Is Peter Ruckman arrogant? His supporters say no. Geneha Kim in Ruckmanism Ruckus assures everyone that "Dr. Ruckman is not a prideful person claiming to be the final authority in the world." (p. 82). Perhaps to quell some concerns, in 1976 Ruckman assures his readers that he would write in a humble manner:
We shall study and write with a humble spirit. (Ruckman, Peter. The Book of Exodus. 1976, p. X of Preface.)
Did Ruckman fulfill his promise? Are Ruckmanites who speak up for him correct? We will allow Ruckman to speak for himself in his own writings to demonstrate what led us to our conclusion.
Ruckman repeatedly claims to have come up with many new teachings in the Bible
The following quotes reveal that Ruckman is not subtle at all about his claim to have found many new teachings in the Bible:
In those books [Ruckman’s commentaries] will be found (at a minimum) 500 Bible revelations that cannot be found in any commentary written by anyone since the completion of the New Testament. (Bible Believers' Bulletin Mar. 2005, p. 5)
What we have done, by the grace of God, is extract about one hundred “new teachings” from the old Book, by comparing the AV with the AV, and by side stepping Greek and Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Hebrew scholars. (Ruckman, Peter. The Alexandrian Cult. Part Eight, 1981, p. 28)
In 2,000 years of church history, they haven’t even been able to find the passages which dealt with these things we have been talking about… (Ruckman, Peter. The Book of Revelation. 1970, 1982, p. 348)
Ruckman frequently brags about his accomplishments
The following is only a small sampling of what we have found:
I have written more than twice as much material as John Calvin and Augustine combined, and I have stood on my pins (preaching and teaching) on the average of twelve hours a week every September-May for 31 years, plus an average of 6 hours a week for another 16 years—“year-round.” (Ruckman, Peter. Why I am not a Calvinist. 1997, p. 46)
I have been an artist and a musician since I was 15, as well as a poet and songwriter. (Ruckman, Peter. General Epistles Commentary Vol. 2. 2004, p. 261)
…it was Ruckman who was the “SPEARHEAD” of the real “Back to the BIBLE” movement in America since 1960. (Bible Believers' Bulletin May 2007, p. 2)
I do profess to have read somewhere around 36,675 books since I was ten years old, if you count Bible-reading part of the list. (Bible Believers' Bulletin Sep. 2007 p. 3)
…having typed, written, read, or proofread more than three million pieces of paper; (Ruckman, Peter. Bible Believers' Bulletin reprint #7 Strictly Personal. 2004, p. 237)
Ruckman frequently brags about his intellect
Two pages before having bragged about Bob Jones Sr. saying Ruckman was the brightest fellow to go through BJU (based on hearsay) he brings up the following prideful question:
Many students whose capacities exceeded “Ruckman’s”? For example? (Ruckman, Peter. The Last Grenade, p. 141)
Follow-me-Ruckman
Ruckman openly makes references to believers following him. Sometimes it comes in the form of quoting letters from Ruckmanite admirers. In one Bible Believers' Bulletin issue (Feb. 2008, p. 18) he approvingly quotes from a letter from a Filipino follower who made reference to Ruckman as the "big dog" and Filipino Ruckmanite pastors as his "puppies." In the June 2002 issue of his Bulletin, Ruckman mocks anti-Ruckmanites as not being able to get anyone to follow them and then pats himself on the back as follows:
I didn’t have any trouble getting them to follow me in high school, living like the devil and taking the wrong way. I had no trouble having them follow me in the Army when I became a platoon leader. I had no trouble with them following me when I went out to preach on the street, and I’ve had no trouble with them following me now for fifty years, believing the Book and winning people to Christ. (p. 5)
Ruckman's speech exudes arrogance
The following are only a sampling of what we easily collected from his writings:
I know exactly what I am talking about, and you don’t. (Ruckman, Peter. The Book of Hebrews. 1986, p. 241)
Ruckman was the issue. They fear “Ruckman” more than sin, hell, judgment, or death. (Ruckman, Peter. The Last Grenade, p. 329)
…I will show you what was in verses 8-10 that not even Oliver Green, Harry Ironside, C.I. Scofield, E. Schuyler English, Clarence Larkin, Tim LaHaye, Perry Rockwood, or Hal Lindsay could find with a pair of binoculars, a laser gun, a microscope, and “polarized light.” (Ruckman, Peter. The Books of the General Epistles Vol. 1. 2005, p. 114)
I realize that some of you people think I’m very blunt, but that’s because you’re rather stupid. (Ruckman, Peter. Theological Studies. Part. 2, p. 26)
Don’t get upset with me just because you are bigoted or lazy or wicked or stupid. (Ruckman, Peter. Theological Studies, Part 10, p. 37)
Now some of you will take offense to that last remark because of your egotistical stupidity and narrow-minded, superstitious bigotry; (Ruckman, Peter. The Alexandrian Cult. Part Four, 1980, p. 3)
