Answering the Charge of Racism [Dake Annotated Reference Bible]
Andrew White
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http://www.dake.com/position.html
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Answering the Charge of Racism-
A Position Paper From Dake Publishing
A Brief History of the Problem
Since it was first published in its entirety in 1963, The Dake Annotated Reference Bible has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from every nationality, every denomination, and all walks of life. The depth of its teachings and the insight it gave into the Scriptures all bore witness to the gifting and character of its author, Finis Jennings Dake.
Dake Bible Sales, the publishing company started by Finis and Dorothy Dake, is now known as Dake Publishing, Inc. We are a small company that remains family-owned and operated to this day.
In the 27 years between 1963 and 1990, only three people ever questioned us about the possibility of racial implications in some of the notes. In 1990, however, a few individuals did express concerns, especially to a list on page 159 of the New Testament which was at that time titled "30 reasons for segregation of races."
But Finis Dake had only been dead since 1987, and we were more than a little hesitant to make any significant changes to his work. We felt it our responsibility, both as his family and his publishers, to preserve Dake's teachings in their entirety. We saw the evidence of God's favor in the enduring quality of his work, especially in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible. Nevertheless, when this note on page 159 was brought to our attention from the perspective of those who were offended by what they thought was racism, we began immediately to address the issue.
Having grown up (literally) under his ministry, we understood Dake's teachings. We knew that Finis Dake was not a racist. Therefore, we were concerned at first only with the wording of the notes. We started by substituting "separation" for the more racially charged "segregation" throughout the Dake Bible. (This was done even though context proves that Dake's broad use of the term usually referred to such things as God's command that Israel be a separate people.) We also used "nation" instead of "race" where it offered clarity, and we updated a few other words that were common in Dake's day, but offensive in our own.
But as we moved further into the 1990s, more negative reactions to such notes began to surface, and we realized that certain notes were a stumbling block for some whose hearts were already wounded from their experiences of racial prejudice. They simply couldn't move past this stumbling block to see what Dake was really saying. And so, in the fall of 1996, we discussed the matter as a family and made a unanimous decision to edit or remove any note that could possibly be misconstrued as a racist comment. The first printing to reflect these changes was done in January of 1997.
Enter Dr. Frederick K. C. Price
In spite of these efforts on our part, on February 16, 1998, Dake Publishing learned that Dr. Frederick K. C. Price intended to devote at least 30 weeks of his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism" to the original notes on page 159 of the New Testament.
As we sought the Lord and godly counsel, we concluded that God would have us to approach Dr. Price in humility. This is the text of our letter to him on February 18, 1998:
Dr. Frederick K. C. Price:
We are writing this letter to you personally, to your congregation, and to your television audience. We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination. Neither Finis Dake nor any member of the Dake family would ever want to contribute to the oppression of African-Americans or any other race of people.
As a new convert, Finis Dake often attended a Black church and was baptized there. He frequently preached in Black churches throughout the country, and Blacks attended the churches that he pastored as well. He held in the highest esteem his many African-American brothers who dedicated their lives to the ministry of the Gospel and the full experience of the Holy Spirit. Further more, we know that people of color throughout the world have played a vital role in winning many souls to Christ, though most of them have not been publicly recognized.
Dr. Dake was neither a racist, nor proud. In fact, in the early 1930s he wrote a booklet entitled One Hundred Fifty Jawbreakers for Anglo-Saxons, refuting the Anglo-Saxon theory which supports the notion of white supremacy. This publication is inconsistent with the idea that his reference notes on racial separation were intended to advocate white supremacy. In addition, his notes on Colossians 3:11-12 clearly state that "as a new creation in Christ there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life."
From our hearts, we are certain that Dr. Dake never intended for his reference notes to be used to support racism of any kind. Yet we clearly see how his thirty reasons for the separation of the nations can be interpreted as advocating racism, and we agree that racism has no place in the body of Christ, or anywhere else. Please accept this letter as a public statement from the entire Dake family that we ask for forgiveness.
Dr. Dake's reference notes were based on his understanding of the Word of God. However, we do not wish the Dake notes to offend anyone through confusion about this sensitive topic. Therefore, we have labored to omit all racially insensitive references. We have enclosed a new Dake Bible, printed in January of 1997, for your use. We hope you will agree that the changes it contains demonstrate our commitment to reach out with an open heart to help heal the pains of racial injustice. The Dake Bible has blessed hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, and we want it to continue to promote spiritual growth, healing and reconciliation.
You mentioned in your sermon last Sunday that radiation treatments to cure cancer, if not administered properly, can be just as deadly as the cancer itself. The Dake family agrees that racial prejudice in the body of Christ is, and has been, a cancerous schism to our fellowship and a hindrance to the witness of His name. However, like the radiation treatments you mentioned, the public airing of these problems could be just as dangerous as the evil of racism itself.
Therefore, we ask that you would consider meeting with us and with other Christian leaders so that we can seek to resolve these issues in ways that will be of the greatest benefit to the body of Christ, to our ministries, and to the thousands and even millions of souls who can come to the Lord once they see that we are truly united in love as our Lord commanded.
We have gone to great lengths to change the Dake notes so that they will not offend any ethnic or racial group. We will go to even greater lengths to have full reconciliation and forgiveness between ourselves and our Christian brothers and sisters, regarding this issue. We feel confident that you will join us in this endeavor. Therefore, we wait to hear from you as soon as possible, so that the details of such a conference can be arranged.
Dr. Price, none of us can undo our personal, familial, or national histories. But we can direct the present and the future. As you seek God's direction in the weeks to come, we urge you to prayerfully consider this letter as a public appeal for forgiveness and healing. You are in a position to speak life or death, to build up or destroy, to extend mercy or withhold it.
Your humble servants,
Finis Dake Jr.
Annabeth Dake Germaine
Finette Dake Kennedy
Derrick Germaine
In this letter we humbled ourselves before Dr. Price, as much as we knew how. This was not feigned humility, but genuine. It was motivated in part by our desire to be sensitive to an offended brother. It also reflected our hearts as we endeavor to conduct ourselves as servants of Christ. And it was certainly our hope that his heart would be softened, and that he might reconsider his plans to include the Dake Bible in his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism."
However, on February 25, we received a response from Dr. Price:
To the Dake Family:
Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus.
In response to your faxed letter dated February 18, 1998, I must say, I was surprised to say the least, to have received a letter from you. I don't know what I've done to deserve this honor.
It is true that I am in the process of teaching a series on "Race, Religion and Racism", in my church and ultimately to the body of Christ at large. God gave me this assignment about seven years ago. For the last three years I have been doing extensive research on the subject. We have a horrendous problem of racism in the church; which no one else seems to want to address in depth. This is my task. In order to destroy racism in the church, we must locate its roots and pull them out of the ground of the heart of the church. It is a fact that must be admitted that White Christians (people) not all, but far too many, hold negative attitudes and opinions about African-Americans. Where do attitudes and opinions come from? From observation, association and teaching. Racial and color prejudice (racism) is not genetically transmitted, nor is it passed through the blood. It is socially transmitted from father to son, from father to son and on and on it goes. The major transmitters of racism have been the teachings in the home by parents and teachings in the church by religious leaders, both preachers and teachers, both from the pulpit and the printed page.
The Lord has led me to go back to the past and pull up the roots that have produced the present! I have never said nor inferred that Dr. Dake was a racist. After all, I have never met him. I operate on the basis of two Biblical principles among many others, which state in Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good, and His fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt and His fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by His fruit." And 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." No human is omniscient enough to know what is in the heart or mind of another human, until they speak, write or act. Based upon that, the Holy Spirit has led me to research volumes of material, both secular and Christian, to find the roots of racism and dig them up....
Do you have any idea of how many people have bought and studied the Dake Bible from 1963-1998 (35 years)?. People who have these Bibles must be informed that these particular notes must be discarded.
In your letter you mentioned, "We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination." To me this issue is not personal, however, I for one would be the first to say to you, apologies accepted! But, the fact of the matter still stands, the notes are already printed and have been circulating for the past 35 years. It has to be fixed! I see two ways by which this can possibly be done. First, when automobile manufacturers, Ford, General Motors etc. find a flaw in their product, they do a recall at their expense. In other words, they fix or replace the faulty part; are you willing to do that? Thirty-five years of printed material ...that's a lot of "parts". Secondly, someone has to point out the faulty parts, so people can avoid them. That is a part of my assignment with this series on "Race, Religion, and Racism"....
Thank you for writing and for your concern (it is my concern also) for the Body of Christ.
In the service of the King,
Frederick K. C. Price, Ph.D.
The following Sunday, March 1, 1998, Dr. Price read both letters to his congregation. But he primed his congregation the week before, saying,
"They put a letter on me, in fact, it almost...appears that they want to put a guilt trip on me. But see, they don't realize that God gave me this assignment some years back. I've done the research on this series for three years, a straight three years."
He then took what we intended to be a move toward healing and used it instead to add fuel to the fire. As he stated in his letter to us, he feels it is his "assignment" to "point out the faulty parts" in older printings of the Dake Bible. This he plans to do for weeks to come.
We wrote a second letter to Dr. Price, stressing again our desire to meet with him, both to hear his concerns and, hopefully, to clarify matters. In his reply, however, he said he would prefer that we wait until he was finished with his series, so that we could fully understand his perspective. But after listening to several subsequent messages, his perspective became quite obvious. Sickened by what we heard, we've chosen not to respond to Dr. Price any further. Instead, we feel it necessary to issue this position paper stating clearly and accurately the truth about the so-called "racism" in the Dake Bible.
Dake's Perspective
At this point, we would like to clarify Dake's use of "white" with regard to race. Finis Dake understood this word in a much broader sense than the "snow white" or "European white" understanding Dr. Price has ascribed to the term in some of his recent messages. Dake's usage of "white" was consistent with the dictionary explanation that there are only three main ethnic divisions of the human race--Caucasian (white), Negroid (black) and Mongoloid (oriental).
We do not know all of the sources Dake relied upon while doing his research. But we do know that he kept a tattered copy of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary nearby. According to Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary (Deluxe Second Edition, ©1983), the Caucasian division is composed not only of "whites" (which is loosely synonymous with Caucasian and embraces the Alpine and Nordic subdivisions), but also includes all people of Mediterranean descent. Webster's New World Dictionary (© 1976) further qualifies the term as including "peoples of Europe, North Africa, the Near East, India, etc. and is loosely called the white race although it embraces peoples of dark skin color." In addition, the 1958 Britannica World Language Dictionary (which Dake referred to often) states that Caucasian pertains to "peoples speaking Indo-European, Semitic, Hamitic languages." The same dictionary, under the heading of race, states that "according to some authorities, the primary stocks are: the Caucasian (Nordic, Alpine, Mediterranean, and Hindu), the Mongoloid (Mongolian, Malaysian, and American Indian), and the Negroid (Negro, Negrito, and Melanesian)."
Basically, according to this understanding, a Caucasian is anyone who isn't Negroid or Mongoloid. And since Caucasian is loosely synonymous with "white" (although modern racial sensitivity has led us to refrain from such usage), Dake was not out of line to write this way in his day.
Had the primary figures in the Bible fallen into any other ethnic division, Dake would have had no problem noting that. Finis Dake didn't care what color Jesus or any other biblical character was. He didn't associate them with Caucasians because of some personal agenda to identify the major figures of the Bible with the white race; he did so because they were already grouped that way, in his understanding.
Granted, it would have been helpful for him to have qualified his use of such terminology, especially for readers today. But it never occurred to him that he would later be accused of being a racist or a white supremacist. (Perhaps a rough parallel exists between the intentions of the founders of our Constitution and the often absurd interpretations their words are given today.)
Finis Dake only made references to such matters because of his understanding from the Bible that God divided the nations after the incident with the tower of Babel. His literal interpretation of Scripture (including such statements as "the bounds of their habitation" in Acts 17:26) led him to conclude that God intended the human race to remain divided in this way. This was not a view resulting from racial prejudice, but from his very literal biblical exegesis.
Dr. Price has emphasized Rev. Dake’s usage of racial distinctions, particularly in reference to a note entitled Separation in Scripture. Point number four states that "Miscegenation means the mixture of races, especially the black and white races, or those of outstanding type or color." Dr. Price sees racism in the phrase "especially the black and white races," and has spent a great deal of time trying to prove his point.
However, here again we have a very clear example of Finis Dake’s use of common definitions to clearly illustrate a point. This phrase is taken from Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, which defines miscegenation as "marriage or interbreeding between members of different races, especially in the United States, between whites and Negroes." Again, Funk and Wagnall's New Practical Standard Dictionary defines miscegenation as "interbreeding of races, especially intermarriage or interbreeding between white and Negro, or white and Oriental races."
Far from being an example of racism, this is merely an example of Finis Dake’s use of contemporary reference materials to clarify a statement.
Our Understanding of Racism
When we speak of racism, we do so according to its definition in Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary: "a doctrine or feeling of racial differences or antagonisms, especially with reference to supposed racial superiority, inferiority, or purity; racial prejudice." The same dictionary defines prejudice as (1), "a judgment or opinion formed before the facts are known; preconceived idea, favorable or, more usually, unfavorable"; (2), "a judgment or opinion held in disregard of facts that contradict it"; (3), "the holding of such judgments or opinions"; and (4), "suspicion, intolerance, or hatred of other races, creeds, religions, occupations, etc."
In short, as we understand it, the key components of racism are a sense of superiority of one race over another, and prejudice--a pre-judgment against someone because of their race.
Dr. Price has mentioned his "acid test" of racism (which seems to focus primarily on one's attitude toward interracial marriage); this is ours: to be guilty of racism, there must be an undeniable assertion of the superiority of one race over another, and a prejudicial bias against those of a race different from one's own. Every printing of the Dake Bible is free of racism, according to this simple test.
Dr. Price has made repeated and emphatic reference to the appearance of racism in the Dake Bible. To the contrary, we assert that no statement in any printing of the Dake Bible is guilty of racism or prejudice, by these commonly understood definitions. No matter how strongly someone disagrees with any statement in the Dake Bible, one will never find anything in it that even hints at the superiority of whites over blacks or any other race. Such motivation can only be read into the text from the outside. At best (or at worst, depending on your perspective), the reader is left only with his or her own speculation as to Dake's intentions for writing what he did. In other words, even the appearance of racism will disappear when one takes the time to separate what was actually written from one's own preconceived ideas of the author's motivations.
This is not to say that we care nothing for the feelings of those who are offended when they read Dake's notes. On the contrary, it is for this very reason that we made the changes in the 1997 printing. We did not make these changes because the Dake Bible was full of racist commentary. We made the changes because we had no desire to offend those who had suffered so long from racial injustice that they could not help but see evidences of racism--even where none existed.
Wounded in the House of Our Friends
The commentary notes in the Dake Bible contain nearly half again as much text as the Scriptures themselves. No one could write so extensively and so forthrightly about so many topics and expect to escape criticism. It's not criticism of the Dake Bible that has hurt us over the years. It's the sense of betrayal by people we thought were our brothers and sisters in the Lord that has left the most painful and lasting wounds. In Zechariah's prophetic portrayal of Christ, such wounds are "those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zech. 13:6).
One brother misrepresented the Dake Bible repeatedly before conference audiences in excess of 50,000. Another spoke his mind (but not the truth) on several broadcasts of a national Christian radio program. And more than one prominent Christian magazine has run articles that were ruinously unfair and damaging. But not once in our history has anyone ever come to us first. Not once has any of our critics expressed their concerns to us privately before airing them publicly.
