In the clearest possible terms, White is being intellectually dishonest. Not only does Rosaria preface arguments using these heretics as references for her position, but it is not a bibliography at the end of her book, but “Recommended Reading.”
(Pulpit & Pen) con·de·scend (kŏn′dĭsĕnd′) intr.v. to lower oneself… James White’s “church,” Apologia, is reeling from a controversy revolving around its secret recording of clergy-penitent conversations and their anonymous release on Youtube against their critics. James White defended their actions in a video late last week. Since then, dozens of Apologia church members, former members, former leaders, and Phoenix-area pastors have come forward with their own stories about Apologia’s “hard shepherding” practices of secret recordings and retaliation.
We will be publishing these testimonies.
In no uncertain terms, I believe James’ defense of this cult-like behavior of his fellow elders is disqualifying from the pastorate. I am choosing to condescend to James White on the issue of Rosaria Butterfield only momentarily, as I believe his constant attention to the subject is a purposeful smokescreen to distract his followers from the fact that his church is burning down around him.
Brevity is a Friend of Honesty
James White’s lengthy Facebook diatribes in defense of the indefensible when it comes to Rosaria Butterfield are virtual tomes, a “victory by volume” approach to apologetics that mirrors the strategy I’ve opined about before in relation to theonomists who considered many words a substitute for sound arguments.
Believing Diane Gaskins’ article exposing Rosaria Butterfield as nothing short of Sam Allberry in a skirt, I am able to do what James White is incapable of…be brief.
Related
Apologia Church Saved Private Clergy-Penitent Recordings, Then Released Them to Punish Critics
Research