I get sick and tired of these touchy, sensitive folks who say, we don’t believe as you do. “Oooh, you have no right to say we’ve blasphemed and insulted God just because you think you are right.” Shut up, child! Grow up and get out of the knee pants and knee britches and get into some long pants. (Ruckman, Peter. Theological Studies, Part 6, p. 10)
What you know about the contents of Scripture, I know, and if it is in THE BOOK I probably know it a great deal better than the men who TAUGHT you THE BOOK know it. If that is “foolishness in boasting” (2 Cor. 11:17, 12:6), so be it. (Bible Believers' Bulletin Sep. 2005, p. 13)
To an apostate Fundamentalist in the Alexandrian Cult: “Ruckman thinks he is right and everyone else is wrong.” “Ruckman thinks his opinion is the only one.” “Ruckman thinks his interpretation is the only correct one.” He can see only this because he is a scared, lying, Bible-perverting Nicolaitan. I corrected no one with my opinion; I corrected them with Scripture, and not once did I posit my opinion of one of my “preferences” as an authority for interpreting anything. I simply did the most damaging thing I could do—I drew out a two-edged sword, sharper than Damascus steel, and cut their guts out with it. (Ruckman, Peter. The Book of Psalms Vol. 2. 2002 reprint, p. 1192)
[After mentioning over 30 teachers he has had and authors he has read after] Do I “have more understanding than all my teachers”? Ah buddy, that is the “chip” that will short-circuit the computer! Well, if I couldn’t expound Matthew, Acts, and Hebrews better than any of the men listed above, I would go back to playing drums in a dance band. If I could not lead more people to Jesus Christ in a year than thirty-one of them did in a lifetime, I would take up drag racing. If I knew as LITTLE about the Biblical doctrines of the Second Coming as twenty-five of the men above, I would retire at the North Pole, and if I couldn’t correct all of them ten times per chapter in the New Testament, I would go back to life-guarding for a living. If I didn’t know the practical and evangelistic content of the Pauline epistles better than thirty men in the list, I would cancel all of my evangelistic services. (Ruckman, Peter. The Book of Psalms Vol. 2. 2002 reprint, p. 1247)
If everyone had the mentality Ruckman demonstrated in that last quote, hardly anyone would serve the Lord. Any preacher should be able to think of many others who can teach or understand the Bible better than themselves, but that is no reason to go back to the world or secular work instead of being completely dedicated to the ministry and doing their best. When Peter decided to go back to fishing, the Lord questioned him whether he loved Him more than this, and challenged him saying "feed my lambs" (John 21).
While decrying scholarship, Ruckman elevates himself as a scholar
In his writings Ruckman sometimes mentions that he does not claim to be a scholar–but is this not false humility in light of how he portrays himself? Observe:
Five earned degrees, with 120 books authored, and handling a curriculum of 22 subjects (by myself)… (Ruckman, Peter. The Scholarship only Controversy. p. 275)
I’ve only read a book a day since I was 10 years old. (Ruckman, Peter. Theological Studies. Part 15, p. 7)
I have only written 120 books: how many have YOU written?
If you counted the books that I have written by handlettering (that were never published), you would have fifteen more. If you had the cassette tapes I have made, transcribed and printed, as books, you would have forty more. That would be 175 books. (Ruckman, Peter. Ecclesiastes. 2001 reprint, p. 358)I may be the only man alive on the American continent who has taught twenty-five different subjects in one curriculum AT ONE TIME with three of the subjects being on a graduate level. (Ruckman, Peter. How to teach the Bible. 2000 reprint, p. 1)
It will be a cold day in Mobile, in July, when these Alexandrian jacklegs lecture me on “What the Bible Teaches.” I have been through it 130 times in English, and I study it in German, Spanish, Latin, Hebrew and Greek; (Ruckman, Peter. How to teach the Bible. 2000 reprint, p. 2)
[Ruckman’s books] … are the only set of books on this earth that exposit the AV text word-for-word, without altering one word out of 788,258 words in the Bible. (Bible Believers' Bulletin May 2004, p. 5)
In a review of Ruckman's first book, the reviewer couldn't help but notice the following:
The author, who inveighs mightily against the pride of modern scholarship, nevertheless lists his degrees on the title page as B.A., M.A., Ph.D. —a practice that would make most writers blush. (Hodges, Z.C. "Book Reviews and Notices" Bibliotheca Sacra. Oct. 1967, p. 361)
Is Ruckman trying to sell himself with an agenda in mind? If so, he knows what he is doing. Observe what he has admitted in his writings could be the reason for all this:
A real false prophet is out to promote himself. His first concern (above all other things) is to “sell himself” and his ministry to “the people” so they will listen to him and follow him. (Bible Believers' Bulletin Mar. 2005, p. 13)
Is Ruckman his own favorite subject?
