In the editorial space of the May 1995 issue of “Contending For the Faith” there appeared an article entitled, “What Was Brother Woods’ Position on the Use of Women Translators?”  After reading this, a few days later, I spoke with another preacher who said that he had personally known brother Woods for many years.  He contended that the article misrepresented brother Woods’ true position on this subject for the quotations were taken out of context.

On other occasions, I have heard men argue over what brother Campbell, Stone, Lipscomb, McGarvey, or some other restoration leader believed on any given subject.  Brethren, this bothers me, and I think we ought to be very cautious in this regard.

I suppose if we are discussing history, then the historical facts might be worth arguing. This would be understandable.  This would be one thing.

However, it is quite another to try to establish truth or fortify an argument by appealing to what some well-respected brother(s) believed.  Let us never do this.  Yes, we can use  scholars for their research and the evidence that they can provide; but, let us never be guilty of making popes out of these men.  Do not misunderstand me.  I appreciate men like Guy N. Woods; their scholarship has value.  Not-with-standing, they must not be my standard for right and wrong.  It is from the Bible and the Bible alone that we find the standard for Christian living (Luke 8:11; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:21, etc.).  Let us pursue the truth!