BOB THIEME'S TEACHINGS ON CHRISTIAN LIVING By Joe Layton Wall A Th.D. dissertation, published with revisions, by permission of Dallas Theological Seminary, originally entitled "A Critical Examination of the Teachings by Robert B. Thieme, Jr., on the Christian Life" ii CopyrightÓ Joe L. Wall, 1978. Published by Church Multiplication, Inc. Produced by Art/Forms - Houston, Texas Printed by United Missionary Services, Inc. Second printing with minor revisions, 1979. Third printing with minor revisions, 1982 Additional copies are available free of charge as funds are provided. Requests for copies and tax- deductible contributions should be made out to Church Multiplication, Inc., c/o Spring Branch Community Church, 9560 Long Point Road, Houston, Texas 77055. iii Dedication to Linda, God's gift to me as an understanding wife through five years of doctoral studies iv In appreciation to -- Vicki Callendar, typist Phyllis Markel, typist Trace Guthrie, cover v FOREWORD.......................................................................................................................XIII PREFACE........................................................................................................................................................... xv INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................1 THIEME'S INFLUENCE...................................................................................................................................1 Berachah Publications .......................................................................................................................................1 Other Publications .............................................................................................................................................1 Electronic Media...............................................................................................................................................2 Conferences .......................................................................................................................................................2 Pastors ................................................................................................................................................................2 Missions .............................................................................................................................................................3 Primary Contribution........................................................................................................................................3 CURRENT CONTROVERSY...........................................................................................................................4 Response to Thieme's Ministry by Many in the Christian Community.........................................................4 Attacks Related to Thieme's Personal Life......................................................................................................5 Criticism Directed Toward Thieme's Ministry................................................................................................5 Controversy Over Thieme's Teachings ............................................................................................................8 Response to Critics............................................................................................................................................8 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................................11 THE APPROACH OF THIS DISSERTATION...........................................................................................11 Purpose.............................................................................................................................................................11 Thesis ...............................................................................................................................................................11 Methodology....................................................................................................................................................12 CHAPTER I BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................13 HISTORICAL CONTEXT...............................................................................................................................13 Family and Training ........................................................................................................................................13 History of Berachah Church...........................................................................................................................14 Thieme's Place in Current Theological Developments.................................................................................16 THE QUESTION OF THIEME'S ORTHODOXY......................................................................................16 The Standard for Orthodoxy...........................................................................................................................17 Thieme's Assertion of Orthodoxy...................................................................................................................18 Allegations of Thieme's Lack of Orthodoxy .................................................................................................18 Summary of The Issues Related to The Doctrine of The Blood of Christ...................................................20 Issue One. The Term “Blood of Christ” ........................................................................................................21 Issue Two: Blood in Heaven...........................................................................................................................23 Issue Three: Christ's Physical Death and Salvation......................................................................................26 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................................30 THIEME'S METHODOLOGY.......................................................................................................................30 Study Methodology.........................................................................................................................................30 Teaching Methodology ...................................................................................................................................33 CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................................36 vi CHAPTER II DISTINCTIVE FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINES ..................................................37 AN OVERVIEW OF THIEME'S THEOLOGICAL SYSTEM.................................................................37 Theological Classification..............................................................................................................................37 Summary of Distinctive Doctrinal Emphases ...............................................................................................37 BIBLE DOCTRINE...........................................................................................................................................38 Definition.........................................................................................................................................................38 Importance.......................................................................................................................................................38 The Message and the Man...............................................................................................................................40 Critique ............................................................................................................................................................40 THE NATURE OF GOD..................................................................................................................................42 Thieme's Approach to Describing God..........................................................................................................42 The Love of God.............................................................................................................................................43 The Justice of God...........................................................................................................................................44 Critique ............................................................................................................................................................45 DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY AND HUMAN VOLITION ..............................................................................47 The Relationship Between Divine Sovereignty and Human Volition.........................................................47 Related Doctrines............................................................................................................................................48 Implications .....................................................................................................................................................50 Critique