The Gnostic World of John Walton

Walton has become accessible to a broader range of "prophecy enthusiasts" via the writings of Michael Heiser. In fact Heiser has been complementary to theistic evolutionist Peter Enns. But that's best left for a possible future blog. For the moment, the following article discussing John Walton is very interesting and important:

The history of the church includes well-meaning scholars who introduce ideas that undermine Biblical authority. This is the case with the gifted Old Testament professor Dr. John Walton.

Dr. Walton teaches at Wheaton College. Last November, in preparation for a campus showing of our film Is Genesis History?, he provided a paper for professors to pass out to students. Entitled “Is Genesis Real History?,” it outlined his unique perspective on how to interpret the book of Genesis. (You can read it here.)

A number of students were troubled by what they read. Dr. Walton seemed to be questioning whether the Bible could be used to know what actually happened in the past. His ideas were complex, however, and some students were not sure what to make of them.

One student asked if I would respond. Although there are a number of observations I can make, his paper should first be placed in context of his prior work and affiliations...keep reading

What Happened in the Garden

My review of the book "What Happened in the Garden."

From the back cover:

Evangelicals are no strangers to the creation versus evolution debate. Now the argument has spread beyond the contents of the creation account in Genesis 1 and into Genesis 2-3, with speculation about the historicity of Adam and Eve and the Fall. But does it matter which position one holds? Is anything really at stake?

Read the review HERE

Criticism of The Unseen Realm - Satan & Hell

I reviewed Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm HERE

While I tried to be fair with the main premise of the book in my review, I found many secondary issues which I couldn't ignore. I was familiar with some of these prior to reading The Unseen Realm. But having looked further into what Heiser believes and teaches in a number of key areas (e.g. Genesis) gives me concern because of his popularity among the younger generation.

Heiser comes across as the chic scholar to go to. He's influenced people like Peter Goodgame. One example is his view of Satan. Take this article from Brazen Church The Real, Biblical Satan is Not At All What You Think. Then read Peter Goodgame's short essay towards the end of the comments section.

It has become fashionable to rethink Satan, hell, Penal Substitution etc (See the Brazen Church articles). Goodgame once told me that: "There are so many views out there that humility is the key so that we do not deceive ourselves." While the context was eschatology, his meaning has a broader application.

Humility is not what I'm seeing from these revisionists. At least one observer has called these people "pseudo-theologians." Frankly, I agree. Neither do I see consistency. Brazen Church features a polemic against the rapture with one objection being that it wasn't taught until the 1800's. William C. Watson's recent book debunks that argument. Yet their About page contains these observations:

We’re a community of Jesus-followers who, at some point or other, realized we had been lied to about God.

It probably wasn’t an intentional lie, but the reality is that when people embrace something as “true”, they tend to filter out information that disagrees with their belief and then impart that belief to those around them.

In our pursuit of God, as we studied Scripture, investigated the teachings of early Church fathers, compared notes on modern theologians, and analyzed Church history, we discovered that man’s view of God has never stopped changing. You might even say it is constantly evolving.

So church history doesn't always matter!

Back to Heiser's book...

The Unseen Realm is plugged by the likes of Tremper Longman and Darrel Bock, among others. Some sort of caveat should have been issued regarding Heiser's other views, unless they agree with them. Tremper Longman likely does. But that isn't the way the review system operates. Unfortunately, the book doesn't just stand alone on its subject - it draws readers into other areas. And I think that's a problem.

Dominic Bnonn Tennant has written criticisms of Heiser's book. So far his review is incomplete but hopefully one day he'll return to it. What he's written is worth a look:

Constructive criticism of The Unseen Realm #1: filters and mosaics

Constructive criticism of The Unseen Realm #2: who is ha’satan?

Constructive criticism of The Unseen Realm #3: perfection and freedom

This is worth a look as well - response to Brazen Church (several parts):

What is hell, and is it biblical?  

Note especially the final installment where Tennant exposes the reliance on mystic syncretist Julie Ferwerda.