Enter Charisma
Charisma's recent article (in the April, 1998 issue) is a case in point. They were already doing a piece on Fred Price and Kenneth Hagin, Jr. When they learned of our letter to Price, they wanted to include a portion of it in an article.
We were thrilled by this turn of events and provided an edited version of our letter within the hour. But because we've been misrepresented in the past, we asked to read the article before it went to press. We were told this was not their policy. We stated strongly that we didn't even want it in print if it was going to be a negative piece for Dake.
When the article came out in print, it bore the shocking headline: DAKE PUBLISHING APOLOGIZES FOR RACIST REMARKS IN BIBLE.
And instead of containing our letter, it was a story about our company, Finis Dake, and the Dake Bible. A grand total of three sentences from our letter closed the piece.
Many of our shocked customers read the article before we did. Some were outraged at the way we'd been misrepresented (again). Others expressed concern about their Dake Bibles, once they had read the article.
"It's Not Personal, It's Principle."
But the most appalling abuse we've received has been from Dr. Frederick K. C. Price. He claims repeatedly that his attacks on the Dake Bible aren't personal, but are a matter of principle. Yet his own actions toward us exhibit a disturbing lack of such principle.
Jesus taught that if our brother sins against us, we should confront him privately:
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican" (Mt. 18: 15-17, KJV).
We aren't to "tell it unto the church" (as Dr. Price is doing) until we've taken one or two others to confront him again, "that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."
Since Dr. Price evidently believes the Dake Bible is guilty of the sin of racism, he should have come to us privately as our brother in Christ. But this he did not do. In fact, he doesn't want to meet with us until he finishes his series. By then, though, the damage will have been done. He will have spent many weeks trying to destroy the credibility of the Dake Bible on national television, when it could all be avoided if he would just sit down and talk with us as our brother in Christ. Looking at it this way, it is impossible to swallow his claim that "it's not personal."
As was stated at the beginning of this paper, we've been working to remove the perception of racism in the Dake Bible since 1990. (We can't remove actual racism, because there isn't any.) As this activity progressed, we felt it wise to solicit the perspective of someone outside of the Dake family, and we felt that Dr. Price would be the ideal candidate. Finis Dake, Jr. spoke to Dr. Price on the phone and followed up with a letter to him on April 29, 1994, inviting him to comment on any portion of the Dake notes that even hinted of racism--including the "30 reasons" on page 159 of the New Testament. Dr. Price never responded to us. Yet he stated in his letter to us on February 25, 1998, that God gave him this assignment "about seven years ago." And in his recent tapes he says that he has been researching this subject diligently for the last three years. Furthermore, the Dake Bible he quotes from was printed in 1971, so Dake's teachings aren't a recent discovery for him.
How is it possible that Dr. Price had nothing to say when we welcomed his suggestions four years ago, but now he feels it's his God-given duty to air his criticisms on television, before an audience of millions? He reminds his audience repeatedly that he's dealing with principles, with right and wrong. To our knowledge, there is not a single Scriptural principle which justifies this behavior on his part. It is just plain wrong.
Conclusion
We love Dr. Price and respect the obvious anointing he has had in times past. And we continue to pray for God's blessings on him, his family, and his ministry. Like David, we do not wish to touch the Lord's anointed and so bring judgment upon ourselves. The battle is the Lord's.
Still, we feel a responsibility as the publishers of The Dake Annotated Reference Bible to clarify our official position on this issue. It is our hope and prayer that those who have been offended by portions of the Dake Bible in the past will now see more clearly both Dake's heart and our own. And for those who believe we've compromised somehow in the changes we've made, we hope the necessity for such changes is now evident.
However, it is on this one issue alone that we feel changing the Dake Bible was for the greater good of the body of Christ. The remainder of Dake's extensive teachings will be preserved. There is no question in our minds that God anointed Finis Jennings Dake to teach the Word, and to record those teachings in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible and his other great works. His wording wasn't always perfect, but he definitely had an anointing.
With this fact always in mind, it is the ongoing commitment of Dake Publishing to handle the writings of Finis Jennings Dake with both care, honor and humility.
David Patton, editor
Dake Publishing, Inc.
May, 1998
The following points have been provided by Rev. Leon Bible, pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle, an interdenominational, interracial charismatic church in Laurens, South Carolina.
Dear friends,
It seems that there has been much to say about one particular section of notes in the Dake Bible concerning the separation of the races. It may not be apparent to those who do not possess a Dake Bible, but Dake had a great deal to say concerning racial relationships.
Rev. Dake firmly believed in the equality of the races; listed below are 17 quotes related to the equality of the races and the permissibility of interracial marriage. In fact, Dake points to the blessing of God upon marriage between races. Let’s take a look.
These quotes and references have been taken form the "Dake Annotated Reference Bible" notes as written by "Finis J. Dake."
1. Cain's curse was not a change of color from white to black.
Genesis 4:15 "And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him."
Gen. 4:15 (KJV) Notes For Verse 15 (a) [mark] Hebrew: 'owth (HSN-226), token, sign. Translated "mark" only here; "token" (Gen. 9:12-17; Gen. 17:11; Ex. 3:12; Ex. 12:13; Ex. 13:16; Num. 17:10; Dt. 22:15-20; Josh. 2:12; Job 21:29; Ps. 65:8; Ps. 86:17; Ps. 135:9; Isa. 44:25); "sign" and "signs" (Gen. 1:14; Ex. 4:8-9, 17, 28, 30; Ex. 7:3; Ex. 8:23; Ex. 10:1-2; Ex. 13:9; Ex. 31:13). God gave him a pledge that vengeance would be taken sevenfold on anyone who became his murderer. It was not a physical mark or a change of color from white to black. The black race did not begin with Cain whose line perished in the flood (Gen. 6:8, 18; Gen. 7:1). All races as we know them now began after Noah (Gen. 10).
2. All races came into being after the flood
Genesis 10:1 "Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood."
Gen. 10:1 (KJV) Notes For Verse 1 (b) [unto them were sons born after the flood] All races, colors and types of people came into being after the flood (Gen. 10:1-32; Gen. 17:20; Gen. 19:34-38; Gen. 25:1-34; Gen. 36:1-43).
3. The Church includes all races
Genesis 24:4 "But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."
Gen. 24:4 (KJV) Notes For Verse 4 (a) [my kindred] Rebekah cannot be a type of Christ and the church, because she was exclusively of one race and the church includes all races (Gen. 24:3, 4, 7, 37, 38; Gen. 26:35; Gen. 27:46; Gen. 28:1-8). Christ is making up His church from the Gentiles as well as His own kin (Acts 15:13-18; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-29; Eph. 2:14-20; Col. 3:11). The New Testament church is mainly from Gentiles, but not entirely (Acts 15:13-18).
4. Intermarriage permitted by God and blessed
Ezra 4:3 "But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us."
Ezra 4:3 (KJV) Notes For Verse 3 (a) [Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God] The Samaritans' offer was rejected by the elders because Israel wanted to remain a separate people. This was what God had required of Israel from the very beginning. They were to be a separate people in all phases of life and an example of God to all nations. On the whole, they have never intermarried. God permitted intermarriage and even blessed such on rare occasions, but the practice for the nation was contrary to His law and will (Dt. 7:3).
5. Slavery completely against God's will and understanding of suffering
Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"
Isaiah 61:1 (KJV) Notes for verse 1 Liberty is the very essence of the gospel. God did not give laws commanding slavery, but He did give a few regulating it as a custom tolerated by Him and practiced universally by men. In other words, if men were determined to have slaves during their ignorance of the gospel and truth, He wanted them to be properly treated as servants and not as abused slaves. He made laws proclaiming liberty to all throughout the land (Lev. 25; Jer. 34:8-17 Ezek. 46:17; cp. Ex. 21:1-11; Lev. 22:10; Dt. 15: 17-18; 24:14). If Christianity would be followed wholly there would be no slaves or oppressed people of earth, for every man would be consecrated to the highest good of all. To enslave men, oppress and keep them in ignorance, force them against their free will, deprive them of their hire, prevent proper home life and training of children, fetter the intellect, make some dependent on others and promote any inequality in rights contrary to the laws of God, is entirely un-Christlike. The word bruised is used in Lk. 4:18 instead of captives as here, and it means those completely crushed and shattered in life, those oppressed and broken in body, soul, and mind so that there is no aim even to live. The idea here seems to be that of captives to Satan, sickness, disease, weakness, failure, and bondage to sin and evil habits that destroy the body, soul, and mind, now and forever. This could also refer to the captives in paradise, as in Mt. 12:40; Lk. 23:43; Eph. 4:8-10; Heb. 2:14-15.
6. All races of people are in God's kingdom
Daniel 7:14 "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
Dan 7:14 (KJV) Notes For Verse 14 (a) [dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed] The Son of man receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom composed of natural peoples of all races that they may be His subjects eternally. His kingdom is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed.
7. Jonah a bigoted Jew
Jonah 4:1 (KJV) Theme: The book is a story of a bigoted Jew who, after being chastened by the Lord for disobedience, preached to and converted the whole city of Nineveh.
8. Bigotry listed as a sin
Mark 9:50 "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
Mark 9:50 (KJV) Notes For Verse 50 (b) [have peace one with another] This refers to the sins of Mk. 9:34-50 that destroy unity and peace among brethren: 1. Self-exaltation (Mk. 9:34) 2. Bigotry (Mk. 9:38-39) 3. Offenses (Mk. 9:42) 4. Sinful lusts of the body (Mk. 9:43-48; Rom. 1:29-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Mk. 7:19-21; Col. 3:5-10)
9. There is to be no distinction in races
Acts 10:15 "And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."
Acts 10:15 (KJV) Notes For Verse 15 (a) [cleansed, that call not thou common] God had not yet saved Gentiles by the gospel, but was on the verge of doing so. He first had to teach Peter that He wanted to save Gentiles -- He was, after all, sovereign. He now wanted the church to know that Gentiles are just as good as Jews when both are cleansed from sin; that there is to be no distinction in races in Christ (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11); and that both Jews and Gentiles are to make one body in Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:14-22).
10. Paul was a bigoted Jew prior to salvation
Acts 23:5 "Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."
Acts 23:5 (KJV) Notes For Verse 5 (a) [said Paul ...] In his first address (Acts 22:1-21), Paul made it clear that he was a Jew with the regular Jewish education. He emphasized that he had all the prejudices of the Jew and had given full proof of this in that he was chief in persecution of Christians. He related his experiences with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus and in the temple, but this was rejected by his people. Had he been a Gentile, no matter how learned or eminent he was, his whole teaching would have been discounted as coming from prejudice and ignorance. But, being who he was, it was hard for them to discount what he said. God thus used one of the most eminent, learned, and bigoted Jews of that time to nullify the whole Jewish system and show the necessity of the gospel of Christ. Now, in his second address to his people he changed his strategy and appealed to the party spirit of the Jews. He knew they were divided in politics and religion into two major groups -- the Pharisees and Sadducees. He, being a Pharisee, made his appeal to that group declaring that because of "the hope and resurrection of the dead" he was "called in question." This brought results, for the Pharisees took up his cause (Acts 23:6-10).
11. Outline of Galatians calls Peter a hypocrite and guilty of preaching false doctrine for
being a racist
Introduction To Galatians OUTLINE OF GALATIANS CHAPTER 2
8. Peter and others rebuked by Paul for hypocrisy and false doctrine
12. Peter a hypocrite
Galatians 2:12 "For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision."
Gal 2:12 (KJV) Notes For Verse 12 (a) [For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision] Peter had already eaten with the Gentiles and had taught that the middle wall of partition was broken down between Jews and Gentiles; but when certain Jews came from James he became fearful, withdrawing all fellowship with Gentiles.
Galatians 2:14 "But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?"
Gal 2:14 (KJV) Notes For Verse 14 (a) [not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel] They acted in hypocrisy which is called here walking "not uprightly" according to the gospel. (b) [why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?] Question 3. Next, Gal. 2:17. This was a cutting rebuke in public, but appropriate for Peter who had gone back again on his master (Acts 10:10-15, 28-34; Acts 11:1-18; Acts 15:7-13). This was like the man Peter was before Pentecost, living in fear and torment (Mt. 26:69-75). He had lost some of the boldness for truth that he had at Pentecost (Acts 2:14, 40; Acts 3:12; Acts 4:8-13; Acts 5:29-32). No man is infallible (1Cor. 10:13).
13. All races equal in rights and privileges
Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Gal 3:28 (KJV) Notes For Verse 28 (a) [There is neither Jew not Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus] All races, classes, and sexes are one in Christ and equal in rights and privileges regarding gospel benefits. They make one body with Christ as the head (1Cor. 12:13, 28-31; Eph. 1:20-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Col. 3:11). The gulf between Jews and Gentiles, masters and slaves, male and female has been bridged by Christ and the gospel.
14. Bigotry rebuked
Galatians 6:3 "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."
Gal 6:3 (KJV) Notes For Verse 3 (a) [think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself] Bigotry, intolerance, and conceit rebuked (Gal. 6:3-4; Isa. 65:5; Mk. 2:16; Lk. 18:9-14; Acts 10:28, 45; Rom. 3:1-23). Examples of Bigotry:1. Joshua (Num. 11:27-29) 2. Some Jews (Jn. 4:9, 27; Jn. 9:28-34) 3. Some Samaritans (Lk. 9:52-53) 4. The disciples (Mt. 19:13; Lk. 9:49-56) 5. Saul (Acts 9:1-5; Acts 22:3-4; Acts 26:9) 6. Some early Christians (Acts 11:1-3)
15. No distinction made in rights and privileges in regards to race
Colossians 3:11 "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
Col. 3:11 (KJV) Notes For Verse 11 (a) [Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision] In the new creation there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28).
16. All races are the elect of God
Colossians 3:12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"
Col. 3:12 (KJV) Notes For Verse 12 (a) [the elect of God] All classes, races, colors, sexes, and types of people in Christ make the elect, not just the Jews. Anyone chosen of God -- an individual or nation -- is the elect of God (note, Lk. 18:7).
17. Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians
1 Timothy 6:2 "And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort."
1 Tim 6:2 (KJV) Notes For Verse 2 (a) [believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit] Christian owners of slaves were not to despise them for they were brethren and the owners' equals in Christ (1Tim. 6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). This does not sanction slavery among Christians. It simply shows the proper relationship between slaves and masters.
Note: These notes represent those complied by Leon Bible. They are complete but not an exhaustive search.
