Subject: Dake's Annotated Bible |
Bible Note: Blast! I always miss these things! :) Of course, it is important to note that what Martin states is that Jesus did not EXERCISE these traits of deity, not that he didn't POSSESS them. Also, before you criticize all of us "heresy hunters," keep in mind that discernment is a spiritual gift and Robert Bowman himself is a countercult apologist who will call heresy "heresy" when he sees it. You wrote: "I've studied the subject a good deal. Heresy is a very serious charge. The history of heresy hunting goes back several years. It began because some people seriously opposed healing and prosperity. To prove those two subjects heretical, one must prove the source is heretical." I am not sure what you mean by that last sentence, but "heresy hunting," or apologetics/polemics, has a much more ancient heritage. Paul and John both wrote against false teachings (the Judaizing heresy and gnosticism) in the New Testament epistles. The 2nd-century apologist Ireneaus wrote "Against Heresies." Other famous "heresy Hunters" include Athanasius (who defended the Trinity), Augustine (who defended the necessity of God's grace in salvation), Martin Luther (who contended with the "enthusiasts" of his own day), and on down the line. Opposition to heresy certainly didn't start in the 20th century, although with the modern day proliferation of pseudo-Christian and New Age cults here in the United States, they certainly have their work cut out for them! Please let me know what you mean when you say that to show something to be heresy one must show the source to be heretical. Thanks! --Joe! |