William Finck vs. the Paul-bashers: Preface

This paper is adapted from a series which originally ran in Clifton Emahiser’s Watchman’s Teaching Letter, #’s 89 through 108, from September of 2005 through April of 2007. While having been edited as little as possible, some corrections and small additions have been made, and other changes were necessary in order to adapt the context to this single-document format. Yet readers of Clifton’s WTL shall surely recognize the material in its new presentation. I had written the original articles while sitting in prison, at the Elkton Federal Correctional Institution, In October, 2005, and February, 2006, for the most part. Now that I have been released (this October 24th), own a computer, and am able to do my own word processing, I can more readily adapt my material for both traditional formats and also for the internet. It was Clifton who, from before last year, suggested that the compilation of these articles into a single publication may be a good starting point for the continuation of my work in Biblical studies upon my release. I am, of course, most indebted to Clifton for all of his support and the assistance which he has given me in my endeavors.

There are many in Christian Israel Identity who have been engaged in “Paul-bashing”, a very unfortunate situation, and especially since it can be fully demonstrated that Paul of Tarsus was indeed the very first teacher of Israel Identity - while of course he himself did not call it by that name - instead referring only to his mission to “the nations”. The Greek word meaning “nations” is quite errantly mistranslated “Gentiles” in most current Bible publications. It is the mistranslation of Paul’s epistles which have been the primary cause of the misunderstandings which have in turn led to Paul-bashing by many Israel Identity adherents. For that reason, when I set out to translate the New Testament, which I also accomplished while sitting in prison, I started with Paul. Soon my entire New Testament shall be - Yahweh willing - freely available on the internet. It is imperative that sound doctrine begin with good translations, and cannot be built upon the mistakes of others, especially those who have been influenced by the enemies of Yahweh our God. It is quite unfortunate that men such as H. Graber and C. Douglas must even be addressed. For their own writings reveal such men to be little but unlearned buffoons. However these buffoons have followers, among whom are many men and women in Israel Identity who should know better, but have instead been quick with their tongues, while being negligent in their studies – attacking that which they don’t truly understand rather than spending the time and effort required for learning the details. Among them are people whom I know personally, and whom, if for reasons other than their scholarship, I have or have had great respect for. Prayerfully, perhaps they shall one day accept correction.

-William Finck, Binghamton NY, 16th November 2008