Supporting Proto-Protestantism:
An Appeal (21 July 2012)
This is a bit lengthy, but I
want to be very clear about where I'm coming from on this issue.
I have always strongly resisted
the idea of making money off of the people of God. I don't believe it's right
to financially prosper when helping to build the Kingdom. Everyone has expenses
but frankly there are many who could be accused of profiteering. In fact that's
another article I have in the works, regarding the Church and money, 'ministries'
and salaries...but haven't had time to write.
What I'm trying to do requires
my full time attention. In fact what I would hope to do would require my full
time attention and probably some help. It's all in the Lord's hands. Humanly
speaking I don't believe we will 'win' as the world defines that word. But I do
believe there's a need for what I'm trying to do.
I'm not the only person
critiquing Dominion Theology, but that's not the full scope of what this
website has been about. I've focused on the issues of:
Authority- I've argued for a Word-Based authority which means
Scripture Alone in our New Covenant Age. There are many who have taken up this
mantra but very few I believe who are serious about implementing it, or have
not rightly considered its implications. I've written about this but have much
more to say. In fact I've only begun to deal with the issue. What I'm saying is
not that unique, but those who hold to the position I do have generally not
spent as much time and energy in working out the issue. I believe developing
this idea is key to understanding the state of the Church both past and
present, and helps considerably in how to proceed in our modern era.
Method- How we interact with and submit to the Authority of God's
Word. How we go about Theology, how we read and interpret the Bible and how we
then apply this to the life of the Church. Why do we read the Bible the way we
do? How has history and tradition impacted Biblical interpretation? This is a
hugely important area that many Christians, even many pastors and teachers have
not really considered.
The Kingdom (Past and Present)- What is the Kingdom? What does it
look like? What has it looked like? What has happened in the past in terms of
Church History, which must take General History into account as well...and, how
is this all playing out today?
Practically speaking this means
I'm writing articles about Theology, Philosophy, Hermeneutics, Church History
and Current Events.
Many come here interested only
in Two Kingdoms issues and my critiques of Dominionism. Beyond that they wouldn't
agree with me. Others are interested in the fuller scope of what I'm trying to
say and perhaps realize how all the issues on certain levels....tie together.
Am I trying to recast Church History? Somewhat, but not entirely.
I'm trying to argue that a bad theology has led to a bad historiography.
Am I trying to recast Theology? I'm only taking ideas from past and
present and arranging them in a different way. I'm asking different questions.
I don't think that I'm some kind of original thinker, nor am I trying to be.
I'm hoping that I can bring some wisdom to the discussion.
What's my vision? What are my goals?
Regular readers are able to see
what I'm doing. This is a weblog, but there's very little of what is commonly
referred to as 'blogging'. I'm not in any way criticizing abbreviated
commentary, but what I'm producing is more along the lines of articles or
essays. While at times it may seem I jump around a lot between different
topics...and often I am...there are some overall themes I'm focusing on. Many
readers have the general idea, but I want to touch on some of the broad areas,
the ways in which I'm trying to apply Authority, Method, and Kingdom.
Historical and Specifically Christian
Analysis of Current Events
-At this point, I believe most
Christian Commentary regarding current events is in error and misguided. I
believe many well-meaning men (and some not-so-well meaning) have embraced bad
theology and cultural ideals and though they label their thought and worldview
to be Biblical and Christian...I don't believe that's what they're doing. In
fact often their ideas are completely opposed to the Biblical doctrine of the
Kingdom of God.
I believe I have a contribution
to make. My knowledge concerning history and current events allows me to interact
with the news and in every case I try and tie this in with the theological
commentary. The end result is often quite different than what you'll find not
only in the mainstream media, but in Christian media as well.
I hope to expand this. In fact
I wouldn't mind starting another website devoted specifically to daily and
weekly news commentary.
I think this is important, and
many people will read these articles not because they agree with everything but
because the articles are challenging them and provoking them to think. There's
no news outlet that I think can be used exclusively. No one has all the
answers.