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<B><FONT SIZE=6><P ALIGN="CENTER">Answering the Charge of Racism</P>
</FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P>
</FONT><FONT SIZE=5><P ALIGN="CENTER">A Position Paper From Dake Publishing</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P> </P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>A Brief History of the Problem</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>Since it was first published in its entirety in 1963, <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I> has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from every nationality, every denomination, and all walks of life. The depth of its teachings and the insight it gave into the Scriptures all bore witness to the gifting and character of its author, Finis Jennings Dake.</P>
<P>Dake Bible Sales, the publishing company started by Finis and Dorothy Dake, is now known as Dake Publishing, Inc. We are a small company that remains family-owned and operated to this day.</P>
<P>In the 27 years between 1963 and 1990, only three people ever questioned us about the possibility of racial implications in some of the notes. In 1990, however, a few individuals did express concerns, especially to a list on page 159 of the New Testament which was at that time titled "30 reasons for segregation of races."</P>
<P>But Finis Dake had only been dead since 1987, and we were more than a little hesitant to make any significant changes to his work. We felt it our responsibility, both as his family and his publishers, to preserve Dake's teachings in their entirety. We saw the evidence of God's favor in the enduring quality of his work, especially in <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I>. Nevertheless, when this note on page 159 was brought to our attention from the perspective of those who were offended by what they thought was racism, we began immediately to address the issue.</P>
<P>Having grown up (literally) under his ministry, we understood Dake's teachings. We knew that Finis Dake was not a racist. Therefore, we were concerned at first only with the wording of the notes. We started by substituting "separation" for the more racially charged "segregation" throughout the Dake Bible. (This was done even though context proves that Dake's broad use of the term usually referred to such things as God's command that Israel be a separate people.) We also used "nation" instead of "race" where it offered clarity, and we updated a few other words that were common in Dake's day, but offensive in our own.</P>
<P>But as we moved further into the 1990s, more negative reactions to such notes began to surface, and we realized that certain notes were a stumbling block for some whose hearts were already wounded from their experiences of racial prejudice. They simply couldn't move past this stumbling block to see what Dake was really saying. And so, in the fall of 1996, we discussed the matter as a family and made a unanimous decision to edit or remove any note that could possibly be misconstrued as a racist comment. The first printing to reflect these changes was done in January of 1997.</P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Enter Dr. Frederick K. C. Price</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>In spite of these efforts on our part, on February 16, 1998, Dake Publishing learned that Dr. Frederick K. C. Price intended to devote at least 30 weeks of his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism" to the original notes on page 159 of the New Testament.</P>
<P>As we sought the Lord and godly counsel, we concluded that God would have us to approach Dr. Price in humility. This is the text of our letter to him on February 18, 1998:</P>
<P> </P><DIR>
<DIR>
<P>Dr. Frederick K. C. Price:</P>
<P>We are writing this letter to you personally, to your congregation, and to your television audience. We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I> that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination. Neither Finis Dake nor any member of the Dake family would ever want to contribute to the oppression of African-Americans or any other race of people.</P>
<P>As a new convert, Finis Dake often attended a Black church and was baptized there. He frequently preached in Black churches throughout the country, and Blacks attended the churches that he pastored as well. He held in the highest esteem his many African-American brothers who dedicated their lives to the ministry of the Gospel and the full experience of the Holy Spirit. Further more, we know that people of color throughout the world have played a vital role in winning many souls to Christ, though most of them have not been publicly recognized.</P>
<P>Dr. Dake was neither a racist, nor proud. In fact, in the early 1930s he wrote a booklet <I>entitled One Hundred Fifty Jawbreakers for Anglo-Saxons</I>, refuting the Anglo-Saxon theory which supports the notion of white supremacy. This publication is inconsistent with the idea that his reference notes on racial separation were intended to advocate white supremacy. In addition, his notes on Colossians 3:11-12 clearly state that "as a new creation in Christ there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life."</P>
<P>From our hearts, we are certain that Dr. Dake never intended for his reference notes to be used to support racism of any kind. Yet we clearly see how his thirty reasons for the separation of the nations can be interpreted as advocating racism, and we agree that racism has no place in the body of Christ, or anywhere else. Please accept this letter as a public statement from the entire Dake family that we ask for forgiveness.</P>
<P>Dr. Dake's reference notes were based on his understanding of the Word of God. However, we do not wish the Dake notes to offend anyone through confusion about this sensitive topic. Therefore, we have labored to omit all racially insensitive references. We have enclosed a new Dake Bible, printed in January of 1997, for your use. We hope you will agree that the changes it contains demonstrate our commitment to reach out with an open heart to help heal the pains of racial injustice. The Dake Bible has blessed hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, and we want it to continue to promote spiritual growth, healing and reconciliation.</P>
<P>You mentioned in your sermon last Sunday that radiation treatments to cure cancer, if not administered properly, can be just as deadly as the cancer itself. The Dake family agrees that racial prejudice in the body of Christ is, and has been, a cancerous schism to our fellowship and a hindrance to the witness of His name. However, like the radiation treatments you mentioned, the public airing of these problems could be just as dangerous as the evil of racism itself.</P>
<P>Therefore, we ask that you would consider meeting with us and with other Christian leaders so that we can seek to resolve these issues in ways that will be of the greatest benefit to the body of Christ, to our ministries, and to the thousands and even millions of souls who can come to the Lord once they see that we are truly united in love as our Lord commanded.</P>
<P>We have gone to great lengths to change the Dake notes so that they will not offend any ethnic or racial group. We will go to even greater lengths to have full reconciliation and forgiveness between ourselves and our Christian brothers and sisters, regarding this issue. We feel confident that you will join us in this endeavor. Therefore, we wait to hear from you as soon as possible, so that the details of such a conference can be arranged.</P>
<P>Dr. Price, none of us can undo our personal, familial, or national histories. But we can direct the present and the future. As you seek God's direction in the weeks to come, we urge you to prayerfully consider this letter as a public appeal for forgiveness and healing. You are in a position to speak life or death, to build up or destroy, to extend mercy or withhold it.</P>
<P>Your humble servants,</P>
<P>Finis Dake Jr. </P>
<P>Annabeth Dake Germaine </P>
<P>Finette Dake Kennedy </P>
<P>Derrick Germaine</P>
<P> </P></DIR>
</DIR>
<P>In this letter we humbled ourselves before Dr. Price, as much as we knew how. This was not feigned humility, but genuine. It was motivated in part by our desire to be sensitive to an offended brother. It also reflected our hearts as we endeavor to conduct ourselves as servants of Christ. And it was certainly our hope that his heart would be softened, and that he might reconsider his plans to include the Dake Bible in his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism."</P>
<P>However, on February 25, we received a response from Dr. Price: </P>
<P> </P><DIR>
<DIR>
<P>To the Dake Family:</P>
<P>Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus.</P>
<P>In response to your faxed letter dated February 18, 1998, I must say, I was surprised to say the least, to have received a letter from you. I don't know what I've done to deserve this honor.</P>
<P>It is true that I am in the process of teaching a series on "Race, Religion and Racism", in my church and ultimately to the body of Christ at large. God gave me this assignment about seven years ago. For the last three years I have been doing extensive research on the subject. We have a horrendous problem of racism in the church; which no one else seems to want to address in depth. This is my task. In order to destroy racism in the church, we must locate its roots and pull them out of the ground of the heart of the church. It is a fact that must be admitted that White Christians (people) <B>not all</B>, but far too many, hold negative attitudes and opinions about African-Americans. Where do attitudes and opinions come from? From observation, association and teaching. Racial and color prejudice (racism) is not genetically transmitted, nor is it passed through the blood. It is socially transmitted from father to son, from father to son and on and on it goes. The major transmitters of racism have been the teachings in the home by parents and teachings in the church by religious leaders, both preachers and teachers, both from the pulpit and the printed page.</P>
<P>The Lord has led me to go back to the past and pull up the roots that have produced the present! I have never said nor inferred that Dr. Dake was a racist. After all, I have never met him. I operate on the basis of two Biblical principles among many others, which state in Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good, and His fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt and His fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by His fruit." And 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." No human is omniscient enough to know what is in the heart or mind of another human, until they speak, write or act. Based upon that, the Holy Spirit has led me to research volumes of material, both secular and Christian, to find the roots of racism and dig them up....</P>
<P>Do you have any idea of how many people have bought and studied the Dake Bible from 1963-1998 <B>(35 years)</B>?. People who have these Bibles must be informed that these particular notes must be discarded.</P>
<P>In your letter you mentioned, "We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination." To me this issue is not personal, however, I for one would be the first to say to you, apologies accepted! But, the fact of the matter still stands, the notes are already printed and have been circulating for the past 35 years. It has to be fixed! I see two ways by which this can possibly be done. First, when automobile manufacturers, Ford, General Motors etc. find a flaw in their product, they do a recall at their expense. In other words, they fix or replace the faulty part; are you willing to do that? Thirty-five years of printed material ...that's a lot of "parts". Secondly, someone has to point out the faulty parts, so people can avoid them. That is a part of my assignment with this series on "Race, Religion, and Racism"....</P>
<P>Thank you for writing and for your concern (it is my concern also) for the Body of Christ.</P>
<P>In the service of the King,</P>
<P>Frederick K. C. Price, Ph.D.</P>
<P> </P></DIR>
</DIR>
<P>The following Sunday, March 1, 1998, Dr. Price read both letters to his congregation. But he primed his congregation the week before, saying,</P><DIR>
<DIR>
<P>"They put a letter on me, in fact, it almost...appears that they want to put a guilt trip on me. But see, they don't realize that <I>God</I> gave me this assignment some years back. I've done the research on this series for three years, a straight three years." </P></DIR>
</DIR>
<P>He then took what we intended to be a move toward healing and used it instead to add fuel to the fire. As he stated in his letter to us, he feels it is his "assignment" to "point out the faulty parts" in older printings of the Dake Bible. This he plans to do for weeks to come.</P>
<P>We wrote a second letter to Dr. Price, stressing again our desire to meet with him, both to hear his concerns and, hopefully, to clarify matters. In his reply, however, he said he would prefer that we wait until he was finished with his series, so that we could fully understand his perspective. But after listening to several subsequent messages, his perspective became quite obvious. Sickened by what we heard, we've chosen not to respond to Dr. Price any further. Instead, we feel it necessary to issue this position paper stating clearly and accurately the truth about the so-called "racism" in the Dake Bible. </P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Dake's Perspective</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>At this point, we would like to clarify Dake's use of "white" with regard to race. Finis Dake understood this word in a much broader sense than the "snow white" or "European white" understanding Dr. Price has ascribed to the term in some of his recent messages. Dake's usage of "white" was consistent with the dictionary explanation that there are only three main ethnic divisions of the human race--Caucasian (white), Negroid (black) and Mongoloid (oriental).</P>
<P>We do not know all of the sources Dake relied upon while doing his research. But we do know that he kept a tattered copy of <I>Webster's Unabridged Dictionary</I> nearby. According to <I>Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary</I> (Deluxe Second Edition, ©1983), the Caucasian division is composed not only of "whites" (which is loosely synonymous with Caucasian and embraces the Alpine and Nordic subdivisions), but also includes all people of Mediterranean descent. <I>Webster's New World Dictionary</I> (© 1976) further qualifies the term as including "peoples of Europe, North Africa, the Near East, India, etc. and is loosely called the <I>white race</I> although it embraces peoples of dark skin color." In addition, the 1958 <I>Britannica World Language Dictionary</I> (which Dake referred to often) states that Caucasian pertains to "peoples speaking Indo-European, Semitic, Hamitic languages." The same dictionary, under the heading of <B>race</B>, states that "according to some authorities, the primary stocks are: the Caucasian (Nordic, Alpine, Mediterranean, and Hindu), the Mongoloid (Mongolian, Malaysian, and American Indian), and the Negroid (Negro, Negrito, and Melanesian)."</P>
<P>Basically, according to this understanding, a Caucasian is anyone who isn't Negroid or Mongoloid. And since Caucasian is loosely synonymous with "white" (although modern racial sensitivity has led us to refrain from such usage), Dake was not out of line to write this way in his day.</P>
<P>Had the primary figures in the Bible fallen into any other ethnic division, Dake would have had no problem noting that. Finis Dake didn't care what color Jesus or any other biblical character was. He didn't associate them with Caucasians because of some personal agenda to identify the major figures of the Bible with the white race; he did so because they were already grouped that way, in his understanding.</P>
<P>Granted, it would have been helpful for him to have qualified his use of such terminology, especially for readers today. But it never occurred to him that he would later be accused of being a racist or a white supremacist. (Perhaps a rough parallel exists between the intentions of the founders of our Constitution and the often absurd interpretations their words are given today.)</P>
<P>Finis Dake only made references to such matters because of his understanding from the Bible that God divided the nations after the incident with the tower of Babel. His literal interpretation of Scripture (including such statements as "the bounds of their habitation" in Acts 17:26) led him to conclude that God intended the human race to remain divided in this way. This was not a view resulting from racial prejudice, but from his very literal biblical exegesis.</P>
<P>Dr. Price has emphasized Rev. Dake’s usage of racial distinctions, particularly in reference to a note entitled <I>Separation in Scripture</I>. Point number four states that "Miscegenation means the mixture of races, especially the black and white races, or those of outstanding type or color."<B> </B>Dr. Price<B> </B>sees racism in the phrase "especially the black and white races," and has spent a great deal of time trying to prove his point.</P>
<P>However, here again we have a very clear example of Finis Dake’s use of common definitions to clearly illustrate a point. This phrase is taken from Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, which defines miscegenation as "marriage or interbreeding between members of different races, especially in the United States, between whites and Negroes." Again, Funk and Wagnall's New Practical Standard Dictionary defines miscegenation as "interbreeding of races, especially intermarriage or interbreeding between white and Negro, or white and Oriental races."</P>
<P>Far from being an example of racism, this is merely an example of Finis Dake’s use of contemporary reference materials to clarify a statement.</P>
<P> </P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Our Understanding of Racism</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>When we speak of racism, we do so according to its definition <I>in Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary</I>: "a doctrine or feeling of racial differences or antagonisms, especially with reference to supposed racial superiority, inferiority, or purity; racial prejudice." The same dictionary defines prejudice as (1), "a judgment or opinion formed before the facts are known; preconceived idea, favorable or, more usually, unfavorable"; (2), "a judgment or opinion held in disregard of facts that contradict it"; (3), "the holding of such judgments or opinions"; and (4), "suspicion, intolerance, or hatred of other races, creeds, religions, occupations, etc."</P>
<P>In short, as we understand it, the key components of racism are a sense of superiority of one race over another, and prejudice--a pre-judgment against someone because of their race.</P>
<P>Dr. Price has mentioned his "acid test" of racism (which seems to focus primarily on one's attitude toward interracial marriage); this is ours: to be guilty of racism, there must be an undeniable assertion of the superiority of one race over another, and a prejudicial bias against those of a race different from one's own. Every printing of the Dake Bible is free of racism, according to this simple test.</P>
<P>Dr. Price has made repeated and emphatic reference to the <B><I>appearance</B></I> of racism in the Dake Bible. To the contrary, we assert that <I>no</I> statement in <I>any</I> printing of the Dake Bible is guilty of racism or prejudice, by these commonly understood definitions. No matter how strongly someone disagrees with any statement in the Dake Bible, one will never find anything in it that even hints at the superiority of whites over blacks or any other race. Such motivation can only be read into the text from the outside. At best (or at worst, depending on your perspective), the reader is left only with his or her own speculation as to Dake's intentions for writing what he did. In other words, even the <B><I>appearance</B></I> of racism will disappear when one takes the time to separate what was actually written from one's own preconceived ideas of the author's motivations.</P>
