Updated January 19, 2005 (first published January 18, 2005) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -

On November 24, 2004, I published “James White’s Debate Challenge” -- http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/james-whites-challenge.html

The article engendered considerable feedback, 99% of which encouraged me to ignore him. Following are some samples:

“I see no reason for you to debate, I have never seen a debate solve anything. The Kerry and bush debate did not see a win for Kerry and everyone said he won all three debates.”

“I fully agree with you and with your position. There is a time for debate and a time to refrain from debating. Debating for the sake of argument is absolutely useless, and even counter-productive. Thank you for your very scriptural stand and for your Christ-like firmness in matters of importance to the purity of the local church and her doctrine. God bless you -- you have had a great influence on a number of my friends and acquaintances, as well as on me personally and my ministry. Keep on keeping on.”

“I believe you are 100% correct in not debating James White. Having read much of his writings and viewing his website, I believe him to be an extremely arrogant, egotistical, publicity hungry man who appeals to those who want to consider themselves scholarly and look down their collective noses at others. On his website he even makes sure everyone knows he's a bodybuilder and that he's wearing Oakley brand sunglasses--like anyone cares. What pomposity! I think you should leave him alone. Ignore him and maybe he'll go away (and take his ‘KJV Only’ which should really be titled ‘Riplinger & Ruckman Only’ book with him).”

“Brother Cloud, It has always amazed me as to why Calvinists want to debate. For them to want to debate their theology seems to negate their theology. What is their goal in the debate? Is it to convince themselves that they are right or is it to try to convince one of the non-elect to become one of the elect. This is also contrary to their theology. If I was a Calvinist, I would not be bothered by books written to discredit me or my belief; nor would I care how many emails David Cloud sends out. I would not be afraid that one of the elect may jump over to the other side. The elect cannot be deceived by all the books written and all the emails. And the non-elect, who cares. The elect are going to be saved and the non-elect are going to be damned, so what is there to debate. Again I say, I don't know what they are trying to accomplish in all their debating. But they sure get upset when a book is written against them as if all the elect are now going to see something that’s going to cause them to become a member on the non-elect group. Maybe you have a different take on why they constantly want to debate folks who disagree with them. If they really believe what they say they believe, it should not matter what anyone says, because what people say cannot change what has already been preordained from the beginning according to them. Just a thought.”

“My wife and I pray for you every day and I do support you as much as I can for I believe you are serving the Lord in truth. As to your debating Mr. White I agree that you have much more important work that to stoop to his pet and off the wall teachings. Keep up the good work.”

“Your strong stand against all debating proves at least one thing: You have much more wisdom than James White.”

“You did good at not debating James White. I agree with you that it just doesn't do any good. At times folks try to get me to debate a priest here in Italy, and I always refuse for the same reasons.”

“First up I am a Calvinist and enjoy the work of James White very much. But on this issue of yours I totally agree with you! Why should you debate Mr. White? He is like a modern-day Goliath with a Bible in his hand taunting you while making sure everyone notices his bright and shining shield. Do all preachers have to be tested by him in order to have creditability in the Christian world? Now it seems Mr. White's attitude is one of, ‘Who are you not to battle me.’ My question is the same for Mr. White, ‘Who are you?’”

“I agreed with your analysis of the limitations of debate, and I support your decision to not debate James White.  He is a little bit full of himself.  Truth is not found in a legal setting but in having an open heart before God's inerrant Word.”

“You are absolutely right in not bowing to White's challenge to debate him. People like him exist because of controversy....that is what fuels their income and gets people to purchase their heretical books. He is not interested in truth...but selling books. He is a rich man because of the KJV controversy. God says to let them alone and not to aid and abet what Satan is doing and I admire your wisdom and character. Ephesians 5:11 ‘And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.’ Ignore the heretic.”

“I for one am glad that you’re not debating James White. I much rather have you spending your time doing the things you have been doing. Such as you recent preaching trip in Australia. How exciting it was to read how the Lord used you and of those who were strengthened and those who professed faith in Christ. You’re in my prayers!”

“I always enjoy the information you put out regarding Calvinism. I tend to be surrounded by it and the fresh information always comes in handy. Regarding the debate situation with Mr. James White, he needs to be reminded that according to Romans 1:28-29, it is the reprobates who are full of debate. He's always trying to debate different people apparently for no good reason.”