Regular news media outlets
aren't particularly liberal or conservative. I find them to be wedded to the
Establishment and largely just dumbed-down and entertainment oriented. There
are other outlets that will provide more of the back-story and help with
context, but what's lacking is genuine Christian analysis.
What little is available is
cast in political/partisan terms or dominated by Dominionistic assumptions.
This is where I can help....by providing a place to turn to for a different
take and yet, with the Bible and the Kingdom in the forefront.
A Robust Response To The New Dominionistic
Orthodoxy
-I strongly believe the
Dominionistic Ascendancy needs to be answered. Again there are others doing this,
but generally speaking not in the same way I am. Since I am not committed to
the Denominational Structures and Confessional Traditions I believe I can
launch a more effective attack.
Am I trying to 'bring them
down'? Of course not. The Biblical message does not win the day until Christ
returns. Humanly speaking we will not win. Their ear-tickling message will
always draw in greater numbers and in different forms has dominated the history
of the Christian Church. Their theology appeals to all of man's fleshly lusts
for power and domination. Men will always seek to make a name for themselves
and will always seek ideological and philosophical vehicles enabling them to
accomplish and justify these goals.
Their arguments are neither
powerful nor persuasive, but they're very alluring. Men flock to them because
in their system they find security for nation and family and justification for
holding power and using it to coerce others. The application of power is wedded
to violence and antithetical to the Kingdom of God as revealed in the New
Covenant.
I believe stronger voices are needed to warn
others and provide alternatives not just in an apologetic and intellectual
sense, but in both the profound and simple sense of....saving souls from a
damnable error. I want to reach people and help them to see this very enticing
road is one that leads to destruction in many ways. This theology harms not only the Church, but
our society at large and especially the Church's standing in society. I believe
the current cultural milieu can only be understood in terms of a backlash
against the general thrust of this theology.
These questions need to be
addressed and answered in a way few are willing, by entering roads that few wish
to tread. I would accomplish this by writing articles, but also by writing very
directed critiques and literally point by point dissecting and defeating their
arguments. This has been very effective in reaching readers. A lot of people
will read something and not agree with it, but don't know how to dissect it.
This is something I want to continue doing.
But thus far my web presence
has been too limited. I want to expand, so that they cannot ignore those who
answer them or as they more often do... engage in Fabian-style retreat.
Also, I can 'get the word out'
by spending some time visiting other websites and forums where interactions can
take place. One exchange with a Theonomist can bring hundreds of new visitors
to my website in a just a day. It has happened more than once. This is
exciting, not because I want to 'build up' something, but because there's that
many more people encountering an alternative. Again to do this takes time.
Examining Theological Paradigms
-Theologically speaking, we
would all agree many wrong turns have been made and many are being made today
as well. No one is going to agree with everything I'm saying, but I think I can
also provide some guidance in showing where different people are coming from
and why. And I think I can provide some alternative ways to think, that agree
with Scripture, harmonize with portions of Church History, and though it may a
raise an eyebrow or two...provide some basis for a Biblical ecumenicism. In no
way am I suggesting some kind of watered down theology that enables all of us
to get along. Rather, I'm suggesting a principled broadness and shift in
paradigm that will allow readers to more broadly appreciate not only those who
have come before, but allow for some fellowship in the midst of today's
theological chaos. Theology should be exciting and though at times very
difficult...it should always be spiritually invigorating, a source of spiritual
vitality and an impetus to worship and devotion.
Drinking the Living Waters
-I would also very much like to
write pieces dealing with some Biblical exposition and commentary. Much of what
is written here is polemical in nature. I've said elsewhere that my writings
will not be sufficient for anyone's regular theological diet. My writings are
serving a specific purpose. There are already many other commentaries and
instructive books which are excellent and it is not necessary for me to try and
improve on or replicate them. That said, I would like to spend some time just
walking through portions of Scripture and offering what observations I think to
be salient and perhaps point out what others are doing with this or that text.