<P>This is not to say that we care nothing for the feelings of those who are offended when they read Dake's notes. On the contrary, it is for this very reason that we made the changes in the 1997 printing. We did not make these changes because the Dake Bible was full of racist commentary. We made the changes because we had no desire to offend those who had suffered so long from racial injustice that they could not help but see evidences of racism--even where none existed. </P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Wounded in the House of Our Friends</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>The commentary notes in the Dake Bible contain nearly half again as much text as the Scriptures themselves. No one could write so extensively and so forthrightly about so many topics and expect to escape criticism. It's not criticism of the Dake Bible that has hurt us over the years. It's the sense of betrayal by people we thought were our brothers and sisters in the Lord that has left the most painful and lasting wounds. In Zechariah's prophetic portrayal of Christ, such wounds are "those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zech. 13:6).</P>
<P>One brother misrepresented the Dake Bible repeatedly before conference audiences in excess of 50,000. Another spoke his mind (but not the truth) on several broadcasts of a national Christian radio program. And more than one prominent Christian magazine has run articles that were ruinously unfair and damaging. But not once in our history has anyone ever come to us first. Not once has any of our critics expressed their concerns to us privately before airing them publicly. </P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Enter Charisma</P>
</B></FONT><I><FONT SIZE=3><P>Charisma's</I> recent article (in the April, 1998 issue) is a case in point. They were already doing a piece on Fred Price and Kenneth Hagin, Jr. When they learned of our letter to Price, they wanted to include a portion of it in an article. </P>
<P>We were thrilled by this turn of events and provided an edited version of our letter within the hour. But because we've been misrepresented in the past, we asked to read the article before it went to press. We were told this was not their policy. We stated strongly that we didn't even want it in print if it was going to be a negative piece for Dake.</P>
<P>When the article came out in print, it bore the shocking headline: DAKE PUBLISHING APOLOGIZES FOR RACIST REMARKS IN BIBLE.</P>
<P>And instead of containing our letter, it was a story about our company, Finis Dake, and the Dake Bible. A grand total of three sentences from our letter closed the piece.</P>
<P>Many of our shocked customers read the article before we did. Some were outraged at the way we'd been misrepresented (again). Others expressed concern about their Dake Bibles, once they had read the article. </P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>"It's Not Personal, It's Principle."</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>But the most appalling abuse we've received has been from Dr. Frederick K. C. Price. He claims repeatedly that his attacks on the Dake Bible aren't personal, but are a matter of principle. Yet his own actions toward us exhibit a disturbing lack of such principle.</P>
<P>Jesus taught that if our brother sins against us, we should confront him privately:</P><DIR>
<DIR>
<P>"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican" (Mt. 18: 15-17, KJV).</P></DIR>
</DIR>
<P>We aren't to "tell it unto the church" (as Dr. Price is doing) until we've taken one or two others to confront him again, "that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."</P>
<P>Since Dr. Price evidently believes the Dake Bible is guilty of the sin of racism, he should have come to us privately as our brother in Christ. But this he did not do. In fact, he doesn't want to meet with us until he finishes his series. By then, though, the damage will have been done. He will have spent many weeks trying to destroy the credibility of the Dake Bible on national television, when it could all be avoided if he would just sit down and talk with us as our brother in Christ. Looking at it this way, it is impossible to swallow his claim that "it's not personal."</P>
<P>As was stated at the beginning of this paper, we've been working to remove the perception of racism in the Dake Bible since 1990. (We can't remove actual racism, because there isn't any.) As this activity progressed, we felt it wise to solicit the perspective of someone outside of the Dake family, and we felt that Dr. Price would be the ideal candidate. Finis Dake, Jr. spoke to Dr. Price on the phone and followed up with a letter to him on April 29, 1994, inviting him to comment on any portion of the Dake notes that even hinted of racism--including the "30 reasons" on page 159 of the New Testament. Dr. Price never responded to us. Yet he stated in his letter to us on February 25, 1998, that God gave him this assignment "about seven years ago." And in his recent tapes he says that he has been researching this subject diligently for the last three years. Furthermore, the Dake Bible he quotes from was printed in 1971, so Dake's teachings aren't a recent discovery for him.</P>
<P>How is it possible that Dr. Price had nothing to say when we welcomed his suggestions four years ago, but now he feels it's his God-given duty to air his criticisms on television, before an audience of millions? He reminds his audience repeatedly that he's dealing with principles, with right and wrong. To our knowledge, there is not a single Scriptural principle which justifies this behavior on his part. It is just plain wrong.</P>
</FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Conclusion</P>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>We love Dr. Price and respect the obvious anointing he has had in times past. And we continue to pray for God's blessings on him, his family, and his ministry. Like David, we do not wish to touch the Lord's anointed and so bring judgment upon ourselves. The battle is the Lord's.</P>
<P>Still, we feel a responsibility as the publishers of <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I> to clarify our official position on this issue. It is our hope and prayer that those who have been offended by portions of the Dake Bible in the past will now see more clearly both Dake's heart and our own. And for those who believe we've compromised somehow in the changes we've made, we hope the necessity for such changes is now evident.</P>
<P>However, it is on this one issue alone that we feel changing the Dake Bible was for the greater good of the body of Christ. The remainder of Dake's extensive teachings will be preserved. There is no question in our minds that God anointed Finis Jennings Dake to teach the Word, and to record those teachings in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible and his other great works. His wording wasn't always perfect, but he definitely had an anointing.</P>
<P>With this fact always in mind, it is the ongoing commitment of Dake Publishing to handle the writings of Finis Jennings Dake with both care, honor and humility. </P>
<P> </P>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">David Patton, editor</P>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">Dake Publishing, Inc.</P>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">May, 1998</P>
</FONT><I><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2><P>The following points have been provided by Rev. Leon Bible, pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle, an interdenominational, interracial charismatic church in Laurens, South Carolina.</P>
</I>
<P>Dear friends,</P>
<P>	It seems that there has been much to say about one particular section of notes in the Dake Bible concerning the separation of the races. It may not be apparent to those who do not possess a Dake Bible, but Dake had a great deal to say concerning racial relationships. </P>
<P>Rev. Dake firmly believed in the equality of the races; listed below are 17 quotes related to the equality of the races and the permissibility of interracial marriage. In fact, Dake points to the blessing of God upon marriage between races. Let’s take a look.</P>
<P>	These quotes and references have been taken form the "Dake Annotated Reference Bible" notes as written by "Finis J. Dake." </P>
<B><P>1. Cain's curse was not a change of color from white to black.</P>
</B>
<P>Genesis 4:15 "And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him."</P>
<P>Gen. 4:15 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 15	(a) [<B>mark</B>] Hebrew: 'owth (HSN-226), token, sign. Translated "mark" only here; "token" (Gen. 9:12-17; Gen. 17:11; Ex. 3:12; Ex. 12:13; Ex. 13:16; Num. 17:10; Dt. 22:15-20; Josh. 2:12; Job 21:29; Ps. 65:8; Ps. 86:17; Ps. 135:9; Isa. 44:25); "sign" and "signs" (Gen. 1:14; Ex. 4:8-9, 17, 28, 30; Ex. 7:3; Ex. 8:23; Ex. 10:1-2; Ex. 13:9; Ex. 31:13). God gave him a pledge that vengeance would be taken sevenfold on anyone who became his murderer. It was not a physical mark or a change of color from white to black. The black race did not begin with Cain whose line perished in the flood (Gen. 6:8, 18; Gen. 7:1). All races as we know them now began after Noah (Gen. 10). </P>
<B><P>2. All races came into being after the flood </P>
</B>
<P>Genesis 10:1 "Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood."</P>
<P>Gen. 10:1 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 1	(b) [<B>unto them were sons born after the flood</B>] All races, colors and types of people came into being after the flood (Gen. 10:1-32; Gen. 17:20; Gen. 19:34-38; Gen. 25:1-34; Gen. 36:1-43). </P>
<B><P>3. The Church includes all races</P>
</B>
<P>Genesis 24:4 "But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."</P>
<P>Gen. 24:4 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 4	(a) [<B>my kindred</B>] Rebekah cannot be a type of Christ and the church, because she was exclusively of one race and the church includes all races (Gen. 24:3, 4, 7, 37, 38; Gen. 26:35; Gen. 27:46; Gen. 28:1-8). Christ is making up His church from the Gentiles as well as His own kin (Acts 15:13-18; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-29; Eph. 2:14-20; Col. 3:11). The New Testament church is mainly from Gentiles, but not entirely (Acts 15:13-18). </P>
<B><P>4. Intermarriage permitted by God and blessed</P>
</B>
<P>Ezra 4:3 "But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us." </P>
<P>Ezra 4:3 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 3	(a) [<B>Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God</B>] The Samaritans' offer was rejected by the elders because Israel wanted to remain a separate people. This was what God had required of Israel from the very beginning. They were to be a separate people in all phases of life and an example of God to all nations. On the whole, they have never intermarried. God permitted intermarriage and even blessed such on rare occasions, but the practice for the nation was contrary to His law and will (Dt. 7:3). </P>
<B>
<P>5. Slavery completely against God's will and understanding of suffering</P>
</B>
<P>Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"</P>
<P>Isaiah 61:1 (KJV)	Notes for verse 1	Liberty is the very essence of the gospel. God did not give laws commanding slavery, but He did give a few regulating it as a custom tolerated by Him and practiced universally by men. In other words, if men were determined to have slaves during their ignorance of the gospel and truth, He wanted them to be properly treated as servants and not as abused slaves. He made laws proclaiming liberty to all throughout the land (Lev. 25; Jer. 34:8-17 Ezek. 46:17; cp. Ex. 21:1-11; Lev. 22:10; Dt. 15: 17-18; 24:14). If Christianity would be followed wholly there would be no slaves or oppressed people of earth, for every man would be consecrated to the highest good of all. To enslave men, oppress and keep them in ignorance, force them against their free will, deprive them of their hire, prevent proper home life and training of children, fetter the intellect, make some dependent on others and promote any inequality in rights contrary to the laws of God, is entirely un-Christlike. The word bruised is used in Lk. 4:18 instead of captives as here, and it means those completely crushed and shattered in life, those oppressed and broken in body, soul, and mind so that there is no aim even to live. The idea here seems to be that of captives to Satan, sickness, disease, weakness, failure, and bondage to sin and evil habits that destroy the body, soul, and mind, now and forever. This could also refer to the captives in paradise, as in Mt. 12:40; Lk. 23:43; Eph. 4:8-10; Heb. 2:14-15.</P>
<B><P> </P>
<P> </P>
<P>6. All races of people are in God's kingdom</P>
</B>
<P>Daniel 7:14 "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."</P>
<P>Dan 7:14 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 14	(a) [<B>dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed</B>] The Son of man receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom composed of natural peoples of all races that they may be His subjects eternally. His kingdom is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed.</P>
<B><P>7. Jonah a bigoted Jew</P>
</B>
<P>Jonah 4:1 (KJV)	<B>Theme:</B> The book is a story of a bigoted Jew who, after being chastened by the Lord for disobedience, preached to and converted the whole city of Nineveh.</P>
<B><P>8. Bigotry listed as a sin</P>
</B>
<P>Mark 9:50 "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."</P>
<P>Mark 9:50 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 50	(b) [<B>have peace one with another</B>] This refers to the sins of Mk. 9:34-50 that destroy unity and peace among brethren:	1. Self-exaltation (Mk. 9:34) 2. Bigotry (Mk. 9:38-39) 3. Offenses (Mk. 9:42) 4. Sinful lusts of the body (Mk. 9:43-48; Rom. 1:29-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Mk. 7:19-21; Col. 3:5-10) </P>
<B><P>9. There is to be no distinction in races</P>
</B>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Times"><P>Acts 10:15 "And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."</P>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2>
<P>Acts 10:15 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 15	(a) [<B>cleansed, that call not thou common</B>] God had not yet saved Gentiles by the gospel, but was on the verge of doing so. He first had to teach Peter that He wanted to save Gentiles -- He was, after all, sovereign. He now wanted the church to know that Gentiles are just as good as Jews when both are cleansed from sin; that there is to be no distinction in races in Christ (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11); and that both Jews and Gentiles are to make one body in Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:14-22). </P>
<B><P> </P>
<P>10. Paul was a bigoted Jew prior to salvation</P>
</B>
<P>Acts 23:5 "Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."</P>
<P>Acts 23:5 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 5	(a) [<B>said Paul ...</B>] In his first address (Acts 22:1-21), Paul made it clear that he was a Jew with the regular Jewish education. He emphasized that he had all the prejudices of the Jew and had given full proof of this in that he was chief in persecution of Christians. He related his experiences with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus and in the temple, but this was rejected by his people. Had he been a Gentile, no matter how learned or eminent he was, his whole teaching would have been discounted as coming from prejudice and ignorance. But, being who he was, it was hard for them to discount what he said. God thus used one of the most eminent, learned, and bigoted Jews of that time to nullify the whole Jewish system and show the necessity of the gospel of Christ. Now, in his second address to his people he changed his strategy and appealed to the party spirit of the Jews. He knew they were divided in politics and religion into two major groups -- the Pharisees and Sadducees. He, being a Pharisee, made his appeal to that group declaring that because of "the hope and resurrection of the dead" he was "called in question." This brought results, for the Pharisees took up his cause (Acts 23:6-10). </P>
<B><P>11. Outline of Galatians calls Peter a hypocrite and guilty of preaching false doctrine for</P>
<P>being a racist</P>
</B>
<P>Introduction To Galatians	OUTLINE OF GALATIANS		CHAPTER 2	</P>
<P>8. Peter and others rebuked by Paul for hypocrisy and false doctrine</P>
<B><P>12. Peter a hypocrite </P>
</B>
<P>Galatians 2:12 "For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." </P>
<P>Gal 2:12 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 12	(a) [<B>For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision</B>] Peter had already eaten with the Gentiles and had taught that the middle wall of partition was broken down between Jews and Gentiles; but when certain Jews came from James he became fearful, withdrawing all fellowship with Gentiles.</P>
<P>Galatians 2:14 "But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?"</P>
<P>Gal 2:14 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 14	(a) [<B>not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel</B>] They acted in hypocrisy which is called here walking "not uprightly" according to the gospel.	(b) [<B>why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?</B>] Question 3. Next, Gal. 2:17. This was a cutting rebuke in public, but appropriate for Peter who had gone back again on his master (Acts 10:10-15, 28-34; Acts 11:1-18; Acts 15:7-13). This was like the man Peter was before Pentecost, living in fear and torment (Mt. 26:69-75). He had lost some of the boldness for truth that he had at Pentecost (Acts 2:14, 40; Acts 3:12; Acts 4:8-13; Acts 5:29-32). No man is infallible (1Cor. 10:13). </P>
<B><P>13. All races equal in rights and privileges</P>
</B>
<P>Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."</P>
<P>Gal 3:28 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 28	(a) [<B>There is neither Jew not Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus</B>] All races, classes, and sexes are one in Christ and equal in rights and privileges regarding gospel benefits. They make one body with Christ as the head (1Cor. 12:13, 28-31; Eph. 1:20-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Col. 3:11). The gulf between Jews and Gentiles, masters and slaves, male and female has been bridged by Christ and the gospel.</P>
<B><P>14. Bigotry rebuked</P>
</B>
<P>Galatians 6:3 "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." </P>
<P>Gal 6:3 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 3	(a) [<B>think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself</B>] Bigotry, intolerance, and conceit rebuked (Gal. 6:3-4; Isa. 65:5; Mk. 2:16; Lk. 18:9-14; Acts 10:28, 45; Rom. 3:1-23). Examples of Bigotry:1. Joshua (Num. 11:27-29) 2. Some Jews (Jn. 4:9, 27; Jn. 9:28-34) 3. Some Samaritans (Lk. 9:52-53) 4. The disciples (Mt. 19:13; Lk. 9:49-56) 5. Saul (Acts 9:1-5; Acts 22:3-4; Acts 26:9) 6. Some early Christians (Acts 11:1-3) </P>
<B><P>15. No distinction made in rights and privileges in regards to race</P>
</B>
<P>Colossians 3:11 "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." </P>
<P>Col. 3:11 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 11	(a) [<B>Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision</B>] In the new creation there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28). </P>
<B><P>16. All races are the elect of God</P>
</B>
<P>Colossians 3:12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" </P>
<P>Col. 3:12 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 12	(a) [<B>the elect of God</B>] All classes, races, colors, sexes, and types of people in Christ make the elect, not just the Jews. Anyone chosen of God -- an individual or nation -- is the elect of God (note, Lk. 18:7). </P>
<B><P>17. Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians </P>
</B>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Times"><P>1 Timothy 6:2 "And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort."</P>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2>
<P>1 Tim 6:2 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 2	(a) [<B>believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit</B>] Christian owners of slaves were not to despise them for they were brethren and the owners' equals in Christ (1Tim. 6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). This does not sanction slavery among Christians. It simply shows the proper relationship between slaves and masters.</P>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">Note: These notes represent those complied by Leon Bible. They are complete but not an exhaustive search.</P>
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</HTML>
On Fri, 06 May 2005 08:14:53 +0000, Bargello wrote:
> http://www.dake.com/position.html
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> Answering the Charge of Racism-
>
>
>
> A Position Paper From Dake Publishing
>
>
>
> A Brief History of the Problem
>
> Since it was first published in its entirety in 1963, The Dake Annotated Reference Bible has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from every nationality, every denomination, and all walks of life. The depth of its teachings and the insight it gave into the Scriptures all bore witness to the gifting and character of its author, Finis Jennings Dake.
