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At Ruckmanism.org we are trying to evaluate and expose all angles of Ruckmanism that can be documented properly. If you have a topic which you are especially interested in seeing covered here, feel welcome to make suggestions using the comment section below.

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Visitor

Thu, 02/11/2010 - 19:10

I am interested in finding out from where the term "King James Only/Onlyism" originated. Did it originate with Peter A. Ruckman or somewhere else. I believe that Ruckmanism is a derogatory name to "label" those who use the King James Bible exclusively (as I do). Many who attack those who defend and prefer the KJV to the modern versions are always labeled "KJVO" and are "stereotyped" as Ruckmanites. That's why I would like to know if this "derogatory" term originated with Peter Ruckman and Ruckmanism. Thank you and God bless!

Webmaster

Thu, 02/11/2010 - 19:52

That is an interesting question. First of all, it is true that some go too far in labeling someone a Ruckmanite simply because they use the KJV exclusively. I personally use the KJV exclusively. If the webmaster of this very site can be called a Ruckmanite, then such a term is way too broad. By such a loose definition, it could be said that millions were Ruckmanites before Ruckman was born. I have not come up with my "textbook" definition of what a Ruckmanite is, but it would include holding ferverently to the inerrancy of the KJV, something almost unheard of before Ruckman popularized it (see Who was the first KJV defender to influence others to declare the KJV to be inerrant or inspired in the 20th century?). Peter Ruckman alleges that Bob Jones University coined the phrase "King James Onlyism." Here are a couple examples of that allegation: Now you know why BJU invented “King James Onlyism” and invented the hackneyed expressions “Ruckmanism” and “Ruckmanites.” (Bible Believers' Bulletin, Feb. 2007, p. 16) To protect the apostate Bible critics on their faculty, Bob Jones University (steered by Bob Jones Jr. and Bob Jones III: 1960–1970) invented a new cliché called King James Onlyism. It was immediately adopted by every apostate, Laodicean College, Seminary, and University in America... (Bible Believers' Bulletin, Jan. 2007, p. 1) I remember reading something similar in one of Ruckman's books in which it stated that BJU invented the term in the early 1970's. I will try to locate that quote.

Visitor

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 11:19

I found this on a "Frequently Asked Questions" link on the BJU site: Q: My church teaches using the KJV only. What will I be taught at BJU? Why should I attend BJU anyway, or should I go somewhere else for college? A: BJU respects the KJV and its place in the history of preaching. We use the KJV in chapel and classes and do not allow our faculty to show disrespect for it. However, we do believe there is more than one acceptable modern English translation. This is what we teach, but we do not make a major emphasis out of it. http://www.bju.edu/academics/religion/faq.php Sounds like BJU is not using the KJV exclusively anymore. I am supposing that at one time they were using only the KJV, but apparently have diverted from it. I will be looking further.

Webmaster

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 15:06

Sounds like BJU is not using the KJV exclusively anymore. I am supposing that at one time they were using only the KJV, but apparently have diverted from it. I do not completely agree with BJU's position, which as I understand it is that the critical texts are generally better than the various editions of the Textus Receptus. However, it is also my understanding that BJU has never used the KJV exclusively. If that is the case, BJU has not changed much in this area. Our article Ruckman wrongly portraying many Christian leaders of the past as Ruckmanites reveals that Ruckman himself acknowledges that Bob Jones Sr. had something to do with the Amplified Version. I can't put my finger on the source at the moment, but I have read of Ruckman complaining that the BJU bookstore sold versions besides the KJV while he was a student there up to the mid-1950's. Although I do not follow their practice, many recognized Fundamentalist leaders of the past sometimes quoted approvingly from modern English versions, such as the Revised Version.

