I am a bit crushed today. Seeing preterism devolve into an attempt to get the biggest piece of the pie possible instead of ministering to others and helping others learn, it depressing. Then seeing a man I respect support such things, just tears my heart out. Then when I look in the mirror I see the man I should be pointing a finger at.
When did preterism become about getting monetary supporters and money? When did we become futurists?
It makes me want to walk away from preterist radio, all the forums, all the groups, and just circle the wagons with my friends and get back to just existing in a small, unseen, unknown corner of the preterist world.
Ego has always been present in preterism as some people see it as a way to bypass authority and set themselves up as “pastors” or professors etc. Now sometimes these are people with genuine gifts and abilities to pastor and then it is a great thing. But sometimes it is people who just want to make a living as a pastor, or who want to promote themselves or see themselves as having the one true word and needing to teach everyone else their superior theological position. Then it is a determine to God’s Kingdom not a benefit. I also think it has been tempting at times for all of us to think of making money with our teaching and writing etc. I know I have fallen into that trap before, so it’s not like I can point a finger at others without pointing at me too.
The individual, renegade, cowboy nature of preterism has often led to preterists trying to come up with novel theologies they can promote, “Idealism,” “IBD,” “CBV”, “Realized Preterism,” “Hybrid Preterism,” and so on and so on. Instead of studying to learn from others, new preterist men seem to want to invent something to make their mark on preterism. They want to be known. It is often just about ego any more, and that saddens me. I know 11 years ago, I tried this as well, trying to marry Reformed Preterism with Process Theology categories. You all might remember that fiasco! So again, I cannot point fingers at others without pointing them at me too.
We have become just like the futurists, promoting ourselves instead of the faith; promoting hitting people over the head with our theology instead of showing love and care for others. We have become what many of us saw as a good reason to leave futurist churches. I have seen the enemy and it is us!
I know I have been one who has had heated theological discussions in the past with those who were theologically astute in preterism and its critics. I have often been arrogant myself in these discussions, but through my sinful pride, I still saw a need to be a minister to those who were not as learned as I, those in real need and those hurting. Now many seem to be throwing aside anyone without the theological sophistication of a professor, it seems acceptable to treat those in need and the poor with contempt. I see very little Christianity in many preterists these days.
I am just as guilty as others and I am sick of what I have become in many ways.
When we cannot even discuss feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, taking care of the hurting, and ministering to those in need without using theology or politics as an excuse for ignoring them, something has gone terribly wrong.
Again, it saddens me. There is no need to point fingers or place blame, we have all let it happen. But I really want to just crawl back into a hole, write as I can, read as I can, and just take care of my friends and family.
Today I am sick of preterism.
Now I know of many faithful men who have stood fast in preterism for many years, and I respect them a great deal, this is not about them, this is about me.
I know our critics will latch onto this email and use it against preterism. But maybe that is what it will take for us to see what we have become.
Preterism should be about bringing healing to the nations from the New Jerusalem, not about protecting our territory, or attacking each other, or ignoring those in genuine need.
I am the chief of sinners in this, and for my role I apologize to all of you!
Blessings In Christ,
Ed
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