Elitism

Academic elitism seems to be manifesting these days, just as in Pharisaical times. Those lacking certain letters after their names have no room to speak, apparently, and nothing worthwhile to add to the conversation. Advanced degrees determine dogma. The uncredentialed should respectfully remain silent.

Maligned mavericks are in good company, however. Yeshua would also be disqualified by these elitist standards, not to mention most of the Apostles:

And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. (John 7:15,16)

Recently, while watching a DVD debate between Young Earth and Old Earth proponents, I was struck by this interchange:

Ken Ham: “Where did you get that rule?”

Dr. Walter Kaiser: “That rule cost me $150,000 in graduate training.”

When Ken pointed out that other Hebraic scholars and respected lexicons had a different view, Dr. Kaiser’s answer was, “too bad for them” and cited “context” once again. This was concerning the word “yom” and whether or not it was an ordinary day (as defined by evening and morning) on Day 1, 2, and 3 in Genesis 1.

Disc 5, Part 9 of The Great Debate On Science and the Bible:

(See AIG link at Interesting Webpages)

While it is admirable that some have had the privilege and tenacity to attend seminaries and graduate schools, is this training, and the cost in dollars and time and effort, the last word in determining doctrine and proper exegesis of Scripture?

Today I was somewhat grieved as I read a modern day parable full of scathing scorn for “pseudo-scholars".....

A Parody on the Present State of Affairs

Are you tired of all the shoddy teaching that is constantly being foisted upon the growing Torah movement? Does it bother you that self-proclaimed "teachers" flood the internet with materials devoid of genuine scholarship? Click here for a "Modern Parable" that speaks to the issue.

www.torahresource.com/ModernParable.htm (See link at Interesting Webpages)

Those who would dare to voice an opinion, tackle a practical issue, raise concerns about a seemingly unscriptural teaching, present a well-researched or self-evident Biblical truth, recommend a website, or simply ask a question are being silenced in some circles, sadly including FFOZ and TR. However, as the parody points out, the Internet is flooded with information of all kinds. Knowledge is increased, just as prophesied (Daniel 12:4). Anyone can publish a book, or an article, or a blog, not just the lettered Elite. The Internet is the Wittenburg Door of our generation.

For Zion’s sake, we will not be silent (Isaiah 62:1).

Verse for today....

God....comforteth those that are cast down.... (2 Cor. 7:6)