There is a difference between implying something (or saying something in such a way that it could be seen as implying it) and actually coming right out and saying it. Doug went from objecting to the implication he felt was there to actually saying that Ethan had accused Doug of threatening his family. Any way you slice it, it was an out-and-out LIE. Doug plays fast and loose with the truth when he is cornered. Maybe you never saw that in him before, but you did here.
As Rnmomof7 has pointed out, there has been a very concerted and heartfelt effort to help Doug to see that he is in error. It has gotten heated at times, yes. As I pointed out in another post, Truth is not always soft words, softly spoken. Sometimes it's a right cross to the jaw. We tried to reason with him, we tried the soft-spoken approach, and that only emboldened him. Hence, the heating up of the posts, and the clear-speaking of what we know to be true. It wasn't our first choice, but it became necessary. We in America aren't used to having to wrestle with the enemy for the souls of men. We're going to see more of this as the end approaches. It's going to get to a point of serious wrestling and confrontation with the powers of darkness. The point to remember is, In Christ, we win.
It is easy to forget that there is REALLY spiritual warfare..with undercover agents and those that seek to kill the gospel that saves..THAT is why The apostle Paul warns us
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Eph 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Eph 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.