Big Discussion
Big Discussion
IS BILLED TO COME OFF BETWEEN ELDER BUNNER AND PASTOR RUSSELL.
A joint discussion has been billed for next January in Allegheny between Pastor Russell and
Elder A. A. Bunner, of this city. Below are given the explanation and topics for discussion:
Topics for Discussion.
In a discussion proposed to be held between Elder A. A. Bunner, or other representative of the
“Church of Christ” and Pastor Charles T. Russell, or another whom he may put forward as a
representative of his views of the Scripture teachings, to be held in some city yet to be
determined, the following topics are decided to be acceptable to both parties:
Proposition I.—The Scriptures clearly teach that divine grace and power full and free have been
constantly exercised toward mankind since the fall, to the intent that all, if they would, might be
saved; hence there will be no purgation after death; nor need of any.
Elder Bunner will affirm. Pastor Russell will deny.
Proposition II.—The Scriptures clearly teach that the dead are unconscious between death and
the resurrection—at the second coming of Christ.
Pastor Russell will affirm. Elder Bunner will deny.
Proposition III.—The Scriptures clearly teach that the First Resurrection will occur at the
Second Coming of Christ, and that only the “Saints” of this Gospel age will share in it; but that
in the resurrection of the unjust (Acts 24:15) vast multitudes (the unjust) will be saved.
Pastor Russell will affirm. Elder Bunner will deny.
Proposition IV.—The Scriptures clearly teach that the Second Coming of Christ will precede the
Millennium; and that the object of both—the Second Coming and the Millennium—is the
blessing of all the families of the earth.
Pastor Russell will affirm. Elder Bunner will deny.
Proposition V.—The Scriptures clearly teach that divine penalty for sin—actual transgressions
of God’s holy law—eventually to be inflicted upon the incorrigible, will consist of inconceivably
painful sufferings, eternal in duration.
Elder Bunner will affirm. Pastor Russell will deny.
Proposition VI.—The Scriptures clearly teach that immersion in water “in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” of a believing penitent is for or in order to the
remission of sins.
Elder Bunner will affirm. Pastor Russell will deny.