Hatred, Slander, Malice: Introducing Bud Press & Tim Wirth

INTRODUCTION

The Christian church has entered an era of division (rather than unity) wherein far too many believers are ripping and tearing each other to shreds over issues entirely unrelated to the doctrinal essentials of the faith—i.e., those doctrines that directly relate to our identification of, and relationship to, God (e.g., the existence of only one true God, the doctrine of the trinity, the full deity/humanity of Jesus Christ, the virgin birth of Jesus, the bodily resurrection of Christ, and the atonement via the cross).

The long-cherished maxim “In the essentials, unity; in the non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” has been dismissed in favor of an unspoken re-write: “In the essentials as we define them, blind acceptance; in the non-essentials, our own determination of whether or not someone is still biblically sound to us; in all things, rejection/condemnation of anything not lining up with our own personal likes/dislikes.”

So, instead of building each other up, which is something all of us should be doing despite our differences on various non-essential issues (or side issues), far too many Christians have busied themselves with attacking others not like them and seeking to cast aspersions on the the witness of those with whom they disagree on peripheral issues (e.g., preaching methods, church organizational structuring, ministry philosophies, and perspectives on what are/what are not acceptable associations for Christians).

WHAT’S GOING ON?

I believe that such behavior indicates a woeful lack of faith, biblical literacy, and Christian maturity on the part of those who are at the forefront of such attacks; namely some of those individuals who have exalted themselves on the Internet as “discerners” or “watchmen on the wall” as they like to be called. Using their hastily erected Online Discernment Ministry (ODM) websites, these self-proclaimed apologists (i.e., defenders of the faith) have sullied the very word “apologetics” and brought shame to the noble calling of discernment.

I’ve spent countless hours reading their endless online posts/articles against a wide variety of targets they’ve identified as threats to Christianity: from Rick Warren, to Billy/Frank Graham, to Greg Laurie, to Ravi Zacharias, to . . . . me—and many others. Their diatribes are consistently filled with angry verbiage, insulting innuendo, mockery, personal jabs (i.e., ad hominem attacks), half-truths, lies, slander, misinformation, out-of-context quotes used to serve their own agenda, poor reasoning, wild leaps of logic, guilt by association, conspiracy theories, and terribly faulty research. Such material has no place in the field of apologetics or discernment.

it seems to me that these so-called ministries are not actually ministries at all, but instead, are mere platforms from which some very troubled persons are now able launch personal attacks against anyone/anything that threatens their terrifically narrow/twisted views of the world the around them and how that world functions. I see the the following problems affecting them, which I think has resulted in their actions:

• fear of the world has replaced confidence in Christ;

• paranoia about sin/worldliness has overtaken Christ’s call to peacefully/lovingly engage our culture;

• ignorance of the world in general has been accepted in place of continuing to learn/grow;

• anger at the success of others has obliterated any sense of humility, meekness, gentleness, and kindness

Amid the many so-called ODMs that are now polluting the Internet, two of them stand out to me: Bud Press and Tim Wirth. They are truly birds of a feather, joined by a common bond of what seems to be little more than a desire to use the keyboard as a tool for spewing hate rhetoric, slander, and malicious intentions—and often in my direction. Sadly, they do it all in the name of God and defending the faith.

All of this might be hard for some of you, believe, I know. But it’s true. They’ve taken it upon themselves to spread numerous lies about me, my faith, and my actions. Consequently, some kind of answer is needed. But why would they want to attack me? The short response is that they are deluded.

LOOKING AT THE DELUSION

Tim Wirth and Bud Press seem to have created in their own minds a rather bizarre caricature of me as some sort of newfangled New Ager who has committed himself to deceiving God’s church and leading faithful Christians down the primrose path to hell. They have accused me of: 1) no longer defending the Christian faith; 2) deceiving others into following a false gospel; and 3) misleading/confusing people with regard to church related issues surrounding Rick Warren. Their allegations, however, stand in direct contrast to a number of irrefutable facts:

1) I have been a conservative, evangelical Christian since 1979;
2) my respected work in the area of apologetics has always shown itself to be wholly dedicated to defending the Christian faith, especially with regard to the various threats facing Christianity via the New Age Movement;
3) there exists no documentation showing that I have departed in any way from the essential doctrines of Christianity; and
4) there are no indications in any of my works to show that my interpretations of God’s Word has become diluted or compromised.

