Inasmuch as we are told to "contend earnestly for the faith" we believe that it is advantageous to debate religious issues on which there is disagreement. Jesus debated with the teachers of the law in his day; Paul, over and o v e r again, debated with those teachers of his day. Some in our time loathe debates, but this is a proven means of exposing error and sustaining truth. Many have found the truth through honest debate. John says "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." This is what debating does: It tries or puts doctrines to the test. If any doctrine cannot endure the searchlight of divine truth, then the honest will abandon it.

Plans are now made and propositions signed between R. Clifton Inman of Parkersburg, W. Va., and Cecil Willis of Akron, Ohio, to debate propositions covering the sponsoring church system of evangelism and church support to benevolent societies like Potter Orphan Home and School. The scheduled for this debate to be conducted in the city of Parkersburg, W. Va., is September 19, 20, 22 and 23. It is to be conducted in the Franklin Junior High School, 1511 Blizzard Drive. There will be four thirty-minute speeches each evening. Propositions to be debated are:

"Resolved that it is in harmony with New Testament teaching for one or more congregations to send money from their treasuries to another congregation (Highland Avenue in Abilene or any other), for the purpose of supporting a nationwide radio broadcast or telecast (Herald of Truth or other), which broadcast or telecast is supervised by the congregation receiving the funds."

Affirmative: Clifton Inman Negative: Cecil Willis

"Resolved that it is unscriptural for one or more congregations to send money from their treasuries to another congregation (Highland Avenue in Abilene or any other), for the purpose of supporting a nationwide radio broadcast or telecast (Herald of Truth or other), which broadcast or telecast is supervised by the congregation receiving the funds."

Affirmative: Cecil Willis Negative: Clifton Inman

"Resolved that it is in harmony with New Testament teaching for a congregation, or congregations, to take money from their treasuries and send it to a corporate home (such a Mid-western, Potter, Schults-Lewis, Maude Carpenter, Lubbock, etc.), which is organized for the purpose of providing a home for orphaned or forsaken children."

Affirmative: Clifton Inman Negative: Cecil Willis

"Resolved that it is unscriptural for a congregation, or congregations, to take money from their treasuries and send it to a corporate home (such as Mid-western, Potter, Schults-Lewis, Maude Carpenter, Lubbock, etc.), which is organized for the purpose of providing a home for orphaned or forsaken children."

Affirmative: Cecil Willis Negative: Clifton Inman

This debate should be a very profitable effort for the cause of Christ. The issues covered in these propositions have been the cause of many churches of Christ dividing. We believe these two men understand these issues and will give good, clear, distinct arguments for the audience. These two men are well known throughout the nation, but especially in the Ohio Valley. We believe that no other two men in this area could be more representative for this occasion than Cecil Willis and Clifton Inman. They are amicable and we have every reason to believe that this is just the kind of discussion they will present to attempt to heal a divided people.

Large crowds are anticipated for this meeting. We trust that you will be one in that audience.

TRUTH MAGAZINE X: 9, p. 13 June 1966