When reading Ruckman's literature we cannot help but wonder if he is his own favorite subject. For instance, in what he implies was a sermon, he starts off as follows in the first minute:
I’m going to talk to you a while this morning about myself, for a while. As “foolishly boasting,” you know. Most of my sermons are about something else, but I’m talking about myself this morning…I’m never that much interested in anybody else. (Ruckman, Peter. Personal Testimony of Dr. Peter S. Ruckman. n.d., CD audio recording, 1992, track 3)
It is not uncommon for Ruckman to call attention to his accomplishments in the midst of what is supposed to be a Bible commentary. For example, in his commentary on Ecclesiastes, he brags about having traveled the equivalent of 78 times around the earth (2001 reprint, p. 172). In his commentary The Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther he brags about being able to answer questions with a scriptural reference within 5 seconds, and regarding this calls himself “the fastest gun in the West.” (2004 edition, pp. 204-205). In the midst of his commentary on The Books of the General Epistles Volume 1 Ruckman just has to tell you that he has written more than 120 books (proofreading each five times), he pastors 600 people, answers about 20 letters a day, has taught 10 hours a week for 37 years, done more than 500 paintings, has over 3,300 hours of preaching on tape, etc. (pp. 69, 421).
His arrogance in a nutshell
Perhaps the quote which sums up Ruckman's arrogance the most is the following, which should remove all doubt:
…You found someone that knew more about the Bible than “Ruckman,” did you? Who? (Ruckman, Peter. The Christian’s Handbook of Biblical Scholarship. 1988, p. 35)
In denial
That Ruckman is in denial about his arrogance is evident by his lecturing others on this very subject in his writings:
The Holy Spirit is grieved with foolish talking and…exaggerating… (Ruckman, Peter. The Books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians. 1973, 1980 reprint, p. 291)
Feeling an important, independent spirit…Having a sarcastic or unyielding spirit…Saying and doing things to attract attention to yourself…Permitting things in your life you would not permit in the lives of other Christians…Being a joker or jester…Partiality in dealing with certain persons, denominations, or classes…Putting on a false or exaggerated humility. (Ruckman, Peter. The Books of the General Epistles. Vol. 2. 2004, pp. 28-29)
We should not be bragging about our work and bragging about our consecration and bragging about our dedication. (Ruckman, Peter. Theological Studies, part 8, p. 18)
The Bible on pride
Such arrogant talk as manifested by Ruckman should be repugnant to a child of God who is aware of what the Bible has to say about boasting. 2 Cor. 3:5 reminds us that our sufficiency is of God: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 1 Cor. 8:2 states that …if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. Pro. 27:2 makes it clear that we are not to heap praise on ourselves: Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. Romans 12:3 contains an admonition of which we all need to be reminded: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
The less controversial early years
In the early days of my ministry, before I had learned how to be tactful and diplomatic—I have mellowed with the years! (Ruckman, Peter. Minor Prophets Commentary. 1978, 1984 reprint, p. 302)
In the above statement Ruckman claims the opposite of what we have observed from reading his earlier writings and listening to recordings of his preaching from the 1950’s as compared to subsequent decades. In our research, we located a small number of early writings and videos of Dr. Ruckman to compare his early theology and attitude with that of his later years. Although he may have always been at least somewhat controversial, the sampling from his early days revealed a remarkable difference. He came across mostly as a non-controversial preacher who smiled a lot and spoke with a tender heart. Rarely would he say something that could be considered controversial; moreover in the audio and video clips we were able to see and hear from the period, it seems to indicate that he did not go beyond borderline. There was no tearing down of fundamentalists by name, no new doctrines, and no self-aggrandizement. In his less-controversial early days, he claims to have preached for J. Harold Sightler, John Rawlings, Beauchamp Vick (Detroit Baptist Temple), Canton Baptist Temple, Bob Jones University, Tennessee Temple, and Baptist Bible College. Ruckman defenders sometimes defend his current controversial approach by excusing it as his style; however, his earlier writings and recordings do not reflect this to the same extent as later years.
