As a few of you have noticed, I've been "away" for a month or more. (Actually, I have been in the same place, physically, most of this time, but just haven't had time to monitor or respond to anything in this forum.)

You may remember that I was one who was particularly interested in the question of instrumental music. (Not that I think the issue is so important in itself, but I am concerned about the way it has so divided it, and am always hopeful for some breakthrough that might bring us together. Not, again, that I think this debate is likely to accomplish that, but we live in hope ...!)

Anyway, I had expected that the debate might be underway by now, but I haven't seen anything about it since I've been back. Have I missed it, are people still working on it, or has it been abandoned?

I'm not trying to "stir things up". I'd just like to know. Thanks.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000

Answers

Brother Ben:

I am happy to see you return. You have indeed been missed. It seems reasonable that I should answer your question about the debate on instrumental music. We have not worked on the debate since the last week in September, which was my last communication with Brother Jack on the matter. It has not been abandoned though it has been much delayed because of my new Job with AT&T and a recent move of my family into a new home in Duluth Georgia which is a suburb of Atlanta. These changes have taken a great toll upon my time to engage in the debate and have therefore delayed it. Brother Jack has been reasonable and fair and has responded to all but my latest communication because for a period of time my computer was down and he could not reach me by e-mail. He has accepted the responsibility of denying my proposition and I have accepted the same in regard to his. The debate will occur but since we are both very busy we have not yet agreed upon a date that is convenient to both our busy schedules.

But I do promise you that when the date is set not only will it be announced in the forum but also I will send you e-mail. I most certainly would not want one as intelligent and evenhanded and reasonable as you are to miss this discussion.

I do hope, as it appears to be the case that the delay has allowed some of the emotion and potential for hard feelings that would hinder our having a reasonable discussion to subside. And if I can be wiser and follow not only your advice but also your example I can possibly avoid the use of Bexplosive languageB that might stir these unhelpful and completely unnecessary emotions again. It is my sincere desire that a genuine, fair and reasonable discussion can be had to the benefit of all.

I do not apologize for any delay. Because no one should enter such a discussion unprepared or without careful consideration of the guidelines and ensuring that sufficient time is available to apply thought, energy and prayerful attention to the arguments offered and made by those who oppose the view that I am convinced is the truth.

But I do not want to appear unconcerned that others want to see this discussion nor to disappoint anyone of them by abandoning it.

I know that arranging for such a debate seems simple enough but I am not a full time BpreacherB but rather one who must Bmake tentsB so to speak to provide for my family. Therefore I must arrange time on the weekends to engage in these activities. I sincerely hope that you will understand. At the time that I originally offer to debate I had the time to do so. But as you know it took a long time to find someone willing to debate the issue formally. Then my Job changed and my time to apply to this endeavor also changed. But I have not abandoned the idea and I expect that we will have this discussion. The only thing left is for us to agree upon a date and time. It seems that we have agreed on all else such as the propositions and the guidelines.

Your Brother in Christ,

E. Lee Saffold

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000

Brother E. Lee,

THANK YOU for the update.

Yours in Christ's service,

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000

I have a guestion: Will this debate happen in this forum or will it be in person? If in person, when and where?

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2000

Lee,

It will happen in cyberspace here on the forum in a "new" room/thread, not in person.

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2000