Russell Hoffman, M.D.

Dr. Oates was a spiritual genius -- one who could see through the chaff in our society to understand God's truths. Even in such "minor" works as LUCK: A SECULAR FAITH he exposed the bankrupt religion followed by most people.

What a prophetic light for evangelism!

I treasure the letters Dr. Oates wrote me to comfort me in my back pain. He must have written many letters to others but it always seemed to me he had given me great undivided attention - the only letter of the day. He assured me that he shared the same type of pain and that we should prya for each other. When I couldn't come to church he knew why and asked about me. (Rusty and I always sat in front of Wayne and Pauline.) When our daughter became a journeyman he was a steadfast prayer-warrior who assured us she was on his prayer list. The week before he died he sent Lisa a letter (through us) detailing exactly what he was praying for. I'm sure it was to give her comfort, strength and assurance that she was not alone in a difficult place.

He was a great intellect and a compassionate man. More than anything else, he was our friend.

I also have placed in my "album of treasures" the handwritten note Dr. Oates sent me recently in response to my note to him following the death of his son. Finally, Dr. Oates affectionately referred to his wife, Pauline, as the guardian of his solitude. I have never forgotten that comment he made in the classroom at SBTS between l970 - l973.