Sometimes I read a Psalm and want to write about it, point out some
things...but again, with dozens or backlogged articles, I can't find the time.
Resources Beyond The Written Word
-In future, if God wills and
provides the resources, in addition to splitting this work into perhaps two
different websites, I would like to do some podcasts, perhaps bring in some
other writers, and if possible do some speaking. But that's all way down the
road.
Opening Doors For Those Who Wish To Grow
-I would also like to write
book reviews. As I write this I'm surrounded by books. As a unabashed bibliophile,
I would like to share more about what I've read and I also...I need more time
to read!
-Though not as interesting, but
perhaps helpful to some...I wouldn't mind taking some time to write some movie
reviews. Most of what's out there is garbage, and in some ways the movie scene
is at a low ebb. But on the other hand some of the most interesting movies ever
made are coming out at this time. I'm not talking about superheroes and
romantic comedies. I'm referring some really interesting social and political
commentaries that I think are sometimes missed. Some of these movies are being
ignored because the public (I'm sorry to say) is unable to process the message
due to a lack of familiarity. That said, some of the historical movies have and
are promoting falsehoods which should also be addressed. Just off the top of my
head I'm thinking of all the Christians I've met who love Gibson's
Braveheart...a movie filled with error and historical manipulation.
Working as I do, I can't even
keep up with what I'm presently doing. Constantly behind, I've had to just
say...quit worrying about it. If I'm not able to comment on the full breadth of
issues that I want, then so be it.
But I don't think what I desire
to do is a bad thing and I've contemplated for some time how to go about this.
I would never charge money for
my writing. First of all I think that would quickly shut down 99% of my traffic
and secondly I don't think it's right. I find it quite offensive that many
leaders of Christian so-called ministries are making one and two hundred thousand
dollars a year. In fact it's criminal.
But the reality is that if I
want to do what I'm doing and ever expand and begin to bring this vision about,
I need 8-10 hours a day just to write. It needs to be my full time job.
For years I have considered
finishing a degree and trying to get a job teaching history or something like
that. Denominational doors are closed to me and I hope it's fairly clear I have
little interest in labouring as a PCA pastor or working for a denominational
institution.
Would the degree give me
credibility? With a very small number of people. In all honesty I could have a
doctorate and it wouldn't matter. At that point the credentials are cancelled
out by the content. I could have a simple bachelor's degree in basket weaving
but if I'm saying what a particular faction wants me to say...I'll be lauded as
a scholar. Credentials help but are not really the salient issue.
But even accomplishing those
things...getting a teaching job or whatever...really doesn't put me into a
position of doing what I want to do which is...write.
Can I produce books? Sure. But
the audience is so limited, no one is going to publish them. That might not be
true in the future, but it certainly is the case right now. At some point could
I take some of my online work and publish it as an ebook? Yes. But ultimately
this isn't something that markets very well. And in no way is it going to solve
my time issue. I might bring in a few hundred dollars in sales...not enough to
help me find time to write.
The news element that I want to
expand has the potential to be marketable and bring in people but to do that I
don't need to wed myself to an institution. What I need is the time to produce
the material and the time to get out there in cyberspace and leave a footprint
that will bring people back to the website.
So I'm not going to worry about
bona fide credentials. Most of the people who are interested in what I'm saying
don't really care too much about whether or not I have a doctorate or am associated
with an institution.
I've thought of teaching at a
Christian school or a Community College. I've toyed with journalism. But really
this is what I want to do. I can't think of anything else that would please me
more than to immerse myself in these topics and write. If I was teaching
history at a school...I would still want to do this...and would still lack the
time.
Even if I have to remodel
bathrooms and kitchens the rest of my days, my life is devoted to this. Apart
from my family, nothing else matters too much. Since conversion my life has
been focused on these Kingdom related issues... and God willing will continue
to be. These topics and issues are my life.
So how can I do this? How can I
gain more time to write? How can I make a living writing on topics that are
never going to 'sell' in the marketplace? It makes me kind of sick to say it,
but the only way to do this is to garner financial support....at least for the foreseeable
future.