Neither Wirth, nor Press, has been able to support with documentation any of their libelous accusations. This is noteworthy since I have continued over the last few years to produce materials that, if their charges against me were accurate, should contain some kind of heretical/apostate views. But they’ve found nothing. My faith, testimony, witness, and ministry remain unblemished.

I have written consistently against false teachings, various cults, the occult, and deceptions threatening the church. This can be documented by taking even the most cursory look at one or more of my books (see my personal website). My latest book, for example, A New Earth, And Old Deception, deals head-on with the false teachings of New Age spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, who is being supported and pushed by none other than Oprah Winfrey. A recent series of interviews I did on Eckhart/Oprah for The A-Team Blog plainly reveals that I stand committed as ever to defending Christianity in this era of pluralism and false teachings.

Why then have I become a target of the misguided zeal, wrath, and condemnation of Wirth and Press? The answer to this question can be summed up in two fairly concise points:

1) I disagree with their conclusions about Rick Warren being a heretic, apostate, false teacher, deceiver; and
2) I will not live my life and run my ministry per their orders; to be more specific, I have not followed their demands to prove my faith (and my integrity) by doing an in-depth investigation and final analysis of Ken Blanchard (a person whom they apparently deem to be one of the worst threats to the Christian church).

That’s it. And it has been enough for them to accuse me of: a) lying; b) not being true to my word; c) deceiving the church; d) turning my back on defending the faith; and d) a whole litany of other things.

THE MOST RECENT ATTACK

I alluded to this whole situation in a previous blog I titled Slanderers, Accusers, and Divisive Sinners, posted at my blog on June 18, 2008. My hope was to set the record straight in that blog post and simply move on. Unfortunately, Wirth and Press continue to push the boundaries of what is tolerable (note: they have easily now gone into the realm of brazen libel). Consequently, I have now had to waste yet more time by writing this new post, which will hopefully answer their most recent charges—i.e., that I am deliberately seeking to not investigate the ministry of Ken Blanchard, co-founder of the Lead Like Jesus organization.

Wirth and Press have tied my actions into some kind of bizarre conspiracy theory wherein I am unwilling to criticize Ken Blanchard because of his affiliations with my pastor, Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life. This charge is absurd to the extreme. And it would be laughable if it were such a tragic an example of how paranoia, fear, and self-deception can blind people to the truth.

I blame myself, partly, for going against my best instincts and contacting Bud Press. But I did so, contrary to my common sense, in the hopes of bridging our disagreements by displaying to him my desire to stand for truth and listen to his views regarding Ken Blanchard. In return for my efforts, because I did not respond per his time-table, he warped the facts into a kooky conspiracy that he seems to think shows the nefarious nature of my secret intentions to always protect Ken Blanchard—or anyone else connected to my pastor, Rick Warren. Again, this would be wonderfully amusing if it were not so tragic, ungodly, and destructive to the Body of Christ.

My following response to Mr. Wirth and Mr. Press will be in a point-counterpoint format so as to show what Bud Press is alleging in his most recent post at Tim Wirth’s blog titled “Bud Press On Truth and Richard Abanes.”