Webmaster

Mon, 02/22/2010 - 14:13

Here is another quote answering your question. Keep in mind that Ruckman offers no source, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt." …Bob Jones III coined a cute little expression back in the 1970’s which he called “King James Onlyism.” Ruckman, Peter. The Last Grenade. 1990, p. 282  

Visitor

Fri, 04/02/2010 - 19:51

I bought "Ruckman's Apocalypse" out of curiosity today. I found the artwork striking, and thought it would be an interesting addition to the home library. I knew nothing of him. Well, in his introduction, he says that the artist Vincent Van Gogh went to Hell. Well, maybe he did, and maybe he didn't. But while we may be able to judge a man's fruit, we are forbidden to judge his immortal soul. Second, this book claims to be a commentary on Revelation. I thought when I bought it that it was just an illustrated text of the Revelation. But while much of the scripture is Revelation, some of it comes from other books of the Bible, with no chapter and verse references. Also, in his illustrations, he seems to pick his least favorite people and organizations to equate with the forces of the Antichrist. I don't like those liberal special interest groups much either, but doesn't putting the NEA and NAACP in a Biblical commentary such as this run the risk of incurring the curse of Revelation 22:19? Third: Alien spacecraft???? What is clear is that Dr. Ruckman is a brilliant man, with a tremendous talent for visualization. He has an obvious love for Scripture. But somewhere in his noggin he has a screw loose. Perhaps he is one of us (the saved). Perhaps not. We would, perhaps, do well to pray for Dr. Ruckman.

Mike

Sun, 06/20/2010 - 19:57

Ruckman is brilliant? Well, the same could be said for Hannibal Lecter I suppose. General Curtis LeMay was said to be "brilliant" but he would have driven us into WWIII w/Russia if he had his way. I suppose what I am saying is intelligence/brilliance is relative to the personality and character of the person that is in possession of the said "brilliance". Dr. Ruckman has serious character and ethical issues that cast doubt on the best of his intentions and the funny thing is, KJVOs choose to overlook these serious shortcomings in favor of the "good" he has done. Furthermore, if this kind of pathology continues on behalf of his defenders, what is the realistic attraction of Christ? Why follow Christ if your preacher has no problem stealing your wife? If the preacher takes no issue with destroying your reputation (for the good of the ministry, of course)? I would almost profer the idea that of those who have no issue with Mr. Ruckman's character, morals or ethics is because they are permissive of the same flaws in their own lives. I've heard it said of men who are Pastors and who have been discovered with someone elses wife "Don't look at me! Look at Jaayyysus!", as if that disclaimer gives props for the Son of God. No, as a matter of fact, WE are "Jesus" to those who don't know him...WE are the ONLY living representative(s) of the invisible God on earth. That said, would Mr. Ruckman = Jesus? No, of course not. Mike

Visitor

Sat, 06/19/2010 - 06:57

This website, is very detailed and seems like it took several hours of Hard work and dedication. So Im inspired to ask What would happen if this time was used writing books, or knocking on doors, or something to spread the word of Jesus, Instead of bad mouthing Peter Ruckman just because you disagree with him, Clearly whether you agree or not, his time is much better used, considering all his ministries, books etc. I would simply ask are you building up treasure in Heaven by trying to degrade someone else, that is still being fruitful for God regardless of your joke of a site or not. By the way I heard him preach enjoyed it, not a fan of him a fan of Jesus.

Webmaster

Sat, 06/19/2010 - 10:09

I don’t deny that I am guilty of criticizing Ruckman, but Ruckman is one thousand times more guilty of what you attribute to me. If what I do is wrong, Ruckman is a thousand times more wrong, yet you are going after me and defending Ruckman! Don’t you see the double standard? You have not asked what would happen if Ruckman had been soul winning instead of writing against others in his fleshly style. I don't have to give an account to you, but since you brought it up I saw eight souls saved last month. If you really believe in the criteria you set up for me, I would be out for criticizing Ruckman, but Ruckman would have been OUT the first time you picked up one of his books. It is not too late to repent of following a man. Look to Christ, (Heb. 12:2) as He will never fail you.

Visitor

Tue, 06/29/2010 - 19:00

I suggest taking a Poll on "What Teacher Has Taught You The Most About The Bible?"

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