Intimidation of critics
In the following quote, Ruckman tries to intimidate potential critics who might dare think that he brags by calling them "prejudiced bigots:"
We are not trying to brag about our knowledge or trying to strut it (although it seems this way to the prejudiced bigots… (Ruckman, Peter. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians Commentary 1973, 1980 p. 350)
Are Ruckman's followers feeding Ruckman's big ego?
Ruckman started off more cautious in proclaiming his beliefs back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, but as he gained a loyal following it apparently emboldened him to propagate his new teachings and cocky attitude. Could it be that his followers by accepting, promoting and defending his teachings over the years knowingly or unknowingly, did little more than stroke Ruckman's ego? He seems to hint at this with his statement: "I have always had enough Bible believers to respect me to keep me happy and satisfied." (Ruckman, Peter. Bible Believers' Bulletin reprint #7 Strictly Personal. 2004, p. 131) Would Ruckman have corrected his behavior if his followers would have quit respecting him as he got more extreme? The measure of Ruckman's satisfaction should be determined by pleasing God according to his Word–not by how many look up to him.
Even if Ruckman's teachings on the Bible were correct, his incredible arrogance alone as displayed in his speech should be enough to reject his ministry. Let us be mindful of Proverbs 8:13, which says The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Drums sound loud because there is nothing in them.
Good men know themselves too well to chant their own praises.
-Spurgeon
Do you have a theory as to what led Ruckman to become arrogant? Feel free to comment below.
iF YOU WOULD JUST WIN SOULS INSTEAD OF BAD MOUTHING PREACHERS ALL DAY YOU MIGHT GET AN AWARD WHEN YOU GET TO HEAVEN.
If you would execute true judgement, you would not be so chasted of the Lord Jehovah by His Son on that day. God, though He has a supreme sense of humor, finds this no jesting matter.
Proverbs 18.12 “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”
Amos 1.3 “Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:”
Zechariah 7.9, 10 “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.”
II Corinthians 5.9-12 “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to [answer] them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.”
I Thessalonians 5:21-2 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Why not study on your own Luke 6.36-8 and John 7.24 and Ephesians’ fourth to fifth chapters?
This is an odd way of changing the subject instead of “facing the music.” Isn’t bad-mouthing preachers Ruckman’s specialty?
You know, it would appear that once someone’s life takes a wrong turn and no corrective action is taken then the opportunity for bitterness to set in takes hold. Mr. Ruckman IS a very angry and bitterman who’s found a niche audience to pander to and it seems that one drives the other. If there was a time where he was closer to Christ (demonstrated by his behavior)…find out what happened in his life just prior to his down hill slide and there you’ll have it. Lastly, if his behavior is this bad relative to the Faith and brethren, what was/is his behavior like with the regular things in life?
I can tell you when Ruckman started speaking the way he does – When he got converted and the Spirit of Christ showed him that the world is filled with liars, deceivers, cheats, thieves, crooks and also some people who don’t profess to follow Christ (see Matt 7:22-23 and John 8). If you didn’t already know this about Ruckman it demonstrates that you haven’t even bothered to read his books.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Proverbs 18:13
The abundance of quotes direct from Ruckman’s writings (and not borrowed from a third party) is proof that I have read his writings. In fact, in this article alone I quoted from over 20 different sources, involving a variety from his commentaries, articles, pamphlets, and recordings. See our books of Ruckman here: https://www.ruckmanism.org/ruckmans-130-books The verse from Proverbs you attributed to me was totally out of line.
Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:
Study Gods Words to see if Ruckman’s life is wicked.
I don’t think Peter Ruckman is arrogant. Simply a product of his upbringing in a bygone era. He is certainly not an academic, although his self proclaimed accolades promote him to be genius of the highest ‘Mensa’ caliber. Interestingly, I have met Peter Ruckman. In fact I drove him in my car to an preaching engagement he was having in Michigan sometime in 1995 or 1996. If you agree with him, he is the quintessential ‘everyman’. In person, rather than in his writings, he did not present casually as either narcissistic or arrogant.
He has a strong, rather likeable, locker-room personality. I can appreciate why so many fundamentalist KJ Onlyists adore him. He connects with them on a psychosocial level. As an atheist in the order of Hitchens, Harris and Dawkins, all his purported mental gymnastics don’t resonate to me other than insane, amoral, anthropological mythologies of bronze aged patriarchs.