Before the internet I would
have written a newsletter or journal and mailed it out every month. In this regard
I would very much want to follow after someone like Arthur Pink. For years he
produced his newsletter and took donations. He never charged for it. He simply
trusted that those who appreciated what he wrote would support him. He left it
in the Lord's hands. And that's what I intend to do. And like Pink, I don't
really care much about money or maintaining a lifestyle. I never have more than
a few dollars in my pocket and so to live hand to mouth will be no great
change. We've always lived that way.
Pink and the Medieval Bohemian
writer Chelcicky are my inspirations. Not that I would follow either of them in
all their thoughts, though Chelcicky is very near and dear to my heart. I often
disagree with Pink but the man loved the Lord and I consider him to be
something of a kindred spirit. I think he erred in the way he cut himself off
from the Church. Sometimes it is necessary, but in many cases he did so when he
didn't need to. Nevertheless, his writings are rich. They're not theologically
technical, but immensely practical to the student of Scripture. His works
aren't going to help you write a theological dissertation, but they are
priceless when it comes to someone who wants to drink deep from the Scriptural
well.
Though I'm dealing with a far
larger scope of issues and ideas, I've always kept him in mind. While many
benefit from serious theological works, most people need something readable. I
guess I want to try and deal with deeper topics but speak of them in a way that
people who want to learn...can begin to understand. I think we need to be
challenged and exercise our minds and hearts...but I want to do this in a way
that's accessible.
Chelcicky lived on the fringe.
He observed the world around him, he wrote about the events of his day, and he
was a Remnant thinker. I believe we're in a similar place. The Taborites of his
day were also greatly concerned with the Bible, but Chelcicky rightly believed
they were corrupted by power and a wrong view of the Kingdom. He patiently
laboured, tried to discern the times, and explain to others a better way. My
ideas are very similar to his and I think my role can also be analogous.
I do have one great advantage
over others who might attempt this. I'm self-employed and enjoy all the
benefits and detriments that come with that. I have no boss to answer to and
can take days off pretty much whenever I want.
If I'm sick, I can stay home
but I don't get paid. If I want to take a month off I certainly can...but I
receive no holiday pay. While I take days off from time to time, I'm unable to
do anything because while I can make time, I can't make income to pay the
bills.
While I doubt I'll ever receive
enough support to do this full time, in the meantime as support comes in, I can
set the money aside and take days off to write. I can take a Friday or a
Monday, or when possible...take a whole week. I like to write and can easily
sit down at 5am and write until the afternoon. Sometimes I have deadlines or
obligations that cause me to work and limit my ability to take days off. But
that doesn't happen too often.
I can't take a day off (beyond
the normal weekend) if I have someone's bath or kitchen ripped apart. That
wouldn't be fair. But if I'm involved on a long three week project and I need
to take a Friday off...it's not a problem. And when that project is complete, I
can take a week off and write.
Regardless I will continue to
write when I can and obviously no one can accuse me of being lazy or
unproductive. But I could do a lot more....
Originally I was thinking of
asking people to email who might be interested in some kind of regular
donation. But that's awkward and makes people feel like they're committed. I
didn't want to just have a 'donate' button because then it might seem like I'm
just begging for money. But in the end I decided this was the way to go. People
can give (or not) as little or as much as they are inclined. One month maybe
I'll receive enough to take an extra day off and write. Another month I might
receive enough to take a week off. And sometimes I might have fifty dollars set
aside waiting for more to come in.
People can give according to
their desire and ability. If you don't want to, then that's fine. Enjoy the
articles and I hope you benefit from them.
But if you really benefit from
what's being said, if you believe in what I'm trying to do and think that these
writings can help the Kingdom of God...then I ask for your help. If we didn't
have the internet and this was a newsletter or magazine...would you subscribe
to it? If this were a series of books, would you buy them? The internet has
changed how all of these dynamics work.
I listen to NPR all the time.
