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0387
Judging the character and ability of the speakers, the quality of material used, the interest manifested, and the hearers reached, there has scarcely been a discussion of equal importance and effects. Fully publicized, carefully planned and conducted - E. R. Harper and the fourth and State Street church, the debate commanded the respect of all. The auditorium of the church of Christ, with all available space occupied, even Bible-school rooms in which were placed loud speakers and radios. Many crowded the lawns being able to hear through loud speakers and windows. Two radio stations in Little Rock carried the debate. There is no way of estimating the number of visitors. Nearby hotels, Christian homes, and rooming houses were crowded. Twelve states were represented.
From the speakers' stands, however, came the true light of truth, reflected therefrom far outshone the tinge of error. Presented, and, even beyond the expectations of the most confident, an unusual victory for truth and righteousness was recorded.
The propositions reminded one of the fight for truth in restoration days: 1) the operation of the H. S., distinct and separate from the word of God, in conversion; 2) the necessity of baptism; 3) the establishment of the church (before Pentecost); 4) the possibility of apostasy.
The clear and positive presentation of truth on these subjects is to be commended. One could not but be convinced that the H. S. operates intelligently upon the sinner, and by means of the word of God; hence, through, with, or by the word conviction and conversion are effected.
Bro. Hardeman had the affirmation on baptism, and the simple, direct case presented was irrefutable. The negative attempted to meet the issue by taking a stand against the translators and Greek authorities, even of his own faith, on the meaning of "eis" (for) in Acts 2:38; by declaring Mk. 16:15,16 spurious; by contending that the Galatian brethren were already "clothed upon" (saved) when they were baptized. Bogard's refutation of baptism was rather unimpressive.
On the establishment of the church, Bogard confused preparation with the actuality of establishment - Bogard's time of beginning was too late to have John the Baptist associated with it and too early to have the blood of Christ and the administrative efforts of the Holy Spirit. Bogard was not sure of when it did begin, just any time, except the day of Pentecost. No Baptist scholar took the position that Bogard took.
The last day, on apostasy, was a climax for the meeting. Bro. H. in the affirmative, was also at the peak of his power, and one can scarcely comprehend the labor of the difficulties of the negative without having heard the discussion. The speeches - taken word for word and on a dictaphone - will speak for themselves.
Bogard was embarrassed because he was on record in books too often and much. "One has to be careful what he says in one debate for when he meets another man he contradicts himself." He had changed his positions many times through the years (and admitted it) and pleaded for Hardeman not to go to his past record. This hurt his case.
We await with interest the appearance of the debate (book form).
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N. B. Hardeman vs Ben Bogard (Baptist)
April 29, 1938
Little Rock, Arkansas
(By L. O. Sanderson)
April 29, 1938
Little Rock, Arkansas
(By L. O. Sanderson)
Judging the character and ability of the speakers, the quality of material used, the interest manifested, and the hearers reached, there has scarcely been a discussion of equal importance and effects. Fully publicized, carefully planned and conducted - E. R. Harper and the fourth and State Street church, the debate commanded the respect of all. The auditorium of the church of Christ, with all available space occupied, even Bible-school rooms in which were placed loud speakers and radios. Many crowded the lawns being able to hear through loud speakers and windows. Two radio stations in Little Rock carried the debate. There is no way of estimating the number of visitors. Nearby hotels, Christian homes, and rooming houses were crowded. Twelve states were represented.
From the speakers' stands, however, came the true light of truth, reflected therefrom far outshone the tinge of error. Presented, and, even beyond the expectations of the most confident, an unusual victory for truth and righteousness was recorded.
The propositions reminded one of the fight for truth in restoration days: 1) the operation of the H. S., distinct and separate from the word of God, in conversion; 2) the necessity of baptism; 3) the establishment of the church (before Pentecost); 4) the possibility of apostasy.
The clear and positive presentation of truth on these subjects is to be commended. One could not but be convinced that the H. S. operates intelligently upon the sinner, and by means of the word of God; hence, through, with, or by the word conviction and conversion are effected.
Bro. Hardeman had the affirmation on baptism, and the simple, direct case presented was irrefutable. The negative attempted to meet the issue by taking a stand against the translators and Greek authorities, even of his own faith, on the meaning of "eis" (for) in Acts 2:38; by declaring Mk. 16:15,16 spurious; by contending that the Galatian brethren were already "clothed upon" (saved) when they were baptized. Bogard's refutation of baptism was rather unimpressive.
On the establishment of the church, Bogard confused preparation with the actuality of establishment - Bogard's time of beginning was too late to have John the Baptist associated with it and too early to have the blood of Christ and the administrative efforts of the Holy Spirit. Bogard was not sure of when it did begin, just any time, except the day of Pentecost. No Baptist scholar took the position that Bogard took.
The last day, on apostasy, was a climax for the meeting. Bro. H. in the affirmative, was also at the peak of his power, and one can scarcely comprehend the labor of the difficulties of the negative without having heard the discussion. The speeches - taken word for word and on a dictaphone - will speak for themselves.
Bogard was embarrassed because he was on record in books too often and much. "One has to be careful what he says in one debate for when he meets another man he contradicts himself." He had changed his positions many times through the years (and admitted it) and pleaded for Hardeman not to go to his past record. This hurt his case.
We await with interest the appearance of the debate (book form).
VIEW NEXT REPORT >>
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