Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 15
May 23, 1963
NUMBER 4, PAGE 9b

We Must Fight Error

Forrest Darrell Moyer

There are those among us today who seem to think that it is the unpardonable sin to be critical of erroneous teaching. They think that we have attained to such a position that we must "be careful what we say and how we say it" lest we offend our religious neighbors. But how, I ask, did we ever make any progress religiously? It was by fighting for every step that we have taken. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those faithful soldiers who have gone forth into battle for truth and right. Back in 1830 Alexander Campbell wrote:

No man ever achieved any great good to mankind who did not wrest it with violence through ranks of opponents — who did not fight for it with courage and perseverance, and who did not, in the conflict, sacrifice either his good name or his life. John, the harbinger of the Messiah, lost his head. The Apostles were slaughtered. The Savior was crucified. The ancient confessors were slain. The reformers all have been excommunicated. I know that we shall do little good if we are not persecuted. If I am not traduced, slandered, and misrepresented, I shall be a most unworthy advocate of that cause which has always provoked the resentment of those who have fattened upon the ignorance and superstition of the mass, and have been honored by the stupidity and softness of those who cannot think and will not learn. (Millennial Harbinger, p.8)

In 1952 Bill J. Humble wrote:

The pioneers of the Restoration Movement, therefore, considered themselves honored when they were attacked and persecuted for their faith in the ancient gospel; for enemies of Christianity had attacked multitudes before them. The opportunity to contend for their faith against such attacks was more than an opportunity; it was a responsibility. This attitude toward controversy, though diametrically opposed to twentieth century attitudes, is the only attitude which reflects an appreciation for the true spirit of apostolic Christianity. And it is this attitude which restores the spirit and soul of New Testament Christianity! (Bill J. Humble. Campbell and Controversy, p. 277)

Both of these quotations are in harmony with the exhortation of Jude: "....contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3) Christian, are you contending for your cause? Are you fighting error? Or are you the soft-pedal, soft-soap type of disciple? If truth is to win the battle over error, it must be stronger in the fight than error.

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