Sometimes I've given them money. Sometimes I don't. If NPR went away, I'd be
disappointed, but sometimes not enough to where I'm going to help them pay for
it. If that's the way you feel about what I'm doing, then don't worry about
giving....just come and read.
Maybe, nothing much will come
of it. Maybe people will take notice and more people like me will rise up and
start to dent the status quo? As I've often said, many people know there's
something wrong. They just don't know what and consequently people are turning
in bad directions. They might venture into the treacherous world of Joel Osteen
or they might venture into the ranks of the Emergent Church. The Emergent group
is interesting. There's a reason they're asking certain questions and by no
means are all of them bad. But I cannot agree with their solutions or paradigm.
I'd like to write more about it, but again....no time.
We're living in an interesting
time. Things have changed a lot just in the past few years both in terms of the
culture and the Church. There are many voices. I hope I can be of help. I'm not
in it for the money. I'm doing this because...I want to....I have to.
Like I said if things progress
I might split the website and start something focused more on news and current
events...and some people might wish to support that and thus not support some
of my other less-than-Confessional theological ideas. Separating the work will
give people options in their giving. Obviously I will have to proportion my
time according to what people support. If anyone has any thoughts on that....email
me.
It's a pity. Over a decade ago
I really wanted to leave the United States and live in Eastern Europe. Now more
than ever I wish I had been able to put it together and go.
I looked into missions (that's
another very controversial series of articles I have mostly written but not
published)....and was pretty disappointed in what I found. Since then, my
opinion has not grown more favourable. I'm all for missions, but I'm afraid the
modern institutional missionary movement is not above reproach. I abandoned
that plan...in disgust, but I wish I had made it over there. As I said, just a
small amount of money would be required to do what I'm now trying to do.
Right now I live in Appalachia,
one of the cheapest areas of the United States. But if I could live in Hungary
or Romania I could live off of a ¼ of what I now make. Maybe someday God will
open that door. Financially (especially when being supported) it would be
wonderful to require less than $1000 a month. Right now because of my business
overhead I need closer to $2500, but in terms of what I net....it's far less. If
I didn't have to drive 30,000 miles a year, I could live off of a lot less. I
only say this to give some idea of what I'm looking for. I don't need a lot of
money to live.
In the meantime I will keep
working and take it day by day. I've sometimes wondered why I've ended up doing
what I do? While it often seems like I'm wasting time, the reality is life has
been my school. I don't go through my day as a dullard. I seek out
conversations, I get people talking...everything I do I gather information and
think about it. Everything is an experience, it's all part of my education.
Maybe God has been preparing for something....maybe this. Then again, maybe
not. Maybe I'm going to die tomorrow. Maybe I'll die and my writings will burn
up in a house fire or be deleted. It's not in my hands. But I'm going to keep
going...keep labouring...this is who I am and what I do.
And if I'm ever in a position
in a Church, I've been equipped to sit down with regular working class people
and can relate to them in a way many Pastors cannot. This is a big reason why
Reformed circles attract so little in the way of common people. It's not just
the headiness of their theology, it's the circles they operate in. A lot of
working class people feel out of place among doctors, engineers, and lawyers.
What I want to do is reach both groups of people. I can comfortably operate in
both worlds, though I don't really belong to either group.
In conclusion, if you believe
in what I'm doing, want to help, want to see this grow...then I ask for your
support. The writings will come regardless, but I feel like I could be doing a
lot more.
I'm providing a PayPal button,
but those who want to send money through the post can email and I'll provide my
mailing address. Also, if anyone wants more information about me or what I do,
email me, and I'll answer your questions.
I'm trying to be transparent
and fair. I'm asking for money, but I don't like to ask for it and I want to
keep it simple. Really what I want do is write.
Just a word of warning. I have
no intention of ever incorporating as a 501c non-profit entity or anything like
that. Donations will not be tax deductible. (That topic touches on another
article I have yet to find the time to write.)
Thanks,
K. John Dukes (Protoprotestant@gmail.com)