ANSWERS TO BUD PRESS

BUD PRESS: This post is for the benefit of your readers who are interested in truth.
RABANES: The “truth” is something that Bud Press, Tim Wirth, and so many other so-called “discerners” have long since abandoned. Although they claim to be offering “truth” to the world, what they actually present is usually some alternative unreality that they’ve concocted using bits and pieces of truth filtered through their fertile imagination. Ultimately, what pops out is a strange scenario that makes sense only to them (and like-minded heresy-hunters). It is a skewed perspective of the world that fits neatly into their own fantasies about how everything is set up in the society around them, which they see as moving quickly, unwaveringly, and unstoppably toward a one-world government/religion under control of the Antichrist (for a notable evaluation of such thinking, see Greg Camp’s Selling Fear: Conspiracy Theories and End-Times Paranoia). This is most evident in their dealings with people like me, Rick Warren, and others whom they have, for whatever reason, set up as the enemy to be exposed as key players in some Last Days scheme now being unleashed by Satan.

BUD PRESS: Although this post does not reveal the entire story, it may very well develop into an informative article in the future.
RABANES: This statement contains at least a hint of truth—i.e., that the information Press provides “does not reveal the entire story.” The entire story will be given here by me.

BUD PRESS: This year, I spent a considerable amount of time carefully reviewing and preserving the articles on Richard Abanes’ website, specifically those that dealt with Ken Blanchard and his involvement with and participation in the New Age Movement. I have also monitored and preserved Abanes’ movements on numerous internet blogs and elsewhere.
RABANES: One has to wonder exactly why Press would feel compelled to spend so much time “carefully reviewing” and monitoring me. The reason, it seems, is that Press (like Wirth) views me as some insidious, deceptive, cult-leader-like figure who needs to be watched, investigated, and tracked with the tenacity of someone seeking to expose an enemy of the cross (e.g., a Joseph Smith, a Charles Taze Russell, or more recently, perhaps a Jim Jones, or an Eckhart Tolle).

I would think that Press might have better things to to with his time, given how many real false teachers and threats to Christianity are out there in the world. As I noted in my previous post titled Slanderers, Accusers, and Divisive Sinners, I fully embrace all of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith that date back to the oldest of doctrinal creeds we possess, particularly The Apostles’ Creed. From that historical creed emerged the following beliefs that I fully accept without reservation and preach/teach through my apologetic writings:

1. human depravity,

2. Christ’s virgin birth,

3. Christ’s sinlessness,

4. Christ’s full deity,

5. Christ’s full humanity,

6. God’s unity,

7. God’s triunity,

8. the necessity of God’s grace in salvation,

9. the necessity of faith in salvation,

10. Christ’s atoning death on the cross for our sins,

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection,

12. Christ’s bodily ascension,

13. Christ’s present High Priestly service, and

14. Christ’s second coming, final judgment, and reign.

In other words, so there will be no question about my faith, I hold to the historic, orthodox, biblical explanations/definitions of the Trinity, the full humanity/deity of Jesus Christ, the miraculous conception of Christ, the inherited sin nature of humanity, the atonement by Christ for fallen humanity via his shed blood on the cross, salvation by grace alone through faith alone, the bodily resurrection of Christ, the eventual return of Jesus (physically/visibly), and the inerrancy/infallibility of the the Bible.

Given the above profession of faith, which has been consistently born out in my life, I am at a loss as to why Press would need to monitor and carefully review my materials. But if that is how he wishes to spend his time, then I cordially invite him to show where I have in any way drifted from the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

BUD PRESS: Later, I felt led to contact Abanes and provide information on Ken Blanchard that he may not have been aware of. Despite his treatment of myself and others, and despite Ken Blanchard’s strong ties with Rick Warren, I gave Abanes the benefit of the doubt and reached out to him in love.
RABANES: Here we have our first departure of perspectives. I have never once felt an ounce of “love” from Bud Press or Tim Wirth. Instead, I have repeatedly been attacked by both of them. And even in this particular email from Bud Press, I felt no love, but rather, a kind of look-at-this-info-and-agree-with-me-or-else attitude coming from Press.

