Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 4
January 22, 1953
NUMBER 37, PAGE 5b

The Work Of O. D. Bixler

Logan J. Fox, Ibaraki, Japan (From The Gospel Advocate)

In recent months, as I have visited among the churches, I have been asked many questions about the work in Japan. Most frequently these questions have related to the work of O. D. Bixler and the extent to which we in Ibaraki and other workers in Japan are cooperating with Brother Bixler. In fairness to those who want to know (and have a right to know) I have come to feel that a brief factual statement is in order.

As for the work of Brother Bixler, it is located in Tokyo, ninety five miles from our work in Ibaraki, and he has no part in this work. Furthermore, no American missionary connected with Ibaraki Christian College has fellowship with Brother Bixler in his work. In fact, with the exception of E. A. Rhodes, no missionary in Japan sponsored by churches of Christ is working with Brother Bixler in any way.

There are five reasons why I cannot work with Brother Bixler, and with some minor differences these are the reasons why others in Japan cannot work with him.

1. Brother Bixler refuses to clarify his position in regard to the premillennial problem, and he was actively opposed to our taking a stand on this issue in Ibaraki.

Speaking for myself, let me say that I do not now hold, and have never held, to premillennial views, and I shall oppose as a false doctrine any premillennial teaching with which I come in contact. Speaking for Ibaraki Christian College, let me say that no premillennialist of any variety has any connection whatsoever with Ibaraki Christian College.

2. With reference to many other problems as well, most of us in Japan have learned through bitter experience that cooperation with Brother Bixler is impossible. To work with Brother Bixler one must be willing to do everything his way, or not at all.

3. In carrying on his work, Brother Bixler has felt justified in doing many things which I believe to be wrong. In general, these actions may be classed as business deals which were, at best, questionable. These actions have been a reproach to the work of the church. These things have

-I been done by Brother Bixler in order to obtain benefits for his work and as favors for his Japanese friends.

4. In my judgment, Brother Bixler is putting undue emphasis on trying to reach the "high and mighty" despite the warning in the scriptures that not many of such are called.

5. In order to reach the "high and mighty" Brother Bixler goes much further than would seem best for a preacher of the gospel in trying to win friends and converts by giving gifts and doing favors.

I hold no animosity toward Brother Baler. I have spoken with him repeatedly about these matters. I do not judge his heart. But for the above-mentioned reasons I can have no part in his work, and it is my sincere opinion that Brother Bixler can best serve the cause of Christ in Japan by returning to the United States.