>
> Dake Bible Sales, the publishing company started by Finis and Dorothy Dake, is now known as Dake Publishing, Inc. We are a small company that remains family-owned and operated to this day.
>
> In the 27 years between 1963 and 1990, only three people ever questioned us about the possibility of racial implications in some of the notes. In 1990, however, a few individuals did express concerns, especially to a list on page 159 of the New Testament which was at that time titled "30 reasons for segregation of races."
>
> But Finis Dake had only been dead since 1987, and we were more than a little hesitant to make any significant changes to his work. We felt it our responsibility, both as his family and his publishers, to preserve Dake's teachings in their entirety. We saw the evidence of God's favor in the enduring quality of his work, especially in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible. Nevertheless, when this note on page 159 was brought to our attention from the perspective of those who were offended by what they thought was racism, we began immediately to address the issue.
>
> Having grown up (literally) under his ministry, we understood Dake's teachings. We knew that Finis Dake was not a racist. Therefore, we were concerned at first only with the wording of the notes. We started by substituting "separation" for the more racially charged "segregation" throughout the Dake Bible. (This was done even though context proves that Dake's broad use of the term usually referred to such things as God's command that Israel be a separate people.) We also used "nation" instead of "race" where it offered clarity, and we updated a few other words that were common in Dake's day, but offensive in our own.
>
> But as we moved further into the 1990s, more negative reactions to such notes began to surface, and we realized that certain notes were a stumbling block for some whose hearts were already wounded from their experiences of racial prejudice. They simply couldn't move past this stumbling block to see what Dake was really saying. And so, in the fall of 1996, we discussed the matter as a family and made a unanimous decision to edit or remove any note that could possibly be misconstrued as a racist comment. The first printing to reflect these changes was done in January of 1997.
>
> Enter Dr. Frederick K. C. Price
>
> In spite of these efforts on our part, on February 16, 1998, Dake Publishing learned that Dr. Frederick K. C. Price intended to devote at least 30 weeks of his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism" to the original notes on page 159 of the New Testament.
>
> As we sought the Lord and godly counsel, we concluded that God would have us to approach Dr. Price in humility. This is the text of our letter to him on February 18, 1998:
>
>
>
> Dr. Frederick K. C. Price:
>
> We are writing this letter to you personally, to your congregation, and to your television audience. We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination. Neither Finis Dake nor any member of the Dake family would ever want to contribute to the oppression of African-Americans or any other race of people.
>
> As a new convert, Finis Dake often attended a Black church and was baptized there. He frequently preached in Black churches throughout the country, and Blacks attended the churches that he pastored as well. He held in the highest esteem his many African-American brothers who dedicated their lives to the ministry of the Gospel and the full experience of the Holy Spirit. Further more, we know that people of color throughout the world have played a vital role in winning many souls to Christ, though most of them have not been publicly recognized.
>
> Dr. Dake was neither a racist, nor proud. In fact, in the early 1930s he wrote a booklet entitled One Hundred Fifty Jawbreakers for Anglo-Saxons, refuting the Anglo-Saxon theory which supports the notion of white supremacy. This publication is inconsistent with the idea that his reference notes on racial separation were intended to advocate white supremacy. In addition, his notes on Colossians 3:11-12 clearly state that "as a new creation in Christ there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life."
>
> From our hearts, we are certain that Dr. Dake never intended for his reference notes to be used to support racism of any kind. Yet we clearly see how his thirty reasons for the separation of the nations can be interpreted as advocating racism, and we agree that racism has no place in the body of Christ, or anywhere else. Please accept this letter as a public statement from the entire Dake family that we ask for forgiveness.
>
> Dr. Dake's reference notes were based on his understanding of the Word of God. However, we do not wish the Dake notes to offend anyone through confusion about this sensitive topic. Therefore, we have labored to omit all racially insensitive references. We have enclosed a new Dake Bible, printed in January of 1997, for your use. We hope you will agree that the changes it contains demonstrate our commitment to reach out with an open heart to help heal the pains of racial injustice. The Dake Bible has blessed hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, and we want it to continue to promote spiritual growth, healing and reconciliation.
>
> You mentioned in your sermon last Sunday that radiation treatments to cure cancer, if not administered properly, can be just as deadly as the cancer itself. The Dake family agrees that racial prejudice in the body of Christ is, and has been, a cancerous schism to our fellowship and a hindrance to the witness of His name. However, like the radiation treatments you mentioned, the public airing of these problems could be just as dangerous as the evil of racism itself.
>
> Therefore, we ask that you would consider meeting with us and with other Christian leaders so that we can seek to resolve these issues in ways that will be of the greatest benefit to the body of Christ, to our ministries, and to the thousands and even millions of souls who can come to the Lord once they see that we are truly united in love as our Lord commanded.
>
> We have gone to great lengths to change the Dake notes so that they will not offend any ethnic or racial group. We will go to even greater lengths to have full reconciliation and forgiveness between ourselves and our Christian brothers and sisters, regarding this issue. We feel confident that you will join us in this endeavor. Therefore, we wait to hear from you as soon as possible, so that the details of such a conference can be arranged.
>
> Dr. Price, none of us can undo our personal, familial, or national histories. But we can direct the present and the future. As you seek God's direction in the weeks to come, we urge you to prayerfully consider this letter as a public appeal for forgiveness and healing. You are in a position to speak life or death, to build up or destroy, to extend mercy or withhold it.
>
> Your humble servants,
>
> Finis Dake Jr.
>
> Annabeth Dake Germaine
>
> Finette Dake Kennedy
>
> Derrick Germaine
>
>
>
> In this letter we humbled ourselves before Dr. Price, as much as we knew how. This was not feigned humility, but genuine. It was motivated in part by our desire to be sensitive to an offended brother. It also reflected our hearts as we endeavor to conduct ourselves as servants of Christ. And it was certainly our hope that his heart would be softened, and that he might reconsider his plans to include the Dake Bible in his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism."
>
> However, on February 25, we received a response from Dr. Price:
>
>
>
> To the Dake Family:
>
> Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus.
>
> In response to your faxed letter dated February 18, 1998, I must say, I was surprised to say the least, to have received a letter from you. I don't know what I've done to deserve this honor.
>
> It is true that I am in the process of teaching a series on "Race, Religion and Racism", in my church and ultimately to the body of Christ at large. God gave me this assignment about seven years ago. For the last three years I have been doing extensive research on the subject. We have a horrendous problem of racism in the church; which no one else seems to want to address in depth. This is my task. In order to destroy racism in the church, we must locate its roots and pull them out of the ground of the heart of the church. It is a fact that must be admitted that White Christians (people) not all, but far too many, hold negative attitudes and opinions about African-Americans. Where do attitudes and opinions come from? From observation, association and teaching. Racial and color prejudice (racism) is not genetically transmitted, nor is it passed through the blood. It is socially transmitted from father to son, from father to son and on and on it goes. The major transmitters of racism have been the teachings in the home by parents and teachings in the church by religious leaders, both preachers and teachers, both from the pulpit and the printed page.
>
> The Lord has led me to go back to the past and pull up the roots that have produced the present! I have never said nor inferred that Dr. Dake was a racist. After all, I have never met him. I operate on the basis of two Biblical principles among many others, which state in Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good, and His fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt and His fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by His fruit." And 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." No human is omniscient enough to know what is in the heart or mind of another human, until they speak, write or act. Based upon that, the Holy Spirit has led me to research volumes of material, both secular and Christian, to find the roots of racism and dig them up....
>
> Do you have any idea of how many people have bought and studied the Dake Bible from 1963-1998 (35 years)?. People who have these Bibles must be informed that these particular notes must be discarded.
>
> In your letter you mentioned, "We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination." To me this issue is not personal, however, I for one would be the first to say to you, apologies accepted! But, the fact of the matter still stands, the notes are already printed and have been circulating for the past 35 years. It has to be fixed! I see two ways by which this can possibly be done. First, when automobile manufacturers, Ford, General Motors etc. find a flaw in their product, they do a recall at their expense. In other words, they fix or replace the faulty part; are you willing to do that? Thirty-five years of printed material ...that's a lot of "parts". Secondly, someone has to point out the faulty parts, so people can avoid them. That is a part of my assignment with this series on "Race, Religion, and Racism"....
>
> Thank you for writing and for your concern (it is my concern also) for the Body of Christ.
>
> In the service of the King,
>
> Frederick K. C. Price, Ph.D.
>
>
>
> The following Sunday, March 1, 1998, Dr. Price read both letters to his congregation. But he primed his congregation the week before, saying,
>
> "They put a letter on me, in fact, it almost...appears that they want to put a guilt trip on me. But see, they don't realize that God gave me this assignment some years back. I've done the research on this series for three years, a straight three years."
>
> He then took what we intended to be a move toward healing and used it instead to add fuel to the fire. As he stated in his letter to us, he feels it is his "assignment" to "point out the faulty parts" in older printings of the Dake Bible. This he plans to do for weeks to come.
>
> We wrote a second letter to Dr. Price, stressing again our desire to meet with him, both to hear his concerns and, hopefully, to clarify matters. In his reply, however, he said he would prefer that we wait until he was finished with his series, so that we could fully understand his perspective. But after listening to several subsequent messages, his perspective became quite obvious. Sickened by what we heard, we've chosen not to respond to Dr. Price any further. Instead, we feel it necessary to issue this position paper stating clearly and accurately the truth about the so-called "racism" in the Dake Bible.
>
> Dake's Perspective
>
> At this point, we would like to clarify Dake's use of "white" with regard to race. Finis Dake understood this word in a much broader sense than the "snow white" or "European white" understanding Dr. Price has ascribed to the term in some of his recent messages. Dake's usage of "white" was consistent with the dictionary explanation that there are only three main ethnic divisions of the human race--Caucasian (white), Negroid (black) and Mongoloid (oriental).
>
> We do not know all of the sources Dake relied upon while doing his research. But we do know that he kept a tattered copy of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary nearby. According to Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary (Deluxe Second Edition, ©1983), the Caucasian division is composed not only of "whites" (which is loosely synonymous with Caucasian and embraces the Alpine and Nordic subdivisions), but also includes all people of Mediterranean descent. Webster's New World Dictionary (© 1976) further qualifies the term as including "peoples of Europe, North Africa, the Near East, India, etc. and is loosely called the white race although it embraces peoples of dark skin color." In addition, the 1958 Britannica World Language Dictionary (which Dake referred to often) states that Caucasian pertains to "peoples speaking Indo-European, Semitic, Hamitic languages." The same dictionary, under the heading of race, states that "according to some authorities, the primary stocks are: the Caucasian (Nordic, Alpine, Mediterranean, and Hindu), the Mongoloid (Mongolian, Malaysian, and American Indian), and the Negroid (Negro, Negrito, and Melanesian)."
>
> Basically, according to this understanding, a Caucasian is anyone who isn't Negroid or Mongoloid. And since Caucasian is loosely synonymous with "white" (although modern racial sensitivity has led us to refrain from such usage), Dake was not out of line to write this way in his day.
>
> Had the primary figures in the Bible fallen into any other ethnic division, Dake would have had no problem noting that. Finis Dake didn't care what color Jesus or any other biblical character was. He didn't associate them with Caucasians because of some personal agenda to identify the major figures of the Bible with the white race; he did so because they were already grouped that way, in his understanding.
>
> Granted, it would have been helpful for him to have qualified his use of such terminology, especially for readers today. But it never occurred to him that he would later be accused of being a racist or a white supremacist. (Perhaps a rough parallel exists between the intentions of the founders of our Constitution and the often absurd interpretations their words are given today.)
>
> Finis Dake only made references to such matters because of his understanding from the Bible that God divided the nations after the incident with the tower of Babel. His literal interpretation of Scripture (including such statements as "the bounds of their habitation" in Acts 17:26) led him to conclude that God intended the human race to remain divided in this way. This was not a view resulting from racial prejudice, but from his very literal biblical exegesis.
>
> Dr. Price has emphasized Rev. Dake’s usage of racial distinctions, particularly in reference to a note entitled Separation in Scripture. Point number four states that "Miscegenation means the mixture of races, especially the black and white races, or those of outstanding type or color." Dr. Price sees racism in the phrase "especially the black and white races," and has spent a great deal of time trying to prove his point.
>
> However, here again we have a very clear example of Finis Dake’s use of common definitions to clearly illustrate a point. This phrase is taken from Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, which defines miscegenation as "marriage or interbreeding between members of different races, especially in the United States, between whites and Negroes." Again, Funk and Wagnall's New Practical Standard Dictionary defines miscegenation as "interbreeding of races, especially intermarriage or interbreeding between white and Negro, or white and Oriental races."
>
> Far from being an example of racism, this is merely an example of Finis Dake’s use of contemporary reference materials to clarify a statement.
>
>
>
> Our Understanding of Racism
>
> When we speak of racism, we do so according to its definition in Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary: "a doctrine or feeling of racial differences or antagonisms, especially with reference to supposed racial superiority, inferiority, or purity; racial prejudice." The same dictionary defines prejudice as (1), "a judgment or opinion formed before the facts are known; preconceived idea, favorable or, more usually, unfavorable"; (2), "a judgment or opinion held in disregard of facts that contradict it"; (3), "the holding of such judgments or opinions"; and (4), "suspicion, intolerance, or hatred of other races, creeds, religions, occupations, etc."
>
> In short, as we understand it, the key components of racism are a sense of superiority of one race over another, and prejudice--a pre-judgment against someone because of their race.
>
> Dr. Price has mentioned his "acid test" of racism (which seems to focus primarily on one's attitude toward interracial marriage); this is ours: to be guilty of racism, there must be an undeniable assertion of the superiority of one race over another, and a prejudicial bias against those of a race different from one's own. Every printing of the Dake Bible is free of racism, according to this simple test.
>
> Dr. Price has made repeated and emphatic reference to the appearance of racism in the Dake Bible. To the contrary, we assert that no statement in any printing of the Dake Bible is guilty of racism or prejudice, by these commonly understood definitions. No matter how strongly someone disagrees with any statement in the Dake Bible, one will never find anything in it that even hints at the superiority of whites over blacks or any other race. Such motivation can only be read into the text from the outside. At best (or at worst, depending on your perspective), the reader is left only with his or her own speculation as to Dake's intentions for writing what he did. In other words, even the appearance of racism will disappear when one takes the time to separate what was actually written from one's own preconceived ideas of the author's motivations.
