Subject: An interesting discussion/question |
Bible Note: Dear Jamison, You wrote, "...we all read into the Scriptures our own theology..." You know, I've noticed that the people who say this all the time, give very little credence to theology, let alone sound exegesis, and hermeneutics. Instead, they depend on authorities external to the Scriptures. For example, this particular doctrine of soul sleep is a particularly important teaching of Ellen G. White. Despite a singular lack of Biblical training, this woman is deemed a prophetess by Seventh Day Adventists. Ellen White, writing about herself, relates, "When they came to the point in their study where they said, 'We can do nothing more,' the Spirit of the Lord would come to me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me. ... Thus light was given that helped us to understand the Scriptures ... they accepted as light direct from heaven the revelations given [to me]." Another group that espouses this doctrine without the authority of Scripture are the Mormons. Their authority rests in extra-Biblical prophets. Joseph Smith said, "God made Aaron to be the mouthpiece for the children of Israel, and He will make me to be God to you in His stead, and the elders to be mouth for me." If I recall, there is a third group, well known for their lack of interest in sola Scriptura, while accusing everyone else of "reading their theology into the Scriptures." Didn't Charles Taze Russell espouse this soul sleep teaching? So, in an honest effort to fully disclose theological dispositions and presuppositions, what is your affiliation, Jamison? In Him, Doc |