Heretics and Politics by Thomas A. Fudge

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Disciple4life

After reading Dr. Fudges second book I have had time to reflect.

After reading the second book it is easy to understand WHY he wrote the first book!

I think Fudge understood/learned/heard that people took his first book as hateful (that is not how I took it but it was some people's opinions at the time). In the second book he was more diplomatic.

At no point did I feel like Fudge was trying to convert me. He was telling a story, which has excellent footnotes by the way. I do not think Fudge was misleading. He says over and over that there was controversy and TWO different opinions. Fudge goes on numerous times to restate both sides of the debate. Do I have a good idea of what Dr Fudge thinks concerning the UPCI? Sure, but to say the book was one sided is a stretch.

"Christianity Without The Cross?" and anyone wonders if it is a hit piece?

[kclee4jc]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

"Christianity Without The Cross?" and anyone wonders if it is a hit piece?

The title is a give away. Which is why I have skipped over certain sections and focused on others. I have enjoyed the research, disagree with the conclusion.

[Reader]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

"Christianity Without The Cross?" and anyone wonders if it is a hit piece?

You read it and even gave away copies if memory serves me right.

[Reader]

Originally Posted by kclee4jc

I am enjoying parts of the book, but I know I will not agree with his conclusions.

He states it is up to the individual to come to conclusions. "It will be up to the reader to decide if their theological departures should be condemned or saluted." p.15 [regarding Fisher, Howell, Lewis, Dillon, Yadon & others]

[Reader]

Originally Posted by Sabby

Historicism basically holds that end-time prophecies have been historically fulfilled.

Would this accurately be described as preterism or no?

[Disciple4life]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

"Christianity Without The Cross?" and anyone wonders if it is a hit piece?

MANY people from this forum have commented that if the book had another name it would have been given a much different reception.

[crakjak]

I read a lot of books that I don't agree with, not afraid to read and consider, then make my own prayerful conclusions. Fudge's books have been the same for me, love to read about the roots of the culture in which I was born and raised, and the influences over the years. I share my thoughts and my conclusions from time to time, but I don't separate myself from the Body of Christ because I don't agree on every point, even in my local church.

[Sabby]

Originally Posted by Reader

Would this accurately be described as preterism or no?

More or less. It includes partial-preterism.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Reader

You read it and even gave away copies if memory serves me right.

I did read it more than once and yes gave more than 25 copies away. And will probably buy the next book.

[Reader]

Originally Posted by Sabby

More or less. It includes partial-preterism.

Would you have any thoughts as to why the UPC didn't crack down on this back then as compared to more recent years when they took an official stand against it? Why would it take them from the 70s (or further back) until 2005 to officially address it?

I understand you cannot answer for the UPC, but would like to hear your thoughts.