"Country Preachers"

[rlvaughn]

Yes, a bit confusing.
brothers:
John Cornelius Stam 1907-1934
Cornelius Richard Stam 1908-2003

Quite! Also intriguing why parents do this? When researching those who worked on the Cooper Revision of The Sacred Harp, I ran across J. W. and W. J. McCoy. I assumed the initials were transposed and this was the same person -- only to learn these were brothers James William and William John McCoy, born only two years apart. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to pull out my hair or punch the parents!

How about self study?

If I remember correctly, John Gill learned Latin and Greek at a young age, later taught himself Hebrew and became a highly recognized Hebrew scholar in his day. Of course, most of us aren't John Gills!

The two main propagators of modern Ultra-Dispensationalism were without any theological education: John O'Hair and Cornelius Stam.

On the other hand, Charles F. Baker graduated from both Wheaton College and Dallas Theological Seminary. We can find examples of both educated and uneducated whose trains ran off the theological rails. That makes it imperative that we look to the Bible as our rule of practice on the qualifications of ministers. There we find the bulk of the qualifications are character, but they must hold sound doctrine and be able to teach. Sadly, quite a few churches have turned loose on other churches those who met neither qualification. (And, of course, sometimes when the church won't "turn them loose" they loose themselves from the church.)

William Miller was a person who just ran off the rails (so to speak) sort of like that David Koresh or Jim Jones.

Miller had big problems, but he didn't go nearly that far off the rails!

 

[thatbrian]

The two main propagators of modern Ultra-Dispensationalism were without any theological education: John O'Hair and Cornelius Stam. William Miller, founder of the infamous Millerites, had not theological education. In Korea in the 1990s a teenager propgated a view of the Rapture that paralleled Miller's in heresy and damage to the cause. Ellen G. White, 7th Day Adventist heretic leader, had no theological education. I could go on and on.

The trick these folks often use is the ultimate trump card: "God told me". "Dreams" and "visions" are the tools of their trade.

Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the LORD, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all, declares the LORD.​

 

[agedman]

"Puffed up" is one problem. The blind leading the blind is another. Men ignorant of the original languages and cultural background often do more harm than good when they open their mouths.

The humble servant of God who contends for the faith and looks to the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth will not lead into error or do more harm then good.

Honestly, I have not met a country preacher who was so puffed with self importance as I have met in the halls of intellectualism.

I would be far more blessed in the prayers offered by that country preacher who knew that the walk of God was one of sorrow and trouble, and has been the eyewitness of the miracles of grace, then to trust the intoned drowning of the intellectual who has no fellowship with the true light. I would rather fellowship at the feet of one who has actually heard the voice of God then one who may have all of the Word of God committed to memory but has no real fellowship of the Spirit.

"Men ignorant of the original languages and cultural background" is not the problem for God's Word declared is the authority of the Holy Spirit. Yet, foolishness and vain words from the intellectual are more often deceitful and lead astray.

I give but a single example. A man who knew power and wealth, and in heartbreak left it all to humbly serve others. A man who never sought approval of others, and yet has impacted the world.

One can hear about him from here: Testimony of a servant of God

I must admit that I counted Al. Smith as a friend, and miss him, you will see him doing part of the background in the video.

 

[thatbrian]

The humble servant of God who contends for the faith and looks to the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth will not lead into error or do more harm then good.

You do know that every cult leader says he "looks to the Holy Spirit", right?

 

[JonShaff]

This thread really turned out to be a bummer. @thatbrian I admire your passion, but ramrodding every person on every thread isn't always the best approach. Relax bro. Yes, defending the faith is imperative, but smashing everyone that doesn't line up with your standard is counterproductive. Easy on the friendly fire.

 

[thatbrian]

This thread really turned out to be a bummer. @thatbrian I admire your passion, but ramrodding every person on every thread isn't always the best approach. Relax bro. Yes, defending the faith is imperative, but smashing everyone that doesn't line up with your standard is counterproductive. Easy on the friendly fire.

