Carl Smuda

I really enjoyed studying many things of historical theology and a few really good theologian writers. This enabled me to put our whole mess into perspective. Nothing new under the sun. But if you really want to rate one or two of the 22,000+ denominations of Christiandom...consider that the JW's are in fact more successful than TWI.

So then, doesn't this open us up to all kinds of fun? Theonomy, Reconstructionism, Dominion Theology, and the like?

JerryB, great post. I studied it closely and followed it through. Good, yes. You may be aware of this but I can't pass up the chance to remind everyone: Psalm 110:1 is the most quoted OT scripture in the NT. and this fact, I think, really sets your post on one seriously unmovable Rock!He must Reign until all enemies are His footstool. Upon this Rock shall He build His church. The very gates of Hell cannot prevail against it! and if the preterists are correct, then it may be as you say, . and this makes the Parousia Postmillennial does it not? And postmillennialism was very popular in the U.S. until WWI. Remember, Christians in the colonies believed that North America was the location of the New Jerusalem 200 years before the Latter-Day-Saints made it one of their doctrines.In closing, Albert Schweitzer was a blessing to me for study. He helped me see that all the endtime prophecies of the primitive Christians was completely in the context of ancient Jewish eschatology. There must come a Messianic Kingdom. Jesus was to bring that when He came back. Now, if He came back in 70AD as the Preterists tell us, then where is that Kingdom? We are living in it now, maybe not me but somebody. respectfully, Car

Bliss, it's nice to know that. thank you for the clarification. that what you said has a ring of sound doctrine to it. as far as something we might call 'sound Christian doctrine.' I don't see any other way to explain the "this generation" condition in the Gospels. Carl

In all the readings and studying I've done since The Way Days, what looks the most sense-able is simply: He is coming back at the end of the world. And yet, that IS the rub isn't it? If the preterists are true He already came back when Titus leveled Jerusalem once and for all.

Nice thread. Greetings to all. Preterism IS a good topic and, I think, not to be dismissed. I can't discern the difference tween orthodox and heterodox preterism. someone else can give us those dividing lines. I remember seeing a website that claims that both preterism and futurism are both plots by Catholics to keep us all from seeing that the Roman Catholic church herself (and that old Beast the Pope) Is the very fulfillment of prophecy. Let us not forget the Spanish Inquisition (NO ONE expects the Spanish Inquistion! ooo!). but anyway. IamSteve, I humbly suggest you might enjoy reading a book called When Time Shall Be No More. by Paul Boyer. I found this to be a very very helpful work on the History of Prophecy. I don't remember Mr. Boyer getting into Preterism specifically but the grand history of how Christianity has acted in different centuries is very enlightening. Context is King and History is context. It is a wonderful thing. God Bless you Doctor Hedstrom, where ever you are! In many ways I think a significant jolt of preterism would be a refreshing thing for our Christianity. As for me, providence has placed me in a place where I don't even believe the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back. I believe he is the most recent incarnation of Vishnu. I've taken a more hindu perspective on things -but hey- don't let that get us off track okay? :( Christ Jesus is in my marrow. and I believe He'll come back at the end-of-days. where does that fit into our eschatology? respectfully, Carl

Pat, I looked around again. you're right. months ago when GreaseSpot's new format started I couldn't see all the posts on a thread. They were all one-lines connected like notes for a outline. I had to click each row to read what someone said so I didn't return for a long time. I looked around this time and you're right. now the threads I can scroll through and see the posts without opening and closing. who knows where I was? operator error. sorry folks I apologize for being so gotta for now as always, Carl

Pat, it would be so nice to talk to Gene. I haven't kept good contact with many people in my life. right now it is very much like, or exactly like, a good Neil Young song: "one of these days, I'm gonna write a long letter, to all the friends I've had, one of these days, I'm gonna sit down and write a long letter, ...one of these days...."God Bless us everyone! p.s. is there anyway to see the whole thread on grease spot? what is this open, close, open close none sense? on other sites I can scroll and read?! is this some default format for you all die hard Macintosh devotees? Love Always, Carl

I am very happy to hear that. That means that in the early 90's they had a child. God is Great!

Gene, if you're reading this I am sorry. I am sorry I was such a complete monster when I returned from the states. I'd do it totally different if I could do it over. I've done a lot of growing too and I had to deal with the rug being yanked out from under me too. It was a privelage to learn from you. You were the best until...well, you know. I wish I would have worked with you not against you. It's been 20 years. It doesn't matter anymore. I'm married with children now, a son (9) and a daughter (5). I'm a probation officer and I'm more interested in hinduism than Christianity. They are both very much a part of my marrow and they always have been. It would be nice to talk to you again and make amends with you. Just cause we both got burned by TWI doesn't mean we stop being people. God Bless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Love always, Carl

I still have pictures of Twig activities on Guam where Sherry was furious at Gene. She was always very calm. But you know how it is. When you spend time with someone several days a week for a couple years you can read the situation. I hope they are both happy. I was a complete butthead with Gene when it all went up in flames. I wish I could talk to him and Sherry.

Are they still married? Did they ever have any children? I hope so. I was on Guam from Jan 1986-Aug 1990. Gene ran a nice fellowship till the stick hit the fan. They are both too smart to still be in TWI?!

LOVE that picture of John Lennon! One of the top three men of the 1960's!

Year2027, thank you for sharing. Godspeed. Carl

Roy, God Bless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Can you please tell me WHY you believe that the Parousia takes place in the year 2027 A.D.? respectfully, Carl