What Does He Oppose?
Above all things, Christians should be fair and truthful in speaking of others. They should be clear and specific when offering criticisms of others. These reflections come to mind because of a conversation with a preaching brother with whom I enjoy many a pleasant hour.
He travels quite a bit in Northern, Southern, and West Coast states, and has a very extensive acquaintance among Christians. Recently he remarked that people often say to him, "You are from over in Kansas where the old man Otey lives who opposes everything." I am not sure I have given his exact words, but the oft repeated criticism that "Otey opposes everything" was the idea. It caused me to make a careful survey to see just what I oppose and what I do not oppose.
I have never opposed preaching the gospel wherever possible, in America or in foreign lands. I have never opposed preaching the gospel without fear or apology. I have never opposed exposing error of every kind and character. I have never opposed individuals and churches contributing to the support of preaching the gospel. I have never opposed caring for the needy by individuals and by the churches, regardless of age or race.
But I have opposed organizing human institutions through which to preach the gospel. I have opposed with whatever power God has given me the central control agencies that perform every essential function of missionary societies during their early years. I have opposed a large number of churches, even more than 1,000, turning over hundreds of thousands of dollars to one self-appointed group to spend as a unit. I have opposed organizing benevolent institutions through which to do the work of the church in caring for the needy.
I oppose contributing from the Lord's treasury money to support any school, college, or other educational institution. I do not oppose individuals contributing to these various institutions. In brief, I oppose the church preaching the gospel or doing benevolence through any formally organized institution, or any self-appointed association of men performing essentially as a missionary society.
This will doubtless come under the notice of a number of my well meaning critics. At least, I trust they are well meaning. Please specify definitely what it is that you understand I oppose, and send the list tb me. I assure you in advance that I will give it careful consideration. If it be found that I have opposed any work or means that the Lord has authorized, I believe I can assure you that I will make correction. We go this way but once. So let us try to be fair, honest with God's word; and let us do our best not to misrepresent any brother. Most assuredly one of the following three statements is true: (1) I am, opposing something that is right; (2) somebody is misinformed; or (3) somebody is willfully misrepresenting me.