Donnie V. Rader
I find it interesting that brother Harrell responds to my printed lecture and in fact had asked the administration for time to give an oral response. The thing that makes this interesting is that he, as one of the editors of Christianity Magazine, practiced a closed door policy and would not allow any response to what he or others taught. He wants what he was not willing to give.
With considerable reluctance, but at the urging of a number of friends, I have decided to write a few words responding to the lecture delivered by Donnie Rader. My beliefs on the matters under discussion are a matter of record and I some years ago decided not to try to respond to thedistortions of my writings that have been relentlessly published by certain, I think extremist, publications. I am somewhat troubled by the publication of these accusations in a Florida College Lecture book. These distortions have been documented with a type of referencing that would destroy forever the credibility of any honest scholar. Accusations and made which are in no way supported by the sources cited. Unfortunately, most people will not read the footnoted materials.
Donnie V. Rader
At the conclusion of my lecture, Bob Owen was allowed to read a prepared statement in response to the printed version of the lecture in the Florida College Lecture book. In his response he charges me with "misrepresentations" and "charges" that are "false and misleading" (1st paragraph).
February 8, 2001
My response today is to the manuscript of brother Rader’s lecture as it occurs in the Florida College series of 2001. Very possibly, I am making a mistake in responding. In the past I have ignored charges from pulpits and publications in order not to fuel the fires that stir ill will among brethren. Still having this feeling, I will not participate in an on-going fray over these matters. Please save your stamps and email time. I feel compelled, however, to respond to misrepresentations made here before people with whom I work and worship. They need to know these charges are false and misleading. Also, I wish to express my personal regrets that the college administration has allowed these charges to be published and distributed without my having equal opportunity to respond in the Florida College book.
Continue reading “Response to Donnie Rader’s lecture In the FC Lectures – Bob Owen”