>
> This is not to say that we care nothing for the feelings of those who are offended when they read Dake's notes. On the contrary, it is for this very reason that we made the changes in the 1997 printing. We did not make these changes because the Dake Bible was full of racist commentary. We made the changes because we had no desire to offend those who had suffered so long from racial injustice that they could not help but see evidences of racism--even where none existed.
>
> Wounded in the House of Our Friends
>
> The commentary notes in the Dake Bible contain nearly half again as much text as the Scriptures themselves. No one could write so extensively and so forthrightly about so many topics and expect to escape criticism. It's not criticism of the Dake Bible that has hurt us over the years. It's the sense of betrayal by people we thought were our brothers and sisters in the Lord that has left the most painful and lasting wounds. In Zechariah's prophetic portrayal of Christ, such wounds are "those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zech. 13:6).
>
> One brother misrepresented the Dake Bible repeatedly before conference audiences in excess of 50,000. Another spoke his mind (but not the truth) on several broadcasts of a national Christian radio program. And more than one prominent Christian magazine has run articles that were ruinously unfair and damaging. But not once in our history has anyone ever come to us first. Not once has any of our critics expressed their concerns to us privately before airing them publicly.
>
> Enter Charisma
>
> Charisma's recent article (in the April, 1998 issue) is a case in point. They were already doing a piece on Fred Price and Kenneth Hagin, Jr. When they learned of our letter to Price, they wanted to include a portion of it in an article.
>
> We were thrilled by this turn of events and provided an edited version of our letter within the hour. But because we've been misrepresented in the past, we asked to read the article before it went to press. We were told this was not their policy. We stated strongly that we didn't even want it in print if it was going to be a negative piece for Dake.
>
> When the article came out in print, it bore the shocking headline: DAKE PUBLISHING APOLOGIZES FOR RACIST REMARKS IN BIBLE.
>
> And instead of containing our letter, it was a story about our company, Finis Dake, and the Dake Bible. A grand total of three sentences from our letter closed the piece.
>
> Many of our shocked customers read the article before we did. Some were outraged at the way we'd been misrepresented (again). Others expressed concern about their Dake Bibles, once they had read the article.
>
> "It's Not Personal, It's Principle."
>
> But the most appalling abuse we've received has been from Dr. Frederick K. C. Price. He claims repeatedly that his attacks on the Dake Bible aren't personal, but are a matter of principle. Yet his own actions toward us exhibit a disturbing lack of such principle.
>
> Jesus taught that if our brother sins against us, we should confront him privately:
>
> "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican" (Mt. 18: 15-17, KJV).
>
> We aren't to "tell it unto the church" (as Dr. Price is doing) until we've taken one or two others to confront him again, "that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."
>
> Since Dr. Price evidently believes the Dake Bible is guilty of the sin of racism, he should have come to us privately as our brother in Christ. But this he did not do. In fact, he doesn't want to meet with us until he finishes his series. By then, though, the damage will have been done. He will have spent many weeks trying to destroy the credibility of the Dake Bible on national television, when it could all be avoided if he would just sit down and talk with us as our brother in Christ. Looking at it this way, it is impossible to swallow his claim that "it's not personal."
>
> As was stated at the beginning of this paper, we've been working to remove the perception of racism in the Dake Bible since 1990. (We can't remove actual racism, because there isn't any.) As this activity progressed, we felt it wise to solicit the perspective of someone outside of the Dake family, and we felt that Dr. Price would be the ideal candidate. Finis Dake, Jr. spoke to Dr. Price on the phone and followed up with a letter to him on April 29, 1994, inviting him to comment on any portion of the Dake notes that even hinted of racism--including the "30 reasons" on page 159 of the New Testament. Dr. Price never responded to us. Yet he stated in his letter to us on February 25, 1998, that God gave him this assignment "about seven years ago." And in his recent tapes he says that he has been researching this subject diligently for the last three years. Furthermore, the Dake Bible he quotes from was printed in 1971, so Dake's teachings aren't a recent discovery for him.
>
> How is it possible that Dr. Price had nothing to say when we welcomed his suggestions four years ago, but now he feels it's his God-given duty to air his criticisms on television, before an audience of millions? He reminds his audience repeatedly that he's dealing with principles, with right and wrong. To our knowledge, there is not a single Scriptural principle which justifies this behavior on his part. It is just plain wrong.
>
> Conclusion
>
> We love Dr. Price and respect the obvious anointing he has had in times past. And we continue to pray for God's blessings on him, his family, and his ministry. Like David, we do not wish to touch the Lord's anointed and so bring judgment upon ourselves. The battle is the Lord's.
>
> Still, we feel a responsibility as the publishers of The Dake Annotated Reference Bible to clarify our official position on this issue. It is our hope and prayer that those who have been offended by portions of the Dake Bible in the past will now see more clearly both Dake's heart and our own. And for those who believe we've compromised somehow in the changes we've made, we hope the necessity for such changes is now evident.
>
> However, it is on this one issue alone that we feel changing the Dake Bible was for the greater good of the body of Christ. The remainder of Dake's extensive teachings will be preserved. There is no question in our minds that God anointed Finis Jennings Dake to teach the Word, and to record those teachings in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible and his other great works. His wording wasn't always perfect, but he definitely had an anointing.
>
> With this fact always in mind, it is the ongoing commitment of Dake Publishing to handle the writings of Finis Jennings Dake with both care, honor and humility.
>
>
>
> David Patton, editor
>
> Dake Publishing, Inc.
>
> May, 1998
>
> The following points have been provided by Rev. Leon Bible, pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle, an interdenominational, interracial charismatic church in Laurens, South Carolina.
>
> Dear friends,
>
> It seems that there has been much to say about one particular section of notes in the Dake Bible concerning the separation of the races. It may not be apparent to those who do not possess a Dake Bible, but Dake had a great deal to say concerning racial relationships.
>
> Rev. Dake firmly believed in the equality of the races; listed below are 17 quotes related to the equality of the races and the permissibility of interracial marriage. In fact, Dake points to the blessing of God upon marriage between races. Let’s take a look.
>
> These quotes and references have been taken form the "Dake Annotated Reference Bible" notes as written by "Finis J. Dake."
>
> 1. Cain's curse was not a change of color from white to black.
>
> Genesis 4:15 "And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him."
>
> Gen. 4:15 (KJV) Notes For Verse 15 (a) [mark] Hebrew: 'owth (HSN-226), token, sign. Translated "mark" only here; "token" (Gen. 9:12-17; Gen. 17:11; Ex. 3:12; Ex. 12:13; Ex. 13:16; Num. 17:10; Dt. 22:15-20; Josh. 2:12; Job 21:29; Ps. 65:8; Ps. 86:17; Ps. 135:9; Isa. 44:25); "sign" and "signs" (Gen. 1:14; Ex. 4:8-9, 17, 28, 30; Ex. 7:3; Ex. 8:23; Ex. 10:1-2; Ex. 13:9; Ex. 31:13). God gave him a pledge that vengeance would be taken sevenfold on anyone who became his murderer. It was not a physical mark or a change of color from white to black. The black race did not begin with Cain whose line perished in the flood (Gen. 6:8, 18; Gen. 7:1). All races as we know them now began after Noah (Gen. 10).
>
> 2. All races came into being after the flood
>
> Genesis 10:1 "Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood."
>
> Gen. 10:1 (KJV) Notes For Verse 1 (b) [unto them were sons born after the flood] All races, colors and types of people came into being after the flood (Gen. 10:1-32; Gen. 17:20; Gen. 19:34-38; Gen. 25:1-34; Gen. 36:1-43).
>
> 3. The Church includes all races
>
> Genesis 24:4 "But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."
>
> Gen. 24:4 (KJV) Notes For Verse 4 (a) [my kindred] Rebekah cannot be a type of Christ and the church, because she was exclusively of one race and the church includes all races (Gen. 24:3, 4, 7, 37, 38; Gen. 26:35; Gen. 27:46; Gen. 28:1-8). Christ is making up His church from the Gentiles as well as His own kin (Acts 15:13-18; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-29; Eph. 2:14-20; Col. 3:11). The New Testament church is mainly from Gentiles, but not entirely (Acts 15:13-18).
>
> 4. Intermarriage permitted by God and blessed
>
> Ezra 4:3 "But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us."
>
> Ezra 4:3 (KJV) Notes For Verse 3 (a) [Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God] The Samaritans' offer was rejected by the elders because Israel wanted to remain a separate people. This was what God had required of Israel from the very beginning. They were to be a separate people in all phases of life and an example of God to all nations. On the whole, they have never intermarried. God permitted intermarriage and even blessed such on rare occasions, but the practice for the nation was contrary to His law and will (Dt. 7:3).
>
> 5. Slavery completely against God's will and understanding of suffering
>
> Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"
>
> Isaiah 61:1 (KJV) Notes for verse 1 Liberty is the very essence of the gospel. God did not give laws commanding slavery, but He did give a few regulating it as a custom tolerated by Him and practiced universally by men. In other words, if men were determined to have slaves during their ignorance of the gospel and truth, He wanted them to be properly treated as servants and not as abused slaves. He made laws proclaiming liberty to all throughout the land (Lev. 25; Jer. 34:8-17 Ezek. 46:17; cp. Ex. 21:1-11; Lev. 22:10; Dt. 15: 17-18; 24:14). If Christianity would be followed wholly there would be no slaves or oppressed people of earth, for every man would be consecrated to the highest good of all. To enslave men, oppress and keep them in ignorance, force them against their free will, deprive them of their hire, prevent proper home life and training of children, fetter the intellect, make some dependent on others and promote any inequality in rights contrary to the laws of God, is entirely un-Christlike. The word bruised is used in Lk. 4:18 instead of captives as here, and it means those completely crushed and shattered in life, those oppressed and broken in body, soul, and mind so that there is no aim even to live. The idea here seems to be that of captives to Satan, sickness, disease, weakness, failure, and bondage to sin and evil habits that destroy the body, soul, and mind, now and forever. This could also refer to the captives in paradise, as in Mt. 12:40; Lk. 23:43; Eph. 4:8-10; Heb. 2:14-15.
>
>
>
>
>
> 6. All races of people are in God's kingdom
>
> Daniel 7:14 "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
>
> Dan 7:14 (KJV) Notes For Verse 14 (a) [dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed] The Son of man receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom composed of natural peoples of all races that they may be His subjects eternally. His kingdom is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed.
>
> 7. Jonah a bigoted Jew
>
> Jonah 4:1 (KJV) Theme: The book is a story of a bigoted Jew who, after being chastened by the Lord for disobedience, preached to and converted the whole city of Nineveh.
>
> 8. Bigotry listed as a sin
>
> Mark 9:50 "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."
>
> Mark 9:50 (KJV) Notes For Verse 50 (b) [have peace one with another] This refers to the sins of Mk. 9:34-50 that destroy unity and peace among brethren: 1. Self-exaltation (Mk. 9:34) 2. Bigotry (Mk. 9:38-39) 3. Offenses (Mk. 9:42) 4. Sinful lusts of the body (Mk. 9:43-48; Rom. 1:29-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Mk. 7:19-21; Col. 3:5-10)
>
> 9. There is to be no distinction in races
>
> Acts 10:15 "And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."
>
> Acts 10:15 (KJV) Notes For Verse 15 (a) [cleansed, that call not thou common] God had not yet saved Gentiles by the gospel, but was on the verge of doing so. He first had to teach Peter that He wanted to save Gentiles -- He was, after all, sovereign. He now wanted the church to know that Gentiles are just as good as Jews when both are cleansed from sin; that there is to be no distinction in races in Christ (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11); and that both Jews and Gentiles are to make one body in Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:14-22).
>
>
>
> 10. Paul was a bigoted Jew prior to salvation
>
> Acts 23:5 "Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."
>
> Acts 23:5 (KJV) Notes For Verse 5 (a) [said Paul ...] In his first address (Acts 22:1-21), Paul made it clear that he was a Jew with the regular Jewish education. He emphasized that he had all the prejudices of the Jew and had given full proof of this in that he was chief in persecution of Christians. He related his experiences with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus and in the temple, but this was rejected by his people. Had he been a Gentile, no matter how learned or eminent he was, his whole teaching would have been discounted as coming from prejudice and ignorance. But, being who he was, it was hard for them to discount what he said. God thus used one of the most eminent, learned, and bigoted Jews of that time to nullify the whole Jewish system and show the necessity of the gospel of Christ. Now, in his second address to his people he changed his strategy and appealed to the party spirit of the Jews. He knew they were divided in politics and religion into two major groups -- the Pharisees and Sadducees. He, being a Pharisee, made his appeal to that group declaring that because of "the hope and resurrection of the dead" he was "called in question." This brought results, for the Pharisees took up his cause (Acts 23:6-10).
>
> 11. Outline of Galatians calls Peter a hypocrite and guilty of preaching false doctrine for
>
> being a racist
>
> Introduction To Galatians OUTLINE OF GALATIANS CHAPTER 2
>
> 8. Peter and others rebuked by Paul for hypocrisy and false doctrine
>
> 12. Peter a hypocrite
>
> Galatians 2:12 "For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision."
>
> Gal 2:12 (KJV) Notes For Verse 12 (a) [For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision] Peter had already eaten with the Gentiles and had taught that the middle wall of partition was broken down between Jews and Gentiles; but when certain Jews came from James he became fearful, withdrawing all fellowship with Gentiles.
>
> Galatians 2:14 "But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?"
>
> Gal 2:14 (KJV) Notes For Verse 14 (a) [not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel] They acted in hypocrisy which is called here walking "not uprightly" according to the gospel. (b) [why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?] Question 3. Next, Gal. 2:17. This was a cutting rebuke in public, but appropriate for Peter who had gone back again on his master (Acts 10:10-15, 28-34; Acts 11:1-18; Acts 15:7-13). This was like the man Peter was before Pentecost, living in fear and torment (Mt. 26:69-75). He had lost some of the boldness for truth that he had at Pentecost (Acts 2:14, 40; Acts 3:12; Acts 4:8-13; Acts 5:29-32). No man is infallible (1Cor. 10:13).
>
> 13. All races equal in rights and privileges
>
> Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
>
> Gal 3:28 (KJV) Notes For Verse 28 (a) [There is neither Jew not Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus] All races, classes, and sexes are one in Christ and equal in rights and privileges regarding gospel benefits. They make one body with Christ as the head (1Cor. 12:13, 28-31; Eph. 1:20-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Col. 3:11). The gulf between Jews and Gentiles, masters and slaves, male and female has been bridged by Christ and the gospel.
>
> 14. Bigotry rebuked
>
> Galatians 6:3 "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."
>
> Gal 6:3 (KJV) Notes For Verse 3 (a) [think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself] Bigotry, intolerance, and conceit rebuked (Gal. 6:3-4; Isa. 65:5; Mk. 2:16; Lk. 18:9-14; Acts 10:28, 45; Rom. 3:1-23). Examples of Bigotry:1. Joshua (Num. 11:27-29) 2. Some Jews (Jn. 4:9, 27; Jn. 9:28-34) 3. Some Samaritans (Lk. 9:52-53) 4. The disciples (Mt. 19:13; Lk. 9:49-56) 5. Saul (Acts 9:1-5; Acts 22:3-4; Acts 26:9) 6. Some early Christians (Acts 11:1-3)
>
> 15. No distinction made in rights and privileges in regards to race
>
> Colossians 3:11 "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
>
> Col. 3:11 (KJV) Notes For Verse 11 (a) [Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision] In the new creation there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28).
>
> 16. All races are the elect of God
>
> Colossians 3:12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"
>
> Col. 3:12 (KJV) Notes For Verse 12 (a) [the elect of God] All classes, races, colors, sexes, and types of people in Christ make the elect, not just the Jews. Anyone chosen of God -- an individual or nation -- is the elect of God (note, Lk. 18:7).
