Pouring cold water on theistic chemists?

The Lampstand Magazine March 2021 issue tries to discredit evolution by asking where Earth’s water came from. This is a question for those pesky chemists and geologists, not evolutionists. The article misrepresents the state of the science, makes a nonsense assertion about Genesis and then selectively quotes and misreads Proverbs 8. Seems like they are lurching towards young earth creation rather than our pioneers’ old earth model too.

Do you want an Adam based faith for Xmas? We don’t.

“If the Genesis account is metaphorical there is no literal serpent, no tree of knowledge of good and evil, no lie, no fruit, no sin, no sentence of death; Jesus Christ, our Saviour and his Gospel of salvation have no rationale or basis, as set forward by the Apostle Paul in Romans etc.” According to The Lampstand Magazine no Adam = no Jesus. Which one is more important in this equation???

Lampstand Magazine article – more attacks

The latest Lampstand Magazine includes a positive review of Bro Heavyside’s anti-TE book in an article penned by bro Bruce Gurd.  We have previously touched on and reviewed the book and came to quite different conclusions.  The Lampstand article throws in this pearler:

…the critical importance of our understanding of the inspiration of Scripture (as outlined in the Foundation statement of the BASF). Unfortunately, false theories like TE are not built on this premise.[ the inspiration of Scripture (as outlined in the Foundation statement of the BASF] For example, these false teachers—who believe that the Bible is built on the mythology of the time—read Genesis 1 as if it were inspired by Ancient Near Eastern cultures, rather than being inspired by God. Hence they develop the unscriptural idea of the firmament as an iron dome

Dogmatism – The Believer Magazine

The Believer Magazine was an alternative Australian Christadelphian magazine in the 1970s which opposed the dogmatic assertions of Scriptural uncertainties by a South Australian power bloc and their threats of fellowship action against individuals and ecclesias.  History repeats.  Old man Adam was part of the debate.  Below is from Vol 2 page 2 in 1973.  Here’s part of the Editorial:

The Lampstand Magazine – “don’t add or detract from this book”

Oh the irony.  The Lampstand Magazine and it’s principal backers have been instrumental in promulgating additional ‘explanatory statements’ to existing Christadelphian creeds.  Yet in the March 2020 edition (Vol 26#2) they decry such activity.  bro Brian Luke has an article entitled “The Last Appeal of our Lord”.  The article is the second in a series decrying open fellowship and emphasising the need for pure doctrine & practice.

Reply to The Lampstand Magazine on “Fellowship & the Statement of Faith (Part 1)”

Bro. James Mansfield’s recent article in The Lampstand entitled ‘Biblical Fellowship and the Importance of the Statement of Faith’ [Vol 26.1] has merit, but falls short in a number of ways. This response is intended as constructive criticism rather than a refutation.

Is Christ Divided? Responding to difference

In 1987 articles in a liberal Christadelphian Magazine (The Endeavour), caused quite a stir and calls for dramatic action being circulated to many UK ecclesias.  Overseas groups also contributed to the clamour.  In response a large number of believers signed a joint letter published in the Christadelphian Magazine.  The letter pointed out the BASF was a human document with human limitations, exploring Scripture and questioning isn’t wrong and that ecclesias – not groups or associations of ecclesias – should moderate their member’s activities.  Useful counsel today, although our magazines now and Australian ecclesia groups (like the South Australian IEAC) would likely disagree.  The letter is below:

A Lampstand article mis-interpreting Gen 2 to be non-literal

A recent Lampstand article (Things hard to be understood Gen 2:19-20 Vol 25#4 pages 216-220) took issue with a COD post.  We pointed out that the literal reading of Gen 2:19 is impossible and literalists re-interpret the passage, changing the meaning to avoid the problem of Adam naming 15,000+ creatures in a super short time.  As The Lampstand Magazine wouldn’t print our response we thought we would put it here.  Suffice it to say the solution proposed in the Lampstand is very lacking.

Purity of Doctrine – Shield Magazine 1973

“PURITY OF DOCTRINE – This has always been at the centre of inter-ecclesial controversy.  The main issue on this point is just how far we go in certain matters, some will always wish to go further than others.  It is therefore essential that all concerned should keep closely to the actual agreement reached and not try to go further.”

Dangerfield, AC (1973) “The Unity Book – Conclusion”  The Australian Christadelphian Shield Magazine, page 110 Vol 76 # 5

Literalists in Taiwan – a warning?

A little over a year ago we discussed the Lampstand Magazine & Australian Christadelphian Bible Mission intervention in Taiwan.  We compared the calamitous situation of the ecclesia pre and post the actions of Australian based brethren.  Bro Jonathan Burke was disfellowshipped and his wife cut off (without a word) from the community as well.  Today?  An ecclesia of two (sometimes three?) remains affiliated with ACBM.  Another group of sheep have no contact and the Burkes remain cut off.  As the Australian community considers how to treat varying approaches to creation, it is worth remembering the fruit borne by literalist hardline actions.