The Shepherd's Chapel and Dr. Arnold Murray

"I Don’t Have A Big Problem With Your Criticisms, Only That You Feel Compelled To Criticize"

----- Original Message -----

From: Name and Address Withheld

To: reborn@oraclesofgod.org (Paul Stringini)

Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 12:09 PM

Subject: Shepherd's Chapel

I spent some time thinking about what you have said. I became interested in listening to Arnold Murray about 3 years ago. The story goes deeper than this, but let it suffice at this time. I don’t have a big problem with your criticisms, only that you feel compelled to criticize. Several of the doctrine “ mistakes “ you mentioned, I have never heard in Arnold’s current teachings. Perhaps as one ages and continues their studies they revisit their thoughts and come to different conclusions. Man will never get the scripture perfect. One needs to ultimately put their study into God’s word, also, recognizing that many of the writings have been either intentionally or non-intentionally adjusted, as man has been the scribe of these writings over time. Through faith ( the blood} and consuming God’s word ( the body } we will remain watchmen and help plant seeds in the lives of others. Arnold Murray has introduced many people to the scriptures. Some I’m sure have come to believe everything that Arnold teaches is absolute biblical fact. Those with more wisdom realize that no man knows everything, yet should strive to continue to learn. The fact that as a youth you came to study God’s word through the voice of Arnold Murray is a blessing. The fact you continue to try to gain clearer understanding of God’s word is also a blessing. We are not to judge but have discernment. Arnold will be judged by HE that judges all as you and I will be.

I did not send a direct reply to this message, but now that I'm posting it on my website I have a thing or two to say.

I don’t have a big problem with your criticisms, only that you feel compelled to criticize

And what is this guy doing? It reminds me of something you would hear in a Monty Python sketch, "It is my opinion, that people who criticize people who criticize should not express their opinions."

These comments are typical of a certain segment of people who write to me. They basically say that it is wrong for me to be critical of Dr. Murray, and remark that it is wrong for me to "judge" him.

Matt 23:23...and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done,

Even so, they leave me curious. I guess my question to these writers would be, "How have I judged Dr. Murray, and why does what I do not qualify as discernment?"

I guess that because I make my discernment public, that is why they find fault with me. But If I should keep silence it would be sin. If God has enlightened me, then it is my duty to let that light shine.

These same writers never say anything about the way Dr. Murray does judgment against people who teach the rapture, or other numerous doctrines which he judges false.