BUD PRESS: During an exchange of e-mails, Abanes requested updated information on Ken Blanchard, to which I gladly provided. On numerous occasions, Abanes gave his word to issue a public statement on Ken Blanchard, and even went so far to say he would privately inform his pastor, Rick Warren.
RABANES: Press is correct here. Despite my better judgment, I opened myself up to Press and said that if he wanted me to see particulars, then he should send along to me exactly what he wanted me to see—and that, when time permitted, I would most definitely take a look at the materials and do an updated analysis of Ken Blanchard. In fact, I immediately took a cursory look at the information, and based on that cursory look, I very quickly issued a caution to the church about Blanchard and some of the “New Age” individuals he has continued to endorse (see my update on Blanchard in Ken Blanchard and Rick Warren: The Truth Behind the Controversy and Lighthouse Trails: The Blanchard Bashers.

BUD PRESS: But as of this writing, Richard Abanes has not kept his word . . .
RABANES: Actually, as I noted above, I immediately issued an updated caution to readers about Ken Blanchard. As for a more comprehensive, extended treatment of Blanchard, I began sifting through the material, but was unable to complete my research given the many responsibilities connected to my newest book on Eckhart Tolle and Oprah Winfrey. This is all it has taken for Press/Wirth to invent a baseless and silly story as to why I have not yet written a full-length essay on Blanchard—i.e., I am protecting Blanchard and/or compromising truth in an effort to protect my own “cash cow,” which is connected to Rick Warren (forgive me, but ROFL).

Although I have given an understandable explanation for the delay, both Press and Wirth have continued to insist that I explain myself in a way that would require me to practically give them my daily schedule, personal activities, time management decisions, and ministry responsibilities in an effort to justify why I haven’t released a condemnation of Blanchard. They, in effect, seem to feel as if I am to be in subjection to them and give an account of my life/ministry to them—rather than to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who alone is my Master.

BUD PRESS: . . . [Abanes] has even gone so far as to help me with the following “tantalizing conspiratorial scenario” on Ken Blanchard: “Ken Blanchard, who is really my Uncle Kenny, called and pleaded with me to not expose his true New Age agenda, which is to teach the church how to Lead Like A New Age Jesus. And to bribe me, he deposited $30 million into a Swiss Bank account with the last 3 numbers being 666. I told him that this would be acceptable, and that I’d never say anything negative about his book endorsements or associations with new Agers as long as I not only got the cash, but also was promoted to the Regional Director of the Illuminati, complete with my own special ‘I’ embroidered blazer, a coat of arms pin, and a direct special hot phone line to the Vatican” (CRN.Info blog, June 6, 2008 at 10:32am).
RABANES: This was my attempt at humorously showing the near-lunacy of the portrait being painted of me by the likes of Bud Press and Tim Wirth. It’s absurdity answering absurdity—and I think it’s rather amusing, as do many others.

BUD PRESS: This is disturbing. Equally disturbing is that in the same post Abanes accused me of harassment, and stated in part that: “I told you that I’d get to Ken Blanchard and make my report when possible, given my responsibilities. I’ve already begun the research, and have even posted a caution about him to persons visiting my website.”
RABANES: Harassment is the correct word, in my opinion, for the actions of Press. As soon as he thought I was done with my book on Eckhart Tolle, he began sending me emails, telling me that X-amount of time had passed, and that I should therefore keep my word, etc. etc. etc. He then posted similar things online, counting the days since I had first contacted him, and again implying that in order to prove myself, it was high time I keep my word, etc. etc. etc. It was as if he was looking over my shoulder, calculating how much time I was spending on various activities, and deciding whether or not I had had sufficient time to release the article he was waiting to see from me—i.e., a condemnation of Ken Blanchard. But as I stated to Press on the CRN.Info blog:

“You are not my father. You are not my mother. You are not my God. You are not my publisher. And you are not my parole officer. What on earth makes you think I’m supposed to be reporting to you and justifying my time management and life activities to you? Please stop HARASSING me—and that’s what your doing now with your incessant emails & online posts. I told you that I’d get to Ken Blanchard and make my report when possible, given my responsibilities. I’ve already begun the research, and have even posted a caution about him to persons visiting my website. My book on Eckhart Tolle is finished, but my work on the project is not complete, contrary to your pestering me about my work being done and asking me if I’m going to keep my word (which has more than one not-so-subtle implication). My 6-8 week estimation did not take into account more aspects of the book’s publication that have come up—and TBH, it’s none of your business what those added responsibilities are based on requests from the publisher.”

