OPEN LETTER
Patrick Kelly
37 Running Hill Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
Mr. Jose Ventilacion
Iglesia ni Cristo
700 Old Randolph St
Abington, MA 02351
April 2, 2002
Dear Mr. Ventilacion,
I am in receipt of your letter dated March 22, 2002.
Concerning the discussion your church proposed which you have styled a "comparative Bible study," let me refresh your memory. I did not ask for a "comparative Bible study." Such terminology is specific to your group and foreign to me. The word I used was "debate." To this you agreed, nodding in the affirmative. You suggested the discussion of the deity of Christ to which I agreed, but I also asked if we could discuss other subjects, to which you also agreed. After this, you began to use the term "comparative Bible study," and began to suggest a format. To this latter I said nothing. I was specific when I said "debate." Also, I did not say that someone would represent my church. You said this and I corrected you then that one would be representing the scriptures.
Concerning your "Rules of Comparative Bible Study," you sent:
You proposed a date of April 27, 2002 and a time. How can we have a date so soon when we have no other details worked out? We will set the date and location later. First, we must get the propositions worked out and then we will work on the rest. Also, your proposal is addressed to the "Church of Christ (Restoration Movement)." You must have us confused with another group, for, "... the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)
Again, this will be a debate as I requested, and will be conducted according to the rules of logic and fair debate in order that both sides of the issues will be given equal amounts of time in both the affirmative and negative. Your proposal to have one speak once in the affirmative, then the other to speak once in the negative is illogical and lopsided. You did not give yourself any time in the affirmative, nor did you give us time in the negative. Also, you put the one affirmative first, to be followed by the one negative. This will not do. Both sides of the issue(s) need to be given multiple speeches in both the affirmative and negative.
Also, there will be moderators to keep the debate in order. Both speakers and all the audience will be kept in order.
Also, we may need to discuss a second issue, namely, Iglesia ni Cristo's claim to be the true church of Christ today.
Lastly, we need to be free to invite the press and allow them to cover the event.
A proposition for debate will be sent to you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Patrick Kelly