Editorial

C.W. MICKEY MEEKLY BOWS OUT

February 1, 1987 Issue
Ronny F. Wade

C.W. Mickey, editor of The Reasoner, recently issued a bold challenge "to any man on this sinful earth" to deny that "it takes blessing and breaking of the bread to purify it or make this human bread holy..." We answered "the editors" challenge for a number of reasons. First of all when someone is bold enough to challenge the world we feel it our duty to at least give the man a fair hearing. What better way than in public discussion. Secondly, we deny that it is scriptural to divide the fruit of the vine into individual containers after thanks has been offered for it in one container as Bro. Mickey preaches and practices. Thirdly, we deny that the one serving at the table should break the bread for the entire congregation after the giving of thanks. And, fourthly since "the bold editor" was so certain about the need of a contest to determine who was right or wrong, we felt compelled to oblige him. But lo, look at him now. In the Sept.-Dec. issue of The Reasoner he writes: '2 Cor 12:20, "For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you as such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:" The debates I have seen produced the following evils mentioned after "DEBATES". Thus, I have always refused to debate in this fashion. If some wish to refute what I taught in The Reasoner, then let them answer in their paper. Editor."

Well, well, my! how quickly some RUN when they are confronted with a genuine response to their challenge. The editor knows how he breathed out threatenings while in the South for anyone to meet his arguments. He needs to learn that if he is going to advertise for a CONTEST, and even go so far to say "a like contest can be set up today to determine who is scriptural and who is not," then he better be ready to accept the results of such a proposal. Finally, our brother asked the question "Are you ready?" Yes, brother Mickey, I am ready. BUT THE REAL QUESTION IS: ARE YOU?

Let me make it clear, that I do not approve of any discussion that produces the evils mentioned by Paul in 2 Cor 12:20. Public debate or discussion does not have to be characterized by such. Paul himself participated in many debates that did not produce those results. I have been involved in a number of discussions that were productive of good and did not follow the line like those brother Mickey has seen. So come on brother, lets have the contest you wanted. We wont allow it to become something evil or wrong, but will keep it on a high level productive of much good.

Other Related OPA Article Links:

Debates
Editorial

     Ronny F. Wade      1987      OPA Main Page      Home