Clearly, the original “word” I gave to Press was an estimation based on my knowledge of events at the time. But almost immediately after completing the manuscript for the book, more responsibilities for the book came up—e.g., video productions, numerous interviews (ongoing), PR/MEDIA work, preparation/attendance of the Christian Booksellers Convention in Orlando (nearly a week), etc. etc. etc. These are all aspects of releasing a new book from a major publisher—something that Bud Press knows NOTHING about.

BUD PRESS: But again, as of this writing, Richard Abanes has not kept his word. And, because of the strong ties between Ken Blanchard and Rick Warren, I will be surprised if Abanes keeps his word on this issue at all.
RABANES: See above responses.

BUD PRESS: Richard Abanes reached out to me and asked for updates on Ken Blanchard. But behind-the-scenes, he reached out to his constituency with something entirely different. For example, one of Richard Abanes’ excuses for not dealing with the Ken Blanchard issue was the responsibilities with his new book. But since my first letter to him on March 11, those responsibilities didn’t stop Abanes from spending an incredible amount of time posting lengthy messages in various blogs and dealing with New Agers on “YouTube.” Many of his blog posts had nothing to do with his new book.
RABANES: And here we have a PERFECT example of how Bud Press wants to step into the role of Jesus Christ, the Master of all who serve God. Christ, of course, is the only one to whom I am to give account for my time and activities. Nevertheless, Press is effectively saying that if he does not agree with how I am using my time (even if it is to witness to New Agers online at youtube), then I am somehow being deceptive, lying, and not keeping my word. Press makes all of these judgments without knowing:

1) what God has called me to (or even caring, it seems);
2) why I have chosen to allocate my time to certain activities;
3) how much time various activities take in my personal life;
4) where my daily schedule allows for certain activities and not others.

Bud Press, it seems, wants me to be accountable to Bud Press—or else I am to suffer his attacks (and those of Tim Wirth). Such an attitude is neither godly or biblical.

Exactly why I’ve not yet released a full statement on Ken Blanchard also relates to how I do research as opposed to how people like Bud Press/Tim Wirth do “research.” Any competent/responsible apologist (note the words, ‘competent” and “responsible”) understands that it takes time and care to do accurate, careful, thoughtful, and biblical research into an individual. One must not simply look at a few statements from a person, or read a few examples of various errors of judgment they might have made (either doctrinally or in behaviorally). Instead, theological/doctrinal dots need to connected properly/accurately, heart motivation needs to be assessed, intentions should be recognized, clarifying statements need to be found for any vague remarks, and definitions must be verified. This all takes time, care, rational analysis, and sensitivity—everything lacking in Bud Press, Tim Wirth, and their ilk.

There is another, and very obvious reason, why I’ve not literally set aside everything to finish investigating Ken Blanchard and write an extensive report on him. I wonder if Press/Wirth have ever considered the possibility that I after taking my many possible projects to God in prayer, that my Lord directed me to complete certain projects first, while I put others on hold! I wonder if Press/Wirth have ever considered that in my ministry, as God directs me, some things (e.g., speaking to New Agers online, updating my website, doing interviews with radio/TV station, blogging about various other issues affecting the church, etc.) take priority over other things—despite what they feel I should be doing next.

