For those who don’t know, Brian Simmons who was once an author here on the PretBlog, has since been removed (quietly until now, in effort to protect his dignity) but now Simmons has started to re-associate himself with the hyperpreterists. He isn’t even calling them “hyper” anymore but has resumed calling them “full preterists”, which only serves to feed the need for validation that they always seek.
Just as an aside, it is erroneous to consider hyperpreterists the true representatives of the preterist view. Let me explain. The word “hyper” means to go beyond, beyond the original intent. For example, a hyper-Calvinist, when he advocates that we need not preach the Gospel because God will save people without the method, the hyper-Calvinist goes beyond the original intent of Calvinist belief. So too, does hyperpreterism go beyond the original intent of historic preteristic belief…whether historic preteristic belief is “inconsistent” or not, it is STILL the original intent & form of preterism.
Ok, back to the topic. So, Simmons has been putting up blogs that focus attack on “partial-preterism” (or more specifically on Dee Dee). I too believe what is called “partial-preterism” has problems & leads people into hyperpreterism. I can’t tell you how many hyperpreterists claim they cut their teeth on the works of folks like Gary DeMar, James B. Jordan, & others. BUT, the difference is, Simmons isn’t merely utilizing hyperpreterist materials to show how partial-preterism may lead to hyperpreterism. Simmons is now actively participating with hyperpreterists…as if they were Christian “brothers”.
Sam Frost, the leader of the quasi-conservative faction of hyperpreterism plans to have Simmons on his podcast on Sunday July 13, 2008. In making the announcement, Frost says:
“I know very well where my brother, Brian, stands, and he knows very well where I stand. Once that is clear, then we can allow our agreements to serve as points to what is at issue.”
If Simmons goes on that podcast & lets people believe Frost is his “brother” then Simmons will have completely sold out. Now, it is expected that Frost is trying to buddy up with Simmons. Hyperpreterists have long operated on the “enemy of my enemy is my friend” model. Plus, Frost has a reputation for pandering, be it to get a slot on a conference circuit or when he calls radio shows & blathers on how he shared a room with Gary DeMar or some other name-dropping opportunity. So, here is Frost again, using Simmons to further his own agenda.
Once Simmons does this podcast with Frost, this will be the end of Simmons’ AND Frost’s as having ANY credibility. Even Frost’s own hyperpreterists buddies see this.
Hyperpreterist Chuck Coty commenting on the planned podcast says:
“I understand (at least I think I do) where you’re going with this but I’m not so excited about the unholy alliance. Finding a point of agreement with someone on the polar opposite of the eschatological spectrum in an attempt to fight common foes, is rather bizarre, at least in theo world. It’s certainly part and parcel to our U.S. foreign policy but an odd tactic in the sometimes unsavory world of eschatology.”
Mr. Coty gets it. He sees through the pandering of Frost. He sees this as the purely opportunistic “unholy alliance” that it is going to be.
But hey , again Frost is known for his pandering – be it with theological socialists or anyone that gives him an audience. Sammy lives to tell people who he knows & what he knows & where he learned it – it is part of his megalomaniac mindset. Chances are, Mr. Coty won’t admit to himself that Sammy is a panderer – Mr. Coty will probably still be the same Sammy groupie he has always been…& now Simmons is on his way to being a groupie too.
