The Supreme Irony
THE SUPREME IRONY
AN EXPOSURE OF
AN EXPOSURE OF
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ROOTS
OF AMILLENNIAL CALVINISM
by PAUL A. BAILEY
Copyright © Penfold Book & Bible House 1996 , Published by: Penfold Book & Bible House, U.K.
Presented here with the objective of acquainting readers with his book, and to encourage them to obtain and read it in its entirety.
PREFACE
When discussing future events with believers of the
“Reformed” persuasion over the years, I have often met with the charge
that the pre-tribulation view of prophecy, to which I hold, was
originally invented by the Jesuit priests of Rome (the Society of Jesus,
founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1534). Due to the increasing popularity
of this conspiracy theory, and the regularity with which I was hearing
it, I felt a need to examine history to establish whether or not it was
true.
My research included a careful study of many Reformed writers, both ancient and modern. I read extensively in the classic works of Calvin and Augustine, as well as in several books written against “dispensationalism” by various “ex-dispensationalists.” As those who know me will testify, I went into this study prepared to accept the conspiracy theory if I found it to be true. I was also prepared to take on board the Reformed view of prophecy had I found it convincing.
As I read many prophetic works by Reformed authors in detail for the first time, was somewhat surprised to find their writings confused and contradictory. I was unable to find anything that even approached a satisfactory exposition of such crucial passages as Ezekiel chapters 40-48 and Daniel 9: 24-27. I knew that readers were intended to understand Daniel’s seventy weeks (Matt. 24:15; Dan. 9:25) but the Reformed writers could offer nothing precise or conclusive.
Moreover, I found the charge that the pre-tribulation rapture (and futurism in general) had been invented by the Jesuits, was not only inaccurate but wholly without historical foundation. But it was the incredible irony of the whole situation that struck me with the most force, for the facts I uncovered told an altogether different story. This booklet summarises my findings. I realise that it assumes some prior interest and a certain amount of specialist knowledge on the part of the reader. For those who are coming to the subject for the first time, a glossary of terms is included at the end.
In proof-reading the first draft of The Supreme Irony some amillennial Calvinists have criticised me for going to history, rather than to the Bible, to prove my case. If this criticism is consistently upheld my goal has been achieved! The “Jesuit conspiracy theory” red herring will disappear from discussions about prophecy and be replaced by a debate centered on the Scriptures alone.
My research included a careful study of many Reformed writers, both ancient and modern. I read extensively in the classic works of Calvin and Augustine, as well as in several books written against “dispensationalism” by various “ex-dispensationalists.” As those who know me will testify, I went into this study prepared to accept the conspiracy theory if I found it to be true. I was also prepared to take on board the Reformed view of prophecy had I found it convincing.
As I read many prophetic works by Reformed authors in detail for the first time, was somewhat surprised to find their writings confused and contradictory. I was unable to find anything that even approached a satisfactory exposition of such crucial passages as Ezekiel chapters 40-48 and Daniel 9: 24-27. I knew that readers were intended to understand Daniel’s seventy weeks (Matt. 24:15; Dan. 9:25) but the Reformed writers could offer nothing precise or conclusive.
Moreover, I found the charge that the pre-tribulation rapture (and futurism in general) had been invented by the Jesuits, was not only inaccurate but wholly without historical foundation. But it was the incredible irony of the whole situation that struck me with the most force, for the facts I uncovered told an altogether different story. This booklet summarises my findings. I realise that it assumes some prior interest and a certain amount of specialist knowledge on the part of the reader. For those who are coming to the subject for the first time, a glossary of terms is included at the end.
In proof-reading the first draft of The Supreme Irony some amillennial Calvinists have criticised me for going to history, rather than to the Bible, to prove my case. If this criticism is consistently upheld my goal has been achieved! The “Jesuit conspiracy theory” red herring will disappear from discussions about prophecy and be replaced by a debate centered on the Scriptures alone.
Paul Bailey, February 1996
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