Press/Wirth apparently want to be the ones to give me directions about what they think should be a priority in my life/ministry, and what they think I should be doing for God in my ministry. But that kind of mindset is nowhere presented in the Bible. Blanchard, I might note at this point, is not the only person/group that I’ve not been able to extensively cover/investigate. There is Todd Bentley and his so-called healing ministry. There is the new leadership in Mormonism since the death of LDS president, Gordon B. Hinckley. There is the ongoing troubles within the Word of Faith camp. The list goes on and on. In other words, one man cannot cover every issues/person—and it is God who must be the one to determine which individual projects any minister/apologist/pastor/missionary/author must take. That is not something to be decided by Tim Wirth, Bud Press, or anyone else.

I am still committed to eventually releasing an extended statement about Ken Blanchard (see my 2008 update word of caution about Blanchard)—and I will do so when the first opportunity arises. I had hoped that such an opportunity would have already come to pass. But this has not yet happened (I have only been able to begin my reasearch and put together an opening preface about the controversy, coupled with some initial observations about Blanchard.) When my schedule is cleared and other responsibilities have been fulfilled per contracts and God’s leading, then I will move on to Blanchard.

I am sure, of course, that voicing this reality of my life will simply mean to Press/Wirth that I am still not keeping my word and/or that I am in cahoots with Warren/Blanchard to keep the “truth” hidden. Ah well. So be it.

BUD PRESS: I knew exactly when Abanes’ part in the book was finished. I talked to his editor.
RABANES: When I read this statement, I was stunned. Bud Press actually seems to have taken the time to call my publisher, track down my editor, and seek to find information about when I finished my manuscript on Eckhart Tolle. This is nothing more than Press playing amateur detective, and trying to make sure he gets the goods on me, so to speak. It’s all very strange and shows with pathetic clarity the kind of twisted imaginings that people like Press harbor in their minds. This kind of activity by Press is reminiscent of how one might go about trying to get the inside facts on a cult leader’s activities or trying to piece together the “true” story in order to prove that someone is trying to cover up something.

I would be very interested to know exactly who Press spoke to at Bethany House Publishers. My editor is currently on vacation, but as soon as this editor returns I will ask if they have ever spoken to Bud Press—and if so, I will find out their conversation with Press and how he represented himself. To be honest, I doubt very seriously that Press got through to my personal editor. First, it is very difficult to get through to an editor if you are not an author since you have no business with such an editor. Second, there would be no reason for my editor to take a call from someone like Bud Press, who apparently had a relatively unimportant question to ask. Whether or not Press is telling the truth here will be discovered as soon as I can verify whether or not he did indeed speak to my “editor.”

BUD PRESS: Speaking of blog posts, in the Phoenix Preacher blog on April 17, 2008, a poster named “Dusty” asked the question, “Anyone heard of Christian Research Service?” Yet, despite the fact that Abanes had requested updates from me on Ken Blanchard, he stated to Dusty with the following …. [various negative comments I have made about Bud Press]
RABANES: Press seems to feel that because I contacted him, I somehow trust his judgment. But nothing could be further from the truth. I stand behind any/all negative comments I have made about Bud Press. My request for information from him had nothing to do with my opinion of his “research.” My request was not in any way an endorsement, but rather, an opportunity that I gave him to pass along to me what he felt I needed to see.

BUD PRESS: But here we are now, Tim, months later, and Abanes is still ranting and raving about all the “lies/slander” being spread about him. Sadly, he is too spiritually blinded to see that he is his own worst enemy. It is he who has destroyed his reputation and integrity, and it is we who have nothing to fear from him or others like him.
RABANES: First, the lies/slander are out there for anyone to see. Second, as for destroying my reputation—ROFL. Second, the only people who look negatively at me are the various online “discerners,” so-called, whom I have criticized for their shoddy research, libelous words, and sinful attitudes.

BUD PRESS: With dedicated vengeance, Richard Abanes has waged a battle and attempted to destroy many solid, Bible-based ministries. But he is fighting a loosing battle.
RABANES: Actually, I have done nothing but point out where so many of these self-proclaimed “watchmen” have exalted themselves to a place of unbiblical judgment and used the internet to spread falsehoods about fellow believers, which in turn has caused unnecessary division in the Body of Christ.

