A Welcomed Breath of Fresh Air

Concerning the Calvinism Debate at Liberty University in October 2006


Well, these two posts , one at Dr. Whites blog and one and Tom Ascol’s blog is most certainly a breath of fresh air in the rather rambunctious and un-Christ like conduct of men with Doctorates in front of their names, Dr. James White and Dr. Ergun Caner. I have long felt that the exchange between these two men was equally embarrassing, on both their parts. The exchange was strident, shameful, proudful and should never had occurred in private, let alone public. It all started here back in February, and then continued on as the rancor increased unabated through May. It is obvious that someone with some Godly character
stepped into this free for all, and sat these two down and mediated this via a private chat, rather than over the Christian blogesphere. Or perhaps they realized the error of their ways on their own, we don't know the details of the resolution, we are just glad it occured.

The joint communiqué reads:

A Public Statement

Since February 27th of this year, plans have been underway to schedule a debate on Baptists and Calvinism. Drs. James White, Ergun Caner, Emir Caner and Tom Ascol initially agreed to participate in this event which was scheduled to be held at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia on October 16, 2006. Over the last five months, efforts to negotiate the terms of the debate at times degenerated into heated, antagonistic exchanges between the four participants. In both speech and tone too much of the communication has been perceived and/or characterized by sinful attitudes that have not honored the Lord Jesus Christ. We acknowledge our responsibility in this and deeply regret that we allowed it to happen. Each of us longs to represent Christ honorably and our intent is to conduct further negotiations in ways that will do so.

Through ongoing communication out of the public eye we have come to terms regarding the debate. It remains scheduled on October 16th and will involve all four of us. The topic will be, "Baptists and Calvinism: An Open Debate." The length will be three hours. The format will be modified Parliamentary. The place will be Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.

We are committed to engaging in a debate that will highlight the significant differences that exist between our respective views of how the Gospel of God works in bringing salvation to sinners. We believe that such debate can be conducted in a lively, vigorous exchange that need not violate the standard for Christian conduct that God has given us in His Word. Our goal is to do exactly this. The issues on which we disagree are important. It is because of our love for Christ and His truth that we believe these issues are worth debating. However, we regard this as a fraternal debate and intend to approach it not as antagonists, but as brothers with strong disagreements.

To that end we are asking those who have followed the issues surrounding this debate to join us in prayer that the Lord will guide us as final preparations are being made and that He will help us to conduct ourselves in a manner "worthy of the calling with which [we] have been called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Sincerely in Christ,
Ergun Caner, Emir Caner, James White, and Tom Ascol

Yes, gentlemen, and for us lay people who have struggled with this issue, this statement is a God send, and we eagerly a wait the evening of October 16, 2006.

{{{Candleman}}}