THE PROBLEM OF EVANGELISM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23690, 23 December 1938, Page 5

THE PROBLEM OF EVANGELISM

ro rmc eiutob Sir,—May an outsider, who is not a Presbyterian, but a Bible lover who is interested in the question, contribute a few words as to the controversy under the above heading which has been running in your paper? I write to deprecate the bitterness which seems to be increasingly shown as it progresses. This is especially seen in the letter signed “ P. B. Fraser ” under the heading “The Bible of Knox College.’ - a title which contains an implied sneer, followed by an insulting reference to the “ omniscient professors ”! It is further seen in the egotism of the request that Professors Dickie and Allan should say if they attribute the authorship of the letters of “ Maran-atha to himself. It is to be hoped that the professors will take no notice of such a request. If “ Maran-atha M desires to remain anonymous he will not thank Mr Fraser for this effort to have his identity disclosed. I have, however* been acquainted with the writings of Mr Fraser to the press for many years, and this last letter is quite consistent with the tone of egotism and “ omniscience ” which he usually adopts. . . The same tendency to personalities is seen in the last letter of “Maranatha,” who. in his quotations, attributes to his opponents unworthy motives, and applies to them the words “ not honest enough to put on his true' colours and declare himself an unbeliever in the Scriptures.” One may still hope that “ Maran-atha.” who is an able and usually courteous controversialist. can credit his reverend opponents with being at least honest Christian gentlemen. In conclusion. I wish to assure your correspondents, and especially Mr Fraser, that the exhibition of bitterness and personal feeling does more to injure the cause they all advocate, and the Book, than all the mistaken views as to the interpretations of Scripture which they may hold or leach. As to the subject of the controversy I express no opinion now. —I am. etc.. Cephas