New Shape Of Anti-Ism In Indianapolis
A new face has appeared as the champion of "anti-ism" in Indianapolis. Never in the history of Indianapolis churches has "anti-ism" had a more vociferous voice than that of W. L. Totty's, unless it was in the person of Daniel or Allen Sommer. Brother Totty is a "Johnny-Come-Lately" in this business of "anti-ism," and it is strange to see him in this role. But he is playing the part well and we find ourselves applauding his efforts. But this puts us in a paradox.
While we applaud brother Totty's efforts against the "ultra-liberals" we do it with tongue-in-cheek. His lack of fairness and accuracy in past dealings with us have left us with a taste of suspicion and resentment. But brother Totty's thrust at Indiana ultra-liberalism gives his image a refreshing change so far as we are concerned.
Brother Totty is criticizing freely the "ultra-liberals," as he designates them, and we see in this an apparent admission to liberalism on his part - a liberalism which is not yet ultra.
The scene among churches of Christ in general, in Indianapolis, is changing. Sound and conservative churches like Belmont are doing well. The liberal churches are running hot toward (or in) what Totty calls "ultra-liberalism." Totty is not friendly toward either classification.
There was a time when brother Totty sought to isolate the kind of "anti-ism" he now expounds, but now it appears he is leading Garfield Heights into an isolation all its own, an isolation brought about by Totty's own brand of anti-ism. To recall an expression used by Totty in the 1954 debate, Totty now appears as a "half-baked, Johnny-Come-Lately" anti.