>
> 17. Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians
>
> 1 Timothy 6:2 "And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort."
>
> 1 Tim 6:2 (KJV) Notes For Verse 2 (a) [believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit] Christian owners of slaves were not to despise them for they were brethren and the owners' equals in Christ (1Tim. 6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). This does not sanction slavery among Christians. It simply shows the proper relationship between slaves and masters.
>
> Note: These notes represent those complied by Leon Bible. They are complete but not an exhaustive search.
>
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> <B><FONT SIZE=6><P ALIGN="CENTER">Answering the Charge of Racism</P>
> </FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P ALIGN="CENTER"> </P>
> </FONT><FONT SIZE=5><P ALIGN="CENTER">A Position Paper From Dake Publishing</P>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P> </P>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>A Brief History of the Problem</P>
>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>Since it was first published in its entirety in 1963, <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I> has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from every nationality, every denomination, and all walks of life. The depth of its teachings and the insight it gave into the Scriptures all bore witness to the gifting and character of its author, Finis Jennings Dake.</P>
> <P>Dake Bible Sales, the publishing company started by Finis and Dorothy Dake, is now known as Dake Publishing, Inc. We are a small company that remains family-owned and operated to this day.</P>
> <P>In the 27 years between 1963 and 1990, only three people ever questioned us about the possibility of racial implications in some of the notes. In 1990, however, a few individuals did express concerns, especially to a list on page 159 of the New Testament which was at that time titled "30 reasons for segregation of races."</P>
> <P>But Finis Dake had only been dead since 1987, and we were more than a little hesitant to make any significant changes to his work. We felt it our responsibility, both as his family and his publishers, to preserve Dake's teachings in their entirety. We saw the evidence of God's favor in the enduring quality of his work, especially in <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I>. Nevertheless, when this note on page 159 was brought to our attention from the perspective of those who were offended by what they thought was racism, we began immediately to address the issue.</P>
> <P>Having grown up (literally) under his ministry, we understood Dake's teachings. We knew that Finis Dake was not a racist. Therefore, we were concerned at first only with the wording of the notes. We started by substituting "separation" for the more racially charged "segregation" throughout the Dake Bible. (This was done even though context proves that Dake's broad use of the term usually referred to such things as God's command that Israel be a separate people.) We also used "nation" instead of "race" where it offered clarity, and we updated a few other words that were common in Dake's day, but offensive in our own.</P>
> <P>But as we moved further into the 1990s, more negative reactions to such notes began to surface, and we realized that certain notes were a stumbling block for some whose hearts were already wounded from their experiences of racial prejudice. They simply couldn't move past this stumbling block to see what Dake was really saying. And so, in the fall of 1996, we discussed the matter as a family and made a unanimous decision to edit or remove any note that could possibly be misconstrued as a racist comment. The first printing to reflect these changes was done in January of 1997.</P>
>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Enter Dr. Frederick K. C. Price</P>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>In spite of these efforts on our part, on February 16, 1998, Dake Publishing learned that Dr. Frederick K. C. Price intended to devote at least 30 weeks of his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism" to the original notes on page 159 of the New Testament.</P>
> <P>As we sought the Lord and godly counsel, we concluded that God would have us to approach Dr. Price in humility. This is the text of our letter to him on February 18, 1998:</P>
> <P> </P><DIR>
> <DIR>
>
> <P>Dr. Frederick K. C. Price:</P>
> <P>We are writing this letter to you personally, to your congregation, and to your television audience. We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I> that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination. Neither Finis Dake nor any member of the Dake family would ever want to contribute to the oppression of African-Americans or any other race of people.</P>
> <P>As a new convert, Finis Dake often attended a Black church and was baptized there. He frequently preached in Black churches throughout the country, and Blacks attended the churches that he pastored as well. He held in the highest esteem his many African-American brothers who dedicated their lives to the ministry of the Gospel and the full experience of the Holy Spirit. Further more, we know that people of color throughout the world have played a vital role in winning many souls to Christ, though most of them have not been publicly recognized.</P>
>
> <P>Dr. Dake was neither a racist, nor proud. In fact, in the early 1930s he wrote a booklet <I>entitled One Hundred Fifty Jawbreakers for Anglo-Saxons</I>, refuting the Anglo-Saxon theory which supports the notion of white supremacy. This publication is inconsistent with the idea that his reference notes on racial separation were intended to advocate white supremacy. In addition, his notes on Colossians 3:11-12 clearly state that "as a new creation in Christ there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life."</P>
> <P>From our hearts, we are certain that Dr. Dake never intended for his reference notes to be used to support racism of any kind. Yet we clearly see how his thirty reasons for the separation of the nations can be interpreted as advocating racism, and we agree that racism has no place in the body of Christ, or anywhere else. Please accept this letter as a public statement from the entire Dake family that we ask for forgiveness.</P>
> <P>Dr. Dake's reference notes were based on his understanding of the Word of God. However, we do not wish the Dake notes to offend anyone through confusion about this sensitive topic. Therefore, we have labored to omit all racially insensitive references. We have enclosed a new Dake Bible, printed in January of 1997, for your use. We hope you will agree that the changes it contains demonstrate our commitment to reach out with an open heart to help heal the pains of racial injustice. The Dake Bible has blessed hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, and we want it to continue to promote spiritual growth, healing and reconciliation.</P>
> <P>You mentioned in your sermon last Sunday that radiation treatments to cure cancer, if not administered properly, can be just as deadly as the cancer itself. The Dake family agrees that racial prejudice in the body of Christ is, and has been, a cancerous schism to our fellowship and a hindrance to the witness of His name. However, like the radiation treatments you mentioned, the public airing of these problems could be just as dangerous as the evil of racism itself.</P>
> <P>Therefore, we ask that you would consider meeting with us and with other Christian leaders so that we can seek to resolve these issues in ways that will be of the greatest benefit to the body of Christ, to our ministries, and to the thousands and even millions of souls who can come to the Lord once they see that we are truly united in love as our Lord commanded.</P>
> <P>We have gone to great lengths to change the Dake notes so that they will not offend any ethnic or racial group. We will go to even greater lengths to have full reconciliation and forgiveness between ourselves and our Christian brothers and sisters, regarding this issue. We feel confident that you will join us in this endeavor. Therefore, we wait to hear from you as soon as possible, so that the details of such a conference can be arranged.</P>
> <P>Dr. Price, none of us can undo our personal, familial, or national histories. But we can direct the present and the future. As you seek God's direction in the weeks to come, we urge you to prayerfully consider this letter as a public appeal for forgiveness and healing. You are in a position to speak life or death, to build up or destroy, to extend mercy or withhold it.</P>
> <P>Your humble servants,</P>
>
> <P>Finis Dake Jr. </P>
> <P>Annabeth Dake Germaine </P>
> <P>Finette Dake Kennedy </P>
> <P>Derrick Germaine</P>
>
> <P> </P></DIR>
> </DIR>
>
> <P>In this letter we humbled ourselves before Dr. Price, as much as we knew how. This was not feigned humility, but genuine. It was motivated in part by our desire to be sensitive to an offended brother. It also reflected our hearts as we endeavor to conduct ourselves as servants of Christ. And it was certainly our hope that his heart would be softened, and that he might reconsider his plans to include the Dake Bible in his series on "Race, Religion, and Racism."</P>
> <P>However, on February 25, we received a response from Dr. Price: </P>
> <P> </P><DIR>
>
> <DIR>
>
> <P>To the Dake Family:</P>
> <P>Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus.</P>
> <P>In response to your faxed letter dated February 18, 1998, I must say, I was surprised to say the least, to have received a letter from you. I don't know what I've done to deserve this honor.</P>
> <P>It is true that I am in the process of teaching a series on "Race, Religion and Racism", in my church and ultimately to the body of Christ at large. God gave me this assignment about seven years ago. For the last three years I have been doing extensive research on the subject. We have a horrendous problem of racism in the church; which no one else seems to want to address in depth. This is my task. In order to destroy racism in the church, we must locate its roots and pull them out of the ground of the heart of the church. It is a fact that must be admitted that White Christians (people) <B>not all</B>, but far too many, hold negative attitudes and opinions about African-Americans. Where do attitudes and opinions come from? From observation, association and teaching. Racial and color prejudice (racism) is not genetically transmitted, nor is it passed through the blood. It is socially transmitted from father to son, from father to son and on and on it goes. The major transmitters of racism have been the teachings in the home by parents and teachings in the church by religious leaders, both preachers and teachers, both from the pulpit and the printed page.</P>
> <P>The Lord has led me to go back to the past and pull up the roots that have produced the present! I have never said nor inferred that Dr. Dake was a racist. After all, I have never met him. I operate on the basis of two Biblical principles among many others, which state in Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good, and His fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt and His fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by His fruit." And 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." No human is omniscient enough to know what is in the heart or mind of another human, until they speak, write or act. Based upon that, the Holy Spirit has led me to research volumes of material, both secular and Christian, to find the roots of racism and dig them up....</P>
> <P>Do you have any idea of how many people have bought and studied the Dake Bible from 1963-1998 <B>(35 years)</B>?. People who have these Bibles must be informed that these particular notes must be discarded.</P>
>
> <P>In your letter you mentioned, "We wish to express our sincere regrets and apologies for any commentary in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible that has been interpreted as being supportive of slavery, racism or discrimination." To me this issue is not personal, however, I for one would be the first to say to you, apologies accepted! But, the fact of the matter still stands, the notes are already printed and have been circulating for the past 35 years. It has to be fixed! I see two ways by which this can possibly be done. First, when automobile manufacturers, Ford, General Motors etc. find a flaw in their product, they do a recall at their expense. In other words, they fix or replace the faulty part; are you willing to do that? Thirty-five years of printed material ...that's a lot of "parts". Secondly, someone has to point out the faulty parts, so people can avoid them. That is a part of my assignment with this series on "Race, Religion, and Racism"....</P>
> <P>Thank you for writing and for your concern (it is my concern also) for the Body of Christ.</P>
> <P>In the service of the King,</P>
> <P>Frederick K. C. Price, Ph.D.</P>
> <P> </P></DIR>
> </DIR>
>
> <P>The following Sunday, March 1, 1998, Dr. Price read both letters to his congregation. But he primed his congregation the week before, saying,</P><DIR>
> <DIR>
>
> <P>"They put a letter on me, in fact, it almost...appears that they want to put a guilt trip on me. But see, they don't realize that <I>God</I> gave me this assignment some years back. I've done the research on this series for three years, a straight three years." </P></DIR>
>
> </DIR>
>
> <P>He then took what we intended to be a move toward healing and used it instead to add fuel to the fire. As he stated in his letter to us, he feels it is his "assignment" to "point out the faulty parts" in older printings of the Dake Bible. This he plans to do for weeks to come.</P>
> <P>We wrote a second letter to Dr. Price, stressing again our desire to meet with him, both to hear his concerns and, hopefully, to clarify matters. In his reply, however, he said he would prefer that we wait until he was finished with his series, so that we could fully understand his perspective. But after listening to several subsequent messages, his perspective became quite obvious. Sickened by what we heard, we've chosen not to respond to Dr. Price any further. Instead, we feel it necessary to issue this position paper stating clearly and accurately the truth about the so-called "racism" in the Dake Bible. </P>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Dake's Perspective</P>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>At this point, we would like to clarify Dake's use of "white" with regard to race. Finis Dake understood this word in a much broader sense than the "snow white" or "European white" understanding Dr. Price has ascribed to the term in some of his recent messages. Dake's usage of "white" was consistent with the dictionary explanation that there are only three main ethnic divisions of the human race--Caucasian (white), Negroid (black) and Mongoloid (oriental).</P>
> <P>We do not know all of the sources Dake relied upon while doing his research. But we do know that he kept a tattered copy of <I>Webster's Unabridged Dictionary</I> nearby. According to <I>Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary</I> (Deluxe Second Edition, ©1983), the Caucasian division is composed not only of "whites" (which is loosely synonymous with Caucasian and embraces the Alpine and Nordic subdivisions), but also includes all people of Mediterranean descent. <I>Webster's New World Dictionary</I> (© 1976) further qualifies the term as including "peoples of Europe, North Africa, the Near East, India, etc. and is loosely called the <I>white race</I> although it embraces peoples of dark skin color." In addition, the 1958 <I>Britannica World Language Dictionary</I> (which Dake referred to often) states that Caucasian pertains to "peoples speaking Indo-European, Semitic, Hamitic languages." The same dictionary, under the heading of <B>race</B>, states that "according to some authorities, the primary stocks are: the Caucasian (Nordic, Alpine, Mediterranean, and Hindu), the Mongoloid (Mongolian, Malaysian, and American Indian), and the Negroid (Negro, Negrito, and Melanesian)."</P>
>
> <P>Basically, according to this understanding, a Caucasian is anyone who isn't Negroid or Mongoloid. And since Caucasian is loosely synonymous with "white" (although modern racial sensitivity has led us to refrain from such usage), Dake was not out of line to write this way in his day.</P>
> <P>Had the primary figures in the Bible fallen into any other ethnic division, Dake would have had no problem noting that. Finis Dake didn't care what color Jesus or any other biblical character was. He didn't associate them with Caucasians because of some personal agenda to identify the major figures of the Bible with the white race; he did so because they were already grouped that way, in his understanding.</P>
> <P>Granted, it would have been helpful for him to have qualified his use of such terminology, especially for readers today. But it never occurred to him that he would later be accused of being a racist or a white supremacist. (Perhaps a rough parallel exists between the intentions of the founders of our Constitution and the often absurd interpretations their words are given today.)</P>
> <P>Finis Dake only made references to such matters because of his understanding from the Bible that God divided the nations after the incident with the tower of Babel. His literal interpretation of Scripture (including such statements as "the bounds of their habitation" in Acts 17:26) led him to conclude that God intended the human race to remain divided in this way. This was not a view resulting from racial prejudice, but from his very literal biblical exegesis.</P>
> <P>Dr. Price has emphasized Rev. Dake’s usage of racial distinctions, particularly in reference to a note entitled <I>Separation in Scripture</I>. Point number four states that "Miscegenation means the mixture of races, especially the black and white races, or those of outstanding type or color."<B> </B>Dr. Price<B> </B>sees racism in the phrase "especially the black and white races," and has spent a great deal of time trying to prove his point.</P>
>
> <P>However, here again we have a very clear example of Finis Dake’s use of common definitions to clearly illustrate a point. This phrase is taken from Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, which defines miscegenation as "marriage or interbreeding between members of different races, especially in the United States, between whites and Negroes." Again, Funk and Wagnall's New Practical Standard Dictionary defines miscegenation as "interbreeding of races, especially intermarriage or interbreeding between white and Negro, or white and Oriental races."</P>
>
> <P>Far from being an example of racism, this is merely an example of Finis Dake’s use of contemporary reference materials to clarify a statement.</P>
