McCarthy Tactics?
[Page 11] |
"Carl, I do not like to censure a man for expressing his views on any question. But when you depart from objectivity and make 'digs' and cheap insinuations, I am so disappointed in you. It is beneath your dignity. I have thought of sending you a few culls from your articles in the hope it would help you to see yourself as many of us are beginning to see you. The old McCarthy tactics of guilt by association and appeal to prejudices don't become us. For instance, when you were writing an article against tobacco, you left argument and had to mention a southern anti-class congregation where so many used tobacco. In the name of reason and logic, what does that prove when there can be no relation between the two issues?" --Ervin Waters.Brother Waters is a leader in one segment of the brotherhood which is opposed to grouping students of the word of the Lord, as well as to the use of more than one container to distribute the drink element of the Lord's Supper. He is a very fine man, and I respect him very highly as a brother in the Lord. I am grieved that he feels I am indulging in digs and cheap insinuations toward the brethren in the Lord with whom he is closely allied. Certainly, to be objectionable instead of objective, would deter the very purpose I have in mind, which is the uniting of our forces, rather than further division of them.
I did not intend to leave the impression that there was a relationship between the use of tobacco and the opposition to Bible classes. A number of brethren who advocate Bible classes (and I say it to their shame) are users of tobacco. But the congregation to which I alluded disfellowshipped all others upon the basis of a position relative to classes, and contended that they represented the "loyal" church on earth. They did not even recognize me as a brother. I intended to point out that those who affirm they are the faithful church, and the only hope of Christianity, ought to act like Christians. If others besides Ervin received the impression that I was deliberately taking a dig at them, I regret it, and ask them to pardon me. It is altogether possible for us to leave a wrong impression and hinder the cause we represent. If we were guilty by association, I expect all of us would be shot before sunrise. I've associated with some brethren who were veritable "smudge-pots and nicotine addicts, and I guess all the rest of you have!