Emir Also Responds

Emir Caner also has written a response here.

I'd like to review several of his points.

1) "All four men agreed to a 3-hour debate."

That is true and a fact. What seems to unsaid is that what was agreed upon was actual debating time, not just start to finish.

2) "The moderator, Dr. Brett O’Donnell, realizes that this format will actually lead to a 3 1/2 hour time frame, if not more, since the participants have overlooked time needed for introductions, intermissions, etc."

Irrelevant what O'Donnell realizes. He is the moderator to the agreed to debate.

3) "Dr. O’Donnell, recognizing that the audience is expecting a 3-hour time frame, emails all four participants to notify them of his modification of format."

Fact, moderators don't have this authority. Dr. White has done over 60 moderated scholarly public debates. Never have I ever heard of a moderator that has this kind of power.

4) "Dr. James White refuses outright any change in the program. In essence, he does not believe Dr. O’Donnell has the right to do anything besides introduce the participants and watch the clock."

Moderators moderate and do not dictate and overthrow already settled agreements.

6) "Dr. White refuses this compromise and declares an ultimatum. If he does not hear from the Caners by 5 p.m., he will cancel the debate."

Fact, Dr. White was not about to let the moderator dictate and take over the debate at the last second. It is very difficult to believe that the Caners were unaware of the "ultimatum" by Drs. White and Ascol. They purposefully remained silent until 2 minutes before 5. That is simply ridiculous. Would Muslim apologist, Shabir Ally, be treated this way?

A demand that was not mentioned in Emir's Blog was that all of the taping rights were also being taken away from White and Ascol and being given solely to LU. That is just plain wrong.

7) "The Caners, acknowledging Dr. O’Donnell’s authority in the debate as well as his years of wisdom, do not acquiesce to Dr. White’s ultimatum."

Caners are simply hiding behind this bold faced lie. O'Donnell does not have this authority. Also O'Donnell has no experience (that has been made publicly known) in theological debate for and in front of the people of God. He only has experience in collegiate political debate. That is not even remotely the same.

8) "Dr. White announces that he and Dr. Ascol are pulling out of the debate."

Who wouldn't? However, Dr. White still has a standing challenge for neutral ground and a one-on-one debate. Somehow, I believe that neither of the Caners will be brave enough to defend their positions, yet have no problem lying to the people of God from their pulpits.

Sad, very sad indeed.