> <P> </P>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Our Understanding of Racism</P>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>When we speak of racism, we do so according to its definition <I>in Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary</I>: "a doctrine or feeling of racial differences or antagonisms, especially with reference to supposed racial superiority, inferiority, or purity; racial prejudice." The same dictionary defines prejudice as (1), "a judgment or opinion formed before the facts are known; preconceived idea, favorable or, more usually, unfavorable"; (2), "a judgment or opinion held in disregard of facts that contradict it"; (3), "the holding of such judgments or opinions"; and (4), "suspicion, intolerance, or hatred of other races, creeds, religions, occupations, etc."</P>
>
> <P>In short, as we understand it, the key components of racism are a sense of superiority of one race over another, and prejudice--a pre-judgment against someone because of their race.</P>
> <P>Dr. Price has mentioned his "acid test" of racism (which seems to focus primarily on one's attitude toward interracial marriage); this is ours: to be guilty of racism, there must be an undeniable assertion of the superiority of one race over another, and a prejudicial bias against those of a race different from one's own. Every printing of the Dake Bible is free of racism, according to this simple test.</P>
> <P>Dr. Price has made repeated and emphatic reference to the <B><I>appearance</B></I> of racism in the Dake Bible. To the contrary, we assert that <I>no</I> statement in <I>any</I> printing of the Dake Bible is guilty of racism or prejudice, by these commonly understood definitions. No matter how strongly someone disagrees with any statement in the Dake Bible, one will never find anything in it that even hints at the superiority of whites over blacks or any other race. Such motivation can only be read into the text from the outside. At best (or at worst, depending on your perspective), the reader is left only with his or her own speculation as to Dake's intentions for writing what he did. In other words, even the <B><I>appearance</B></I> of racism will disappear when one takes the time to separate what was actually written from one's own preconceived ideas of the author's motivations.</P>
>
> <P>This is not to say that we care nothing for the feelings of those who are offended when they read Dake's notes. On the contrary, it is for this very reason that we made the changes in the 1997 printing. We did not make these changes because the Dake Bible was full of racist commentary. We made the changes because we had no desire to offend those who had suffered so long from racial injustice that they could not help but see evidences of racism--even where none existed. </P>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Wounded in the House of Our Friends</P>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>The commentary notes in the Dake Bible contain nearly half again as much text as the Scriptures themselves. No one could write so extensively and so forthrightly about so many topics and expect to escape criticism. It's not criticism of the Dake Bible that has hurt us over the years. It's the sense of betrayal by people we thought were our brothers and sisters in the Lord that has left the most painful and lasting wounds. In Zechariah's prophetic portrayal of Christ, such wounds are "those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zech. 13:6).</P>
> <P>One brother misrepresented the Dake Bible repeatedly before conference audiences in excess of 50,000. Another spoke his mind (but not the truth) on several broadcasts of a national Christian radio program. And more than one prominent Christian magazine has run articles that were ruinously unfair and damaging. But not once in our history has anyone ever come to us first. Not once has any of our critics expressed their concerns to us privately before airing them publicly. </P>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Enter Charisma</P>
> </B></FONT><I><FONT SIZE=3><P>Charisma's</I> recent article (in the April, 1998 issue) is a case in point. They were already doing a piece on Fred Price and Kenneth Hagin, Jr. When they learned of our letter to Price, they wanted to include a portion of it in an article. </P>
> <P>We were thrilled by this turn of events and provided an edited version of our letter within the hour. But because we've been misrepresented in the past, we asked to read the article before it went to press. We were told this was not their policy. We stated strongly that we didn't even want it in print if it was going to be a negative piece for Dake.</P>
> <P>When the article came out in print, it bore the shocking headline: DAKE PUBLISHING APOLOGIZES FOR RACIST REMARKS IN BIBLE.</P>
>
> <P>And instead of containing our letter, it was a story about our company, Finis Dake, and the Dake Bible. A grand total of three sentences from our letter closed the piece.</P>
> <P>Many of our shocked customers read the article before we did. Some were outraged at the way we'd been misrepresented (again). Others expressed concern about their Dake Bibles, once they had read the article. </P>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>"It's Not Personal, It's Principle."</P>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>But the most appalling abuse we've received has been from Dr. Frederick K. C. Price. He claims repeatedly that his attacks on the Dake Bible aren't personal, but are a matter of principle. Yet his own actions toward us exhibit a disturbing lack of such principle.</P>
> <P>Jesus taught that if our brother sins against us, we should confront him privately:</P><DIR>
> <DIR>
>
> <P>"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican" (Mt. 18: 15-17, KJV).</P></DIR>
> </DIR>
>
> <P>We aren't to "tell it unto the church" (as Dr. Price is doing) until we've taken one or two others to confront him again, "that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."</P>
>
> <P>Since Dr. Price evidently believes the Dake Bible is guilty of the sin of racism, he should have come to us privately as our brother in Christ. But this he did not do. In fact, he doesn't want to meet with us until he finishes his series. By then, though, the damage will have been done. He will have spent many weeks trying to destroy the credibility of the Dake Bible on national television, when it could all be avoided if he would just sit down and talk with us as our brother in Christ. Looking at it this way, it is impossible to swallow his claim that "it's not personal."</P>
> <P>As was stated at the beginning of this paper, we've been working to remove the perception of racism in the Dake Bible since 1990. (We can't remove actual racism, because there isn't any.) As this activity progressed, we felt it wise to solicit the perspective of someone outside of the Dake family, and we felt that Dr. Price would be the ideal candidate. Finis Dake, Jr. spoke to Dr. Price on the phone and followed up with a letter to him on April 29, 1994, inviting him to comment on any portion of the Dake notes that even hinted of racism--including the "30 reasons" on page 159 of the New Testament. Dr. Price never responded to us. Yet he stated in his letter to us on February 25, 1998, that God gave him this assignment "about seven years ago." And in his recent tapes he says that he has been researching this subject diligently for the last three years. Furthermore, the Dake Bible he quotes from was printed in 1971, so Dake's teachings aren't a recent discovery for him.</P>
> <P>How is it possible that Dr. Price had nothing to say when we welcomed his suggestions four years ago, but now he feels it's his God-given duty to air his criticisms on television, before an audience of millions? He reminds his audience repeatedly that he's dealing with principles, with right and wrong. To our knowledge, there is not a single Scriptural principle which justifies this behavior on his part. It is just plain wrong.</P>
> </FONT><B><FONT FACE="Arial"><P>Conclusion</P>
> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=3><P>We love Dr. Price and respect the obvious anointing he has had in times past. And we continue to pray for God's blessings on him, his family, and his ministry. Like David, we do not wish to touch the Lord's anointed and so bring judgment upon ourselves. The battle is the Lord's.</P>
> <P>Still, we feel a responsibility as the publishers of <I>The Dake Annotated Reference Bible</I> to clarify our official position on this issue. It is our hope and prayer that those who have been offended by portions of the Dake Bible in the past will now see more clearly both Dake's heart and our own. And for those who believe we've compromised somehow in the changes we've made, we hope the necessity for such changes is now evident.</P>
> <P>However, it is on this one issue alone that we feel changing the Dake Bible was for the greater good of the body of Christ. The remainder of Dake's extensive teachings will be preserved. There is no question in our minds that God anointed Finis Jennings Dake to teach the Word, and to record those teachings in The Dake Annotated Reference Bible and his other great works. His wording wasn't always perfect, but he definitely had an anointing.</P>
>
> <P>With this fact always in mind, it is the ongoing commitment of Dake Publishing to handle the writings of Finis Jennings Dake with both care, honor and humility. </P>
> <P> </P>
> <P ALIGN="RIGHT">David Patton, editor</P>
> <P ALIGN="RIGHT">Dake Publishing, Inc.</P>
> <P ALIGN="RIGHT">May, 1998</P>
>
> </FONT><I><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2><P>The following points have been provided by Rev. Leon Bible, pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle, an interdenominational, interracial charismatic church in Laurens, South Carolina.</P>
> </I>
> <P>Dear friends,</P>
>
> <P>	It seems that there has been much to say about one particular section of notes in the Dake Bible concerning the separation of the races. It may not be apparent to those who do not possess a Dake Bible, but Dake had a great deal to say concerning racial relationships. </P>
>
> <P>Rev. Dake firmly believed in the equality of the races; listed below are 17 quotes related to the equality of the races and the permissibility of interracial marriage. In fact, Dake points to the blessing of God upon marriage between races. Let’s take a look.</P>
>
> <P>	These quotes and references have been taken form the "Dake Annotated Reference Bible" notes as written by "Finis J. Dake." </P>
>
> <B><P>1. Cain's curse was not a change of color from white to black.</P>
> </B>
> <P>Genesis 4:15 "And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him."</P>
>
> <P>Gen. 4:15 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 15	(a) [<B>mark</B>] Hebrew: 'owth (HSN-226), token, sign. Translated "mark" only here; "token" (Gen. 9:12-17; Gen. 17:11; Ex. 3:12; Ex. 12:13; Ex. 13:16; Num. 17:10; Dt. 22:15-20; Josh. 2:12; Job 21:29; Ps. 65:8; Ps. 86:17; Ps. 135:9; Isa. 44:25); "sign" and "signs" (Gen. 1:14; Ex. 4:8-9, 17, 28, 30; Ex. 7:3; Ex. 8:23; Ex. 10:1-2; Ex. 13:9; Ex. 31:13). God gave him a pledge that vengeance would be taken sevenfold on anyone who became his murderer. It was not a physical mark or a change of color from white to black. The black race did not begin with Cain whose line perished in the flood (Gen. 6:8, 18; Gen. 7:1). All races as we know them now began after Noah (Gen. 10). </P>
>
> <B><P>2. All races came into being after the flood </P>
> </B>
> <P>Genesis 10:1 "Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood."</P>
>
> <P>Gen. 10:1 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 1	(b) [<B>unto them were sons born after the flood</B>] All races, colors and types of people came into being after the flood (Gen. 10:1-32; Gen. 17:20; Gen. 19:34-38; Gen. 25:1-34; Gen. 36:1-43). </P>
>
> <B><P>3. The Church includes all races</P>
>
> </B>
> <P>Genesis 24:4 "But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."</P>
>
> <P>Gen. 24:4 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 4	(a) [<B>my kindred</B>] Rebekah cannot be a type of Christ and the church, because she was exclusively of one race and the church includes all races (Gen. 24:3, 4, 7, 37, 38; Gen. 26:35; Gen. 27:46; Gen. 28:1-8). Christ is making up His church from the Gentiles as well as His own kin (Acts 15:13-18; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-29; Eph. 2:14-20; Col. 3:11). The New Testament church is mainly from Gentiles, but not entirely (Acts 15:13-18). </P>
>
> <B><P>4. Intermarriage permitted by God and blessed</P>
> </B>
> <P>Ezra 4:3 "But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us." </P>
>
> <P>Ezra 4:3 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 3	(a) [<B>Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God</B>] The Samaritans' offer was rejected by the elders because Israel wanted to remain a separate people. This was what God had required of Israel from the very beginning. They were to be a separate people in all phases of life and an example of God to all nations. On the whole, they have never intermarried. God permitted intermarriage and even blessed such on rare occasions, but the practice for the nation was contrary to His law and will (Dt. 7:3). </P>
> <B>
> <P>5. Slavery completely against God's will and understanding of suffering</P>
> </B>
> <P>Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"</P>
>
> <P>Isaiah 61:1 (KJV)	Notes for verse 1	Liberty is the very essence of the gospel. God did not give laws commanding slavery, but He did give a few regulating it as a custom tolerated by Him and practiced universally by men. In other words, if men were determined to have slaves during their ignorance of the gospel and truth, He wanted them to be properly treated as servants and not as abused slaves. He made laws proclaiming liberty to all throughout the land (Lev. 25; Jer. 34:8-17 Ezek. 46:17; cp. Ex. 21:1-11; Lev. 22:10; Dt. 15: 17-18; 24:14). If Christianity would be followed wholly there would be no slaves or oppressed people of earth, for every man would be consecrated to the highest good of all. To enslave men, oppress and keep them in ignorance, force them against their free will, deprive them of their hire, prevent proper home life and training of children, fetter the intellect, make some dependent on others and promote any inequality in rights contrary to the laws of God, is entirely un-Christlike. The word bruised is used in Lk. 4:18 instead of captives as here, and it means those completely crushed and shattered in life, those oppressed and broken in body, soul, and mind so that there is no aim even to live. The idea here seems to be that of captives to Satan, sickness, disease, weakness, failure, and bondage to sin and evil habits that destroy the body, soul, and mind, now and forever. This could also refer to the captives in paradise, as in Mt. 12:40; Lk. 23:43; Eph. 4:8-10; Heb. 2:14-15.</P>
>
> <B><P> </P>
> <P> </P>
> <P>6. All races of people are in God's kingdom</P>
> </B>
> <P>Daniel 7:14 "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."</P>
>
> <P>Dan 7:14 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 14	(a) [<B>dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed</B>] The Son of man receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom composed of natural peoples of all races that they may be His subjects eternally. His kingdom is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed.</P>
>
> <B><P>7. Jonah a bigoted Jew</P>
> </B>
> <P>Jonah 4:1 (KJV)	<B>Theme:</B> The book is a story of a bigoted Jew who, after being chastened by the Lord for disobedience, preached to and converted the whole city of Nineveh.</P>
>
> <B><P>8. Bigotry listed as a sin</P>
> </B>
> <P>Mark 9:50 "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."</P>
>
> <P>Mark 9:50 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 50	(b) [<B>have peace one with another</B>] This refers to the sins of Mk. 9:34-50 that destroy unity and peace among brethren:	1. Self-exaltation (Mk. 9:34) 2. Bigotry (Mk. 9:38-39) 3. Offenses (Mk. 9:42) 4. Sinful lusts of the body (Mk. 9:43-48; Rom. 1:29-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Mk. 7:19-21; Col. 3:5-10) </P>
>
> <B><P>9. There is to be no distinction in races</P>
> </B>
> </FONT><FONT FACE="Times"><P>Acts 10:15 "And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."</P>
> </FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2>
> <P>Acts 10:15 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 15	(a) [<B>cleansed, that call not thou common</B>] God had not yet saved Gentiles by the gospel, but was on the verge of doing so. He first had to teach Peter that He wanted to save Gentiles -- He was, after all, sovereign. He now wanted the church to know that Gentiles are just as good as Jews when both are cleansed from sin; that there is to be no distinction in races in Christ (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11); and that both Jews and Gentiles are to make one body in Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:14-22). </P>
>
> <B><P> </P>
> <P>10. Paul was a bigoted Jew prior to salvation</P>
>
> </B>
> <P>Acts 23:5 "Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."</P>
>
> <P>Acts 23:5 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 5	(a) [<B>said Paul ...</B>] In his first address (Acts 22:1-21), Paul made it clear that he was a Jew with the regular Jewish education. He emphasized that he had all the prejudices of the Jew and had given full proof of this in that he was chief in persecution of Christians. He related his experiences with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus and in the temple, but this was rejected by his people. Had he been a Gentile, no matter how learned or eminent he was, his whole teaching would have been discounted as coming from prejudice and ignorance. But, being who he was, it was hard for them to discount what he said. God thus used one of the most eminent, learned, and bigoted Jews of that time to nullify the whole Jewish system and show the necessity of the gospel of Christ. Now, in his second address to his people he changed his strategy and appealed to the party spirit of the Jews. He knew they were divided in politics and religion into two major groups -- the Pharisees and Sadducees. He, being a Pharisee, made his appeal to that group declaring that because of "the hope and resurrection of the dead" he was "called in question." This brought results, for the Pharisees took up his cause (Acts 23:6-10). </P>
>
> <B><P>11. Outline of Galatians calls Peter a hypocrite and guilty of preaching false doctrine for</P>
> <P>being a racist</P>
> </B>
>
> <P>Introduction To Galatians	OUTLINE OF GALATIANS		CHAPTER 2	</P>
> <P>8. Peter and others rebuked by Paul for hypocrisy and false doctrine</P>
>
> <B><P>12. Peter a hypocrite </P>
> </B>
> <P>Galatians 2:12 "For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision." </P>