BUD PRESS: Many of those I have spoken to within the apologetics and cult-evangelism communities have had their own encounters with Richard Abanes. They all maintain, as I, that there is no reasoning with him and that he has damaged his reputation and integrity on his own.
RABANES: Again, ROFL. I could probably name exactly who Press has spoken to—and they would all be found in the Internet cesspool that is widely known as the Online Discernment Ministry (ODM) camp. None of them are of any consequence whatsoever. I just got back from the International Christian Retailers Show in Orlando where I met with not only the representatives of numerous major publishing house, but also radio/TV hosts, other apologists, and Christian bookstore owners. It was a wonderful time. My reputation is just fine.

BUD PRESS:Unless Abanes fully repents and reconciles, he is on his way to self-destruction and judgement from God.
RABANES: This is an interesting threat. It would be nice to know exactly what I am supposed to repent of, and to whom I am suppose to reconcile. If I am to repent of false teachings/doctrines, then I am open to seeing where I have said something doctrinally unsound. If I am to reconcile to God, then it would be interesting to see proof of me not yet being reconciled to God by grace through faith in my personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

BUD PRESS: After all the dust has settled, God will have the last word.
RABANES: Indeed, Bud. Indeed. And that is a day I long to see.

THE REALITY

People like Tim Wirth and Bud Press, in my opinion, have no business being in any ministry, let alone a ministry dedicated to apologetics/discernment. Press/Wirth, like so many other ODMs, have infected the Body of Christ with a kind of judgmental, heresy-hunting, divisive slander that has previously been unseen—thanks to the Internet. if left unchecked, they will be the ones to destroy the unity of Christ’s Body, and long the way, render apologetics/discernment a worthless ministry because everyone will be so desensitized to people crying HERESY! HERESY! HERESY! All apologists, including legitimate ones, will be like the boy who cried wolf. When a real world is present, and someone like me (or Hank Hanegraaff, or Sandra Tanner, or Bill MacKeever, or Ron Rhodes, or Norman Geisler, or Alan Gomes) sounds the alarm bell, no one will listen. These reckless ODMs must be stopped and I would urge all Christians who are concerned for apologetics/discernment and unity in the Body of Christ to make their voices heard by way of emails, faxes, phone calls, and speaking to your pastor.

A BIBLICAL CONCLUSION

At this point, we must look to scripture, which tells us that lying will not be tolerated by God. It is an abomination that our Lord God “hates” (Prov. 6:17, 19). We are commanded: “You shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another” (Lev. 19:11). Consider, too, this verse: “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies ” (Prov. 14:5). After the Proverbs 6:17-19 passage (which mentions “a lying tongue” and “a false witness that speaketh lies”), we then read about another thing God hates: “. . . he that soweth discord among the brethren” (Prov. 6:19). This leads us to the issue of contention/strife/division. (According to the Wycliffe Bible Commentary, “sowing discord” actually means, “Literally, lets loose strife.”)

Divisiveness is something also forbidden by scripture. Paul declared: “But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another” (Gal. 5:15). And again, we read: “For ye are yet carnal: whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and division, are ye not carnal and walk as men?” (1 Cor. 3:3). The destructive nature of division, of course, is that it weakens the house of God (see Mark 3:24-25). As Proverbs 16: 28 says: “A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends.” This leads us to something else that is rampant among too many internet discernment “ministries” — straightforward slander and and bearing false witness against another Christian.

The scriptures regarding bearing false witness and slander are many, even equating a “false witness” with deceit (see Prov. 12:17). Consider, too, the following verses: ”Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor” (Ex. 23:1); “Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips” (Prov. 24:28); “[D]o not love perjury; for all these are what I hate, declares the LORD” (Zech 8:17); “[H]e who spreads slander is a fool” (Prov. 10:18).

A FINAL WORD TO TIM WIRTH AND BUD PRESS

“…Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting” (Daniel 5:27).

Richard Abanes
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