“These are beneficial when restricted to purely spiritual objects (i.e., let the brethren assemble anywhere from anywhere, and exhort, or worship, or have social intercourse together); but they become sources of evil if allowed to acquire a legislative character in the least degree. Ecclesial independence should be guarded with great jealousy, with the qualifications indicated in the foregoing sections. To form ‘unions’ or ‘societies’ of ecclesias, in which delegates should frame laws for the individual ecclesias, would be to lay the foundation of a collective despotism which would interfere with the free growth and the true objects of ecclesial life. Such collective machineries create fictitious importances, which tend to suffocate the truth. All ecclesiastical history illustrates this.”

Roberts, R. (1989 edition). The Ecclesial Guide (pp. 31–32). Birmingham: The Christadelphian.

Shout out to the Interecclesial Advisory Committee (IEAC) in South Australia.  Created to run combined activities they have since branched out into doctrinal enforcement (eg via their “Reaffirmation Statement” – see here for comments!)

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Collyer: Interpretations can be wrong

“We are fully aware of many objections that have been raised by sceptics in the name of science. We respect these difficulties and we can sympathise with the unbelievers’ point of view. It is obvious, however, that there is grave danger of misinterpretation, whether we study the ancient writings of Hebrew prophets or the book of Nature, and we entertain a rude conviction that there is in one respect at least, a humiliating resemblance between the ignorant disciple of Christ and the learned scientist. Each is inclined to place over much confidence in his interpretation where his studies have been imperfect, and each is disposed to treat with contempt matters which he has not studied at all. We may leave it an open question as to whether there are any instances of irreconcilable discord between Nature and the Bible as we’ now possess it. There can be no question, however, that in many cases the apparent contradiction is through faulty interpretation on one side or other, or both.”    Collyer, I. (1921). Vox Dei.

ECs are proud moral deviants – apparently

It’s not exactly a joy to point out the misleading statements, the irrational claims and false accusations thundered off the platform at Rathmines recently.  Why do it?  Because sunlight in moderation has health benefits.  Rather than build up, the speaker found new ways to further pull down and appeal for division in the community.  Thankfully in all the condemnation he provides scriptural tests against which we can test his claims and thereby judge the validity of his strident calls.  Its pretty horrendous…some of the most ridiculous and offensive nonsense we have heard.

Misleading accusations at Rathmines

After showing us his cavalier approach to truth and presenting some breathtakingly illogical arguments, the speaker moves on to add false allegations to the mix. Yes, this was a Rathmines Bible school, and a brother misusing the opportunity to build up, and instead engaging in misleading, irrational and misleading rhetoric. In the speaker’s mind, Evolutionary Creationists chuck away bits of the Bible – probably because of too much education!

Poor logic and false accusations at bible school

In the previous post we demonstrated the misleading practice of the speaker at a Sept 2018 Rathmines bible school, claiming that an ex-Christadelphian atheist’s words are the current writings of Christadelphians.  But if you find yourself getting angry about such blatant economy with the truth, fasten your seat belt before you consider his outrageous logic.  The logic the speaker goes on to display is breathtakingly poor as the misrepresentations.  It seems as long as he is attacking Evolutionary Creation then there are no rules.

A misleading bible school talk

In October 2018 attendees at the Rathmines Bible School in NSW, Australia were treated to a passionate condemnation of Evolutionary Creationists[1].  Over the next few articles we will review some of the lowlights of this talk.  Gross misrepresentation would be a kind summary.  Too kind.  Long-time ex Christadelphians (atheists) were quoted as if they were Christadelphian ECs.  Judgements were flung, and irrational positions put over as unassailable truths.

Whose are you?

A simple positive comparison of choice.  Choose life.  Choose Christ.  Be part of the right adam.