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0976
A debate of more than usual interest and significance was conducted in Jan, 1950 in the meeting house of the Crescent Hill church of Christ, Brownfield, Tx.
Two propositions were discussed: L. W. Hayhurst & Logan Buchanan affirmed: "It is scriptural to teach the Bible by the class method of teaching, as practiced by the church of Christ (Crescent Hill) in Brownfield, Tx." Alva Johnson & Van Banneau affirmed: "That the churches of Christ which oppose the teaching of the Bible in class, more than one class at one time using women teachers, are scriptural in such opposition." Two men affirmed instead of one.
The speeches were recorded, transcribed and are now on the press - through the kindness of Eugene Smith, the printer, proof sheets of this discussion are in the hands of this writer. Having numerous discussions with both Alva Johnson and Van Banneau, we have examined the speeches of this debate with more than usual interest. These men are the most experienced debaters among those who oppose the class method of teaching. They are capable of making the best defense of their position that the circumstances of the case will admit. They are, indeed, the final hope of those who yet remain with the "anti-Sunday school" faction. Their work in this discussion will, therefore, be accepted by those in fellowship with them as authoritative on the matters involved. Brethren Buchanan and Hayhurst did their work well, ans the printed report of the debate -- soon to appear from the press -- will constitute a valuable contribution to the literature of the subject.
Despite their experience, art and fullness of skill, Johnson and Banneau were in difficulty from the beginning. As the debate progressed, their inconsistencies, their illogical reasoning , and the absurdities to which their positions forced them became more and more apparent. Before the end was reached it was obvious that they were struggling to keep their brethren satisfied, regardless of their fallacious reasoning that such a course required.
The cumulative effect of debates with factionists of this persuasion has been tremendous. Until the last decade or so many brethren among us inclined to the view that the best procedure to follow regarding them was simply to ignore them, on the assumption that being few in number to debate them was to give then publicity. As a result of this attitude on our part, their preachers became cocky, bold, defiant, and freely charged that we were afraid to meet them.
In recent years we have accepted their challenge, indeed have sought out opportunities to discuss the issue with them, with the result that in many places they have cooled toward further discussion of the matter. In our last debate with him, Alva Johnson privately informed this writer that he had never seen or known any good to come from such discussions. But that such debates do good for the truth is evident from the fact that lately more than a dozen preachers -- among them some of the best and ablest men the "anti" cause has produced -- have renounced their former position, and in some instances whole congregations have done likewise. In at least two instances when this writer has debated the question a Bible school was formed, and women teachers installed on the Lord's day following the close of the discussion.
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Debate On The Class Question
Reported By Guy N. Woods Involving Four Debaters
September 7, 1950
Brownfield, Texas
Reported By Guy N. Woods Involving Four Debaters
September 7, 1950
Brownfield, Texas
A debate of more than usual interest and significance was conducted in Jan, 1950 in the meeting house of the Crescent Hill church of Christ, Brownfield, Tx.
Two propositions were discussed: L. W. Hayhurst & Logan Buchanan affirmed: "It is scriptural to teach the Bible by the class method of teaching, as practiced by the church of Christ (Crescent Hill) in Brownfield, Tx." Alva Johnson & Van Banneau affirmed: "That the churches of Christ which oppose the teaching of the Bible in class, more than one class at one time using women teachers, are scriptural in such opposition." Two men affirmed instead of one.
The speeches were recorded, transcribed and are now on the press - through the kindness of Eugene Smith, the printer, proof sheets of this discussion are in the hands of this writer. Having numerous discussions with both Alva Johnson and Van Banneau, we have examined the speeches of this debate with more than usual interest. These men are the most experienced debaters among those who oppose the class method of teaching. They are capable of making the best defense of their position that the circumstances of the case will admit. They are, indeed, the final hope of those who yet remain with the "anti-Sunday school" faction. Their work in this discussion will, therefore, be accepted by those in fellowship with them as authoritative on the matters involved. Brethren Buchanan and Hayhurst did their work well, ans the printed report of the debate -- soon to appear from the press -- will constitute a valuable contribution to the literature of the subject.
Despite their experience, art and fullness of skill, Johnson and Banneau were in difficulty from the beginning. As the debate progressed, their inconsistencies, their illogical reasoning , and the absurdities to which their positions forced them became more and more apparent. Before the end was reached it was obvious that they were struggling to keep their brethren satisfied, regardless of their fallacious reasoning that such a course required.
The cumulative effect of debates with factionists of this persuasion has been tremendous. Until the last decade or so many brethren among us inclined to the view that the best procedure to follow regarding them was simply to ignore them, on the assumption that being few in number to debate them was to give then publicity. As a result of this attitude on our part, their preachers became cocky, bold, defiant, and freely charged that we were afraid to meet them.
In recent years we have accepted their challenge, indeed have sought out opportunities to discuss the issue with them, with the result that in many places they have cooled toward further discussion of the matter. In our last debate with him, Alva Johnson privately informed this writer that he had never seen or known any good to come from such discussions. But that such debates do good for the truth is evident from the fact that lately more than a dozen preachers -- among them some of the best and ablest men the "anti" cause has produced -- have renounced their former position, and in some instances whole congregations have done likewise. In at least two instances when this writer has debated the question a Bible school was formed, and women teachers installed on the Lord's day following the close of the discussion.
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