William Barclay-Scottish Theologian

William Barclay 1907-1978 wrote the acclaimed 17 volume Daily Study Bible. He wrote many other books for a grand total of 80 or so. I've read about 25 or so of these books.

William Barclay also taught universal salvation -- the idea that everyone is going to heaven, no matter what.

We've had a couple people in here pushing that heresy, and we had to ban them. (One of them was a monitor!)

Reference: www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/barclay1.html (this was linked from the Wikipedia page on William Barclay). PLEASE NOTE THIS LINK IS HERESY His essay is titled "I AM A CONVINCED UNIVERSALIST" and it begins as follows: "I am a convinced universalist. I believe that in the end all men will be gathered into the love of God." Then he gives scripture to try to support this heresy.

RoboOp

Hi RobOp, Yes, I can't agree with everything Barclay wrote but the overwhelming body of his writings are very much orthodox. I don't want to get banned for pushing anything. The only thing I push is belief in Jesus and in his resurrection=salvation. I am interested in information, learning, sharing, fellowship (fellowlaborer)! Heresy is just another man's opinion. I've never felt threatened by that!

Hi fellowlaborer I wasn't suggesting anything about banning you, though as I said we do have to ban anyone who pushes any such heresy.

The Bible is very clear on various things, such as salvation! Sorry Mr. Barclay kinda missed the whole point on that kinda important issue.

That little bit of poison (his doctrine of universal salvation) is enough to send people to hell.

So we'd rather expose that real heresy rather than mislead people into thinking that this guy is a sound resource for Bible doctrine.

I'm sure you can find many other sound resources without the poison.

RoboOp

Scottish people rock!! But then, I am biased

And them I read the thread...I dunno...Theology confuses me NEXT!

Hey Scottish. This is not some theological splitting of hairs.

It's a very simple question:

Do you believe that everyone will go to heaven?

Oh - you are actually asking me? Hahaha. I believe that there is such a place as Hell, so no. Not everyone goes to heaven... Do I get a lillipop?

Yes, you get a lollipop ----@

And your fellow Scottsman William Barclay gets a BAN

*sucks it*

I do not!

Lies! I just have to reply to your lies!!

Wow! What am I getting into!? I was raised a Roman Catholic, yes please pity me! No I don't believe everyone goes to heaven. But you have to think of the person, who, never having been evangelized, getting to heaven. A person who has never known The Lord is not at fault for his ignorance if he never had the chance to hear the Gospel. Even the Vatican Council said that there are "elements of truth in other faiths". No, not the whole truth, but "elements". I do believe there are mitigating circumstances.
Can you suggest other authors? to be continued...

That's a good question, but again, Barclay's teaching is that everybody -- including all who blatantly reject Jesus (Hitler, Osama bin Laden, etc.) -- go to heaven. It's a dangerous doctrine because ultimately it removes all accountability and all responsibility to seek God, repent of your sin, and live for Him (because in the end we'll all get there anyway!).

I'm not so much into big name Bible teachers, but the best modern-day one that I know of is John McArthur (from the little bit I've read/heard from him). When I've heard him teach, he simply expounded a chapter verse by verse, and it was very good. I think he's pretty conservative on the scriptures.

As for commentaries, the Believer's Bible Commentary is pretty good, by William McDonald. It's very practical (and conservative on the scriptures).

These "secondary sources" (commentaries, study aids) are fine, but don't forget to study your primary source first -- the Bible.

RoboOp

I miss you Scottish......

This is the same Doctrine that lost Carlton Peirceson His Church......

Its the same Doctrine that was Told in the garden of Eden to Adam and Eve....

Char

Hello again! Thanks for both the clarification and the referrals to McArthur/McDonald. Wouldn't you agree that the primary source is unintelligble to most people? It seems that serious bible study can only really be accomplished with the secondary sources like commentaries, dictionaries and some understanding of the Koine Greek language. A solid historical understanding of Judaism and Western Philosophy seems necessary seeing as Paul and later Church Fathers like Augustine and Aquinas used what was salvageable from the Greeks. You must have utilized other texts or some other mentoring method to arrive at your understandings?

I've got to say biblically I missed out on a lot as a Catholic. Even in the seminary, bible study was limited to one or two classes on the Holy Land. The focus was on tradition as the magisterium and Papal encyclicals present it, salvation by Mass attendance/sacraments. It hardly seems Faith in Jesus was ever mentioned. Don't get me wrong, the Roman Church has done a great job of preserving orthodoxy and conservatism-without that constant steering who knows what we'd be believing now? On the other hand, thankfully the Reformation happened and Luther came along, and to a lesser extent men like Barclay-don't you agree?

Actually, I would say that relying on other sources (the priest, etc.) and avoiding the primary source (the Bible) is exactly why so many Catholics are so messed up. Historically, the Catholic church tried to keep the word of God from the common people (by keeping it translated in Latin and not their language).

I've read very little of secondary sources. I've read the Bible a lot. Most of it can be easily understood by any educated person, if they take the time to read it. I've also learned a lot in church (different churches) from simple godly men who simply expound on the scriptures that I've already read.

I suggest that you try to read it for yourself, directly, a lot. Maybe have a good commentary on hand to simply look up parts that you don't understand. And still you need to judge for yourself.

And/or have access to a good Bible teacher/pastor in person, at a good protestant church.

RoboOp

Hi, I am a simple Christian.a Mom and sunday school teacher. My favorite read is the Bible. Just a couple note..
1. Fellow laborour mentioned that those who do not get evangelized have a possible excuse. The Bible says we are without excuse. We have three witnesses a, our conscience
b, creation
c .The Word

I have heard testimony from misionaries who have gone to forgotten tribes and have been welcomed by the chief because the chief was praying for someone to tell him the truth. He knew , from his own conscience and creation that there was something else. He CHOSE to seek...Choice is given to every man on the face of the earth.
2, RoboOp...I have been very impressed with your stand on Truth....you are a blessing. Just one thing that I noticed,,You said the Bible can be understood by any educated man. Actually a lot of very educated men do not understand the Word because the do not have The Spirit of Truth. The Bible says that The Word is spiritually discerned. The basic reading level of the King James Bible. is a grade 5 level...very easy to read...but understanding comes from God and a relationship with The Son...

Thanks MommyGrace ..