I would add another question to Matt's list pertaining to King James Onlyism: is it wise or profitable for a pastor who is basically King James Preferred to leave the issue unaddressed so as to avoid the controversy entirely? This would be the situation that some hopefuls would attribute to post-Hyles FBCH, yet I find it to be misleading. The absence of fringe-KJVO-rhetoric does not necessarily place a church in the balanced category. In other words, the absence of Al Lacey on the Pastors' School agenda does not negate the influence that he has had on Hammond in the past. If my memory serves me correctly, Gail Riplinger was granted an honorary doctorate by Jack Hyles at a past Pastors' School. If FBCH is currently KJVP, should not these things be addressed publicly?More thoughts to consider: does HAC promote Biblical thinking on this subject or just opt to throw fuel on the flames of ignorance? Do they encourage or enjoy fellowship with any churches or institutions who take the historic position of Biblical inerrancy in the original writings? I would be utterly shocked if I discovered that their campus bookstore offered any volumes to provoke thought regarding this current controversy. I would think it wise to offer the book From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man if for nothing else to provoke independent thinking on the part of the impressionable preacher boy.
Just some thoughts...
Josh
4 comments:
Josh, I believe the thing you and others have hit upon is that KJVO stance is irrational. If the stance and the supporters are irrational, how can you expect there to be a rational reaction to KJVP? If they have in fact gone such a route, "coming out" could lead to mass chaos and to further criticism from the IFB pastors wishing to succeed Hyles as the leader of the movement. Can you imagine Tom Neil catching wind of it?
With respect to independent thinking on the subject, I would say no. Even if they did promote it, there's so little understanding of textual criticism vs. higher criticism that I don't think they'd navigate those waters very well.
I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but a little understanding of Greek will go a long way. It used to be that proper hermeneutics was based on the historical/grammatical approach. Well, I'm sure you can get many to agree to that approach. If you can then show them where the grammar in the Greek text differs from the English interpretation, you may get them to open their minds on the notion of using tools. This should be very supportive of KJVP approach. I took this approach for the past couple of years. It wasn't until we started attending a church, which used the NASB that I had to vary my usage further. Quite frankly, I do like the NASB better as a more literal interpretation than KJV. But I cannot rely on it either.
What's ironic about the question asked is don't they teach a Greek class? I know Crown, West Coast and Golden State do. But they usually teach that it's no longer necessary due to the reliance on concordances.
-Mike
Becky, Chelle, Mike,
I understand completely. My question was partially a tongue-in-cheek one. :) Personally, I would be thrilled to hear one day that by God's grace major change in philosophy and doctrine had been instituted. I also understand that may never happen.
Recently, I have been taking some classes at BJU toward a M.A. degree. When I first visited campus here, I was so refreshed that they at least promoted independent thinking theologically by what they offer in the campus bookstore. One can actually purchase a translation of Scripture other than the Authorized Version! ;) All that to say that historic fundamentalists and evangelicals can still encourage debate and Biblical thinking in their colleges and universities. The reading material available at HAC would only lead one visiting there to be further convinced of the cultic atmosphere.
As for Greek being taught there, it is odd being they promote wild KJVOnlyism. To my knowledge they still require ministerial students to take Greek---two semesters as opposed to probably 3-6 elsewhere.
Thanks for visiting B & C.
chelle,
I used to be very suspicious of John MacArthur as well because of all the bad pub he got in Hammond. Thankfully my mother had one of his books called, "Charismatic Chaos" and I read it during my sophomore year at HAC. I was beginning to see more and more of the deception from behind the pulpit in Hammond.
I am married to the youngest Boyd , Amber and she remembers you from when she went with her dad as they travelled with the HaC tour group to CA. She said she remembers Mike as well and that you both were very nice and friendly. You must have made quite an impression since that was so long ago.
Matthew
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