Participation is voluntary, as always.

 

[JonShaff]

Participation is voluntary, as always.

I'm just saying you'd impact more people if you tone it down a bit-dont tone down your passion, but speak to us with brotherly kindness.

 

[agedman]

You do know that every cult leader says he "looks to the Holy Spirit", right?

Actually, the cult leaders (Koresh, Jim Jones, ...) don't typically appeal to the Holy Spirit. When Joseph Smith started out, I don't recall him appealing to the Holy Spirit.

Typically, the charismatic influenced folks do, but ultimately they have no long lasting doctrinal influence past their own life. For example: Oral Roberts, Jim Baker, ..

Here is one article that lists the most influential pastors/teachers of the last 25 Years. Don't see any cult leaders, but some that I wouldn't sit under either.
The 25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years - Sermons & Articles

Like I stated, the humble country pastor will always be better then the intellectual who can tell all about God but has never truly walked, talked, and knows God as that humble country pastor usually does.

 

[thatbrian]

Like I stated, the humble country pastor will always be better then the intellectual who can tell all about God but has never truly walked, talked, and knows God as that humble country pastor usually does.

That's obvious, but it's a dilemma I've not created here. Going to the other extreme seems to be the go-to move on BB, but it's not a great way to discuss things like this. . .

If you look back at my comments you will see that I am aware that formal education isn't always an option. Also, if you are familiar with my postings, you would also know that I dislike Liberals, whether they be political or theological, so I am not arguing for men with a bunch of letters after their names, but no passion for Christ or His Word.

The point of the OP is to discuss the anti- intellectual spirit among (some) Christians and how that negatively affects the Church.

 

[Jerome]

I have yet to meet a true man of God who is a country preacher who is puffed up

Or a true woman of God:

Sword and the Trowel

"Converted with her whole heart to God before arriving at her teens, she early manifested an irrepressible desire to seek the soul-good of others. While engaged at twelve years of age as a Sabbath-school teacher, her infantile exertions were marvellously seconded by God. She was a spiritual mother even then; and many souls were brought by her to the Saviour. . . . .stimulated by her success in the school, [she] sought to enlarge her sphere of usefulness by journeying from village to village within easy distance of her parents' residence, where she might seek the salvation of neverdying souls. It was tough work to exhort burly farmers and their still more boisterous sons to seek an emancipation from the tyranny of Satan; but is anything too difficult for even a timid damsel, filled with the sufficiency of Jesus Christ?"

 

[John of Japan]

The trick these folks often use is the ultimate trump card: "God told me". "Dreams" and "visions" are the tools of their trade.

Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the LORD, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all, declares the LORD.​

Actually, FYI, Ultra-Dispensationalists reject modern "dreams" and "visions" as not being for this dispensation (the D. of the Gentiles, in their scheme). Your description here would be more for Charismatics.

 

[John of Japan]

I give but a single example. A man who knew power and wealth, and in heartbreak left it all to humbly serve others. A man who never sought approval of others, and yet has impacted the world.

One can hear about him from here: Testimony of a servant of God

I must admit that I counted Al. Smith as a friend, and miss him, you will see him doing part of the background in the video.

Beautiful video about a beautiful life. Thanks for sharing the link.

Al Smith was a wonderful man and a great musician who wrote some of our best gospel songs and hymns. Great that he was your friend. He was a friend of our family and I knew him, but not well. Recently his son came to our church and school and shared about him.

 

[John of Japan]

That post was condescending and arrogant. (think about it). It also doesn't answer my objections.

Pastor Bob is one of those humble men of God being discussed, though he is educated, and he has been and is being used of God. He deserves a lot more respect than this.

He was not being condescending and arrogant, he was giving you a godly rebuke; actually trying to help you. Your response is illuminating. "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee" (Prov. 9:8).