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So You “Disagree?” Robert Turner For
30 years I have preached and written my convictions regarding the Bible, the
church, etc.; and for 30 years people have “disagreed.” Catholics, Mormons,
Protestants, and occasionally my brethren “disagree.” That doesn’t bother
me — much. At least not enough to cause me to squelch my honest convictions
and “sell out” to majority opinions. Sometimes
one disagrees, and proceeds to teach me more perfectly the way of truth. I find
I have been wrong. Not I dislike being wrong, but not as much as I dislike
teaching error. Changing to truth is a pleasure, and I am grateful to my
teacher. Thirty
years of disagreement has taught me something else. Some people say they
“disagree” when in reality they know so little about the subject they can’
explain their own position and know even less about mine. Perhaps they were born
in the objective mood and kickative case; or more likely, I have pointed out the
error of their ways, and they want to keep on going the way they are going,
regardless of truth or consequences. Honest
disagreement, based upon convictions established through careful study of
God’s word, is honorable. I can respect such disagreement even when I am
reasonably sure my opponent is in error. Two such persons can study together to
profit— and will be anxious to do so. But
there is no honor, and I have little respect for the person who seeks to
discredit by work with prejudicial name-calling or the glib use of
weight-swinging “I disagree.” You
“disagree” with what? Is there a fallacy in my reasoning? Have I misused the
Scriptures? Have I overlooked some Bible truth that would alter my conclusion?
Give me a specific point of disagreement and I will be happy to consider
it. A
fellow once wrote that all I had said was true (he flattered me) but he feared
it would lead to error. Hm! Truth never leads to anything but truth. To
fear the consequences of truth is cowardice of the first order, and our
disagreement is with God. Let such, a one rather fear Hell. The Gospel
Guardian, 1965, Vol. 17, page 205. (
Editors Note: I came across this article while skimming through some old bound
volumes of this magazine. This reminded me of what happened a number of years
ago in a Gospel Meeting. The preacher at this place and I were talking. He asked
me what I thought about a particular issue. I explained my first thoughts and
the next thing I heard was “that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever
heard.” I think he must of realized how bad that sounded and tried to soften
the blow a little. My response was to not talk to him any more about this or any
other subject. As the above article states, it is one thing to disagree and
another to have an intelligent discussion. A lesson we all need to remember.
D.T.) |