
In his next speech, Moore offered $50 reward for a text showing that we had to do anything this side of the cross of Christ that those who lived before Christ did not have to do. Bro. Boaz showed from Rom. 10:9 that we were to believe in a risen Christ, while they did not, also that "every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." (I John 4:3); and asked Bro. Moore if these back there confessed that Christ had come in the flesh. To this Moore did not reply. Bro. Boaz insisted on Moore getting up his $50, but he had failed the last I heard from them.
Everything passed off very pleasantly. Cold weather cut attendance.
(Held at Cottage Grove, Tenn?)
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