He employs no more empirically rational critical thinking than Harold Camping, Kent Hovind or that Phelps fellow from Kansas. Also, his pseudo-masculine bravado far outshines his actual courage and achivements. Even so, on some level I appreciate him as a person, and will be lightly grieved when he dies. I am fully convinced that he is absoultely sincere in his theistic ideologies. I’m glad that when he finally dies in his old age that he won’t be capable of registering surprize that his entire “life work” was really rather silly.
He has a strong, rather likeable, locker-room personality.
I don’t believe Jesus had that type of image. We are to be like Christ… nothing less.
Dear blogger,
Your article constitutes nothing more than logical slop, ad hominem to be precise. It amounts to attacking a man because of his personality. If you can not fault Ruckman’s scholarship or argumentation then you would be helping the whole Body of Christ by supporting the man instead of running him down. Either demonstrate to people that Ruckman is wrong or drop this childish tripe.
I studied for six and a half years at university in the field of science and teaching and I’ve been studying the Word and Bible matters for longer than that and in regard to Ruckman’s materials (that I have read or listened to) – Ruckman has NOTHING to recant!
You have not demonstrated what you allege about my writings. In fact, I said very little in this article–mostly some brief points followed by quotes of Ruckman proving my point. You insist that I demonstrate that Ruckman is wrong. I even demonstrated it with Scripture. How much more proof could you ask for?
You haven’t been reading anything at this site at all, apparently. The webmaster successfully takes on Ruckman’s dubious “scholarship” in almost every article on this site; when he does take on Ruckman’s character, it’s because Ruckman is being arrogant, self-aggrandizing and, at times, racist (as the webmaster’s article about the racist “jokes” Ruckman inserted into his Bible commentary proves: https://www.ruckmanism.org/commentary-jokes).
The webmaster has already proven definitively, article after article, that Ruckman’s views are wrong, and the way he presents his views are equally wrong. Either read the other articles at this site for yourself and see what I’m referring to, or – if you’re the same “David” who posted at 5:17pm on 31 March 2013 – follow your own poorly-stated advice regarding Proverbs 18:13 and stop answering matters before reading them.
As a Christian, should not our personality be imaged to that of Christ? Personalities stem from Greek philosophy. Christ never taught such self-absorbed Ego.
Ruckman sits on the high seat and judges all Christian scholars in the history of the Church. He judges Augustine, Jerome, Eusebius, Ignatius, and all early Church Fathers and finds errors in all of them. Not only that, he judges all modern scholars. Phillip Schaff, John Rice, Stewart Custer, Daniel Wallace, and all modern schoars who do not agree with Ruckmanism are to be judged by Ruckman. Ruckman has the power to judge all modern Bible versions and prove that they are works of Satan. Ruckman has the authority to judge all faculties of Christian institutions such as Dallas Theological Seminary, Bob Jones University, Pensacola Christians College, and all other Christian educators who do not respect Ruckmanism. Ruckman is the great judge of all Christianity. Ruckman is right, and everybody else is wrong. This is what Ruckman and Ruckmanites believe. Arrogance? Ruckman is the definition of arrogance.
I really have a question about this, and I wonder if anyone could answer. How can it be that people who have studied the Bible for decades, which includes Ruckman and his followers, think that the delivery and attitude of a message does not matter? That it is perfectly OK and biblical to abuse anyone uaing whichever language and insults that they see fit, if as far as they are concerned, that their message is correct?
Anytime I ask a Ruckmanite this question, I am met with fierce opposition, but no actual scriptural explanation.
To give you an example, the last time I put forward such a question, the person accused me of ‘.. he that soweth discord among brethren; (Prob 6:19) whilst at the same time calling me a ‘snowflake’. Can a reasonable person not see the irony here? To accuse someone of sowing discord whilst at the same time, insulting them?
Any explanations for this type of Ruckmanite behavior?
I will let others answer the question, but I wanted to say that I’ve been enjoying your comments. They have been balanced and insightful.
I think it’s the “root of bitterness” that Hebrews 12:15 speaks of. These Christians take something they’re angry about, and instead of giving it to the Lord to control, they stay bitter and take it out on any Christian they feel is a threat to their walk with Christ. It causes an us vs. them attitude. There can be many reasons for such bitterness and I think the main reason is pride. It is so easy to learn the Bible better than other Christians and be prideful about it and treat others like they’re stupid simply because their walk with Christ isn’t where your’s is. But the sad thing is, when we let pride enter in, the Lord backs away. After all, James 4:6 says “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble!”
My previous answer was to Craig’s question, by the way.