A ONE TIME REPLY

Mr. Gary S. Dykes yhwh3in1 at lightspeed.net
Tue Dec 7 06:04:23 EST 1999


This concerns Dr. West's reply to a post I made concerning John 12:7.

Some readers are aware that Dr. West displays animosity towards any post I 
make, and this brief post will simply reply to his statements. I shall not 
further post ANY public comments conerning Dr. West's and my ideological 
differences. But this post needs posting, so bear with me.

Scholarly status is too often based upon titles and institutional 
programming, or upon tenure, or upon publications, or grant status. I 
accept a person for what they have to offer, at face value. I refuse to be 
guided by prejudice, and I appreciate views seen by any believers and 
pagans, with or without titles.

I attended 6 colleges (so far) and certainly seek no degree, I just pick 
out subjects I determine to be worth studying. I have studied TC for 
decades, much longer than West's limited institutional programming. Hence, 
we have different views, and mine stem from long experience. As far as I 
know West has no true TC training, just the typical seminary 2 years of 
Greek and Hebrew.

I have not ever suggested rejection of the work of the Germans nor of the 
NA Greek editions. The thought of such rejection is inane! Readers can see 
West injecting some distortion here. I am thankful for their efforts, and I 
have often collaborated with members of the Institute in Germany, we are 
friends. I do not subscribe to some of the German oriented views concerning 
the so-called synoptic "problem". But I respect their work. Where did 
West's charge come from??

Yes, most Greek NT texts have errors, but Swanson's is being corrected. 
(Both in typo errors, and in readings).  And Swanson's (as far as it goes 
thus far) is far far more extensive and accurate.

I certainly do not base my choice at John 12:7 upon a single criterion, 
again West adds distortions.

My TC views are not mainstream, and are apparent in Swanson's work (as I 
was privileged to work with him in numerous ways). My web site also makes 
clear many of my basic principles, for those who can see. I am not bound to 
one text-type, I am basically eclectic.

I advocate going directly to the MSS for critical evaluations, and my 
evaluations are not based upon my "German forebears". They are based upon 
my original research. And yes, Dr. West you too can do original work, you 
need not follow the herd. But do expect attacks from those like yourself.

This said, let us move on. Any further questions should be done off-line,  
my views are public and if any one needs more insight - just ask me.

I thank you for bearing with me in this unpleasantry.

en Xristw

Mr. Gary S. Dykes  email -- yhwh3in1 at lightspeed.net
Swanson's Errata -- http://userzweb.lightspeed.net/yhwh3in1/

  



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