“You are 100% correct in not casting your pearls before swine. The mere fact that White is acting as he does and insists in calling those who simply believe the Bible ‘Arminians’ because we aren't following the rogues gallery of men who promote Reformed theology is all the evidence you need. White is just an self-promoter trying to sell books and make a name for himself. He has a name in my book -- M-U-D. Anytime one calls those who don't take Calvinism as far as they do ‘Arminian’ there is nothing left to say!”

“Thank you for this. It is a good testimony as how to handle such people.”

“I heartily endorse your stand regarding J White's challenge. Moreover I wholly agree with your teaching regarding Calvinism and Hunt's sad rejection of AV verses dealing with the issue. I have read their book Debating Calvinism and found White's contributions very depressing. The book will probably do no more than convince each side that theirs is the truth. Far better simply to get on with the work the Lord has given us and seek to strengthen believers as we contend for the faith.”

“Boy, Brother, I like the way you worded this. Good on ya, matey! I agree entirely regarding not debating every dude that demands a debate. I don't answer every letter I get. Some of them don't deserve an answer.”

“Right on Bro. Cloud, right on! The Lord keep you strong in your principles. I enthusiastically support your stand on this matter. You dealt with this situation very well indeed. Onward to more important things! Peace.”

“Thanks for writing on why you won't debate Brother White.  While I, like many, have a strong opinion about election, I agree that there are more important things to do than debate what won't be settled until we know even as we are known (1 Corinthians 13:12). When I think of your missionary ministry in Asia and on the web, I feel you'd not be wrong to remind Brother White of Nehemiah's words, ‘I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you [Nehemiah 6:3]?’ The Lord bless you as you minister for His honor and glory.”

“I appreciated your response to James White this morning. When you mentioned John 6 as a pet of the Calvinists it struck a chord with me.  I was trained in a 4 point (TU-IP) bible school (Tyndale in Fort Worth, Texas) and for several years was a committed 4-pointer. ... I appreciate your high view of God and your articles on Calvinism which I found quite helpful. Also, your KJV articles helped me to realize the faithfulness of the KJV/TR/MT and the untrustworthiness of the Critical Text which I abandoned in 1999 to embrace the KJV. What a relief to no longer ponder over "which reading should I choose as Scripture" when studying the underlying Greek text! I thank you Bro. Cloud for the ministry you carry on in the service of our wonderful Savior and God, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“James White has also repeatedly attacked Dave Hunt for not engaging in a verbal debate. You are wise to avoid this man...he is not honest in his dealings, and I would not expect him to ‘play fair’ in a debate. You wouldn’t believe the number of games he played in the written debate book with Dave Hunt -- they pulled sections of Dave’s arguments in post-debate editing, they eliminated entire chapters of Dave's, they didn't print what Dave's endorsers said, etc. White is as wrong on Calvinism as he is on Bible versions (as you well know).”

“Your position outlined below is good proper and kindly. I've heard JW debate a number of times and am very much aware of time when he ‘cited’ certain facts of grammar only to discover days later he had misspoke. But for purposes of his debate he got away with it. His folly of pretending to be a grammarian is never checked in his public debates and he just uses his assumed status to beat up the opponent. He's a good one to stay clear of I think. My family loves you and reads your postings very earnestly. May the Lord continue you to bless your work to us.”

“Just a quick note to encourage you in your position of not taking the time to debate J. White, or anyone else for that matter. You are exactly right--what would it accomplish? The enemy always tries to distract us and get our focus off the real work that the Lord has called us to do. Your work there in South Asia, your excellent website, and O Timothy are very much worth the time, and you will, we believe, be duly rewarded one day for staying on course and completing the mission that God has set before you. God bless you in all that you do. Your ministry is a great blessing to us.”

“I wanted to thank you for your response to James White's Debate Challenge. I knew nothing of it until you mentioned it on your site. However, I thought your response was highly appropriate and well-written. So, I just thought I would pass along my appreciation. It was beneficial to read and also a good reminder for me. I am aware of White’s debate tactics and have also corresponded with personnel at his website concerning some Bible issues.”

“I see no point in debating James White. He seems like the proverbial school yard bully.  You are probably aware Dave Hunt of the Berean Call is refusing the same challenge from the bully to come out and fight. Dave did debate White in a book. The two of them took several months to formulate their stand for print. However White now says that Hunt agreed to an audio debate, which he did not. Come on James. Go after the real heretics and stop throwing logs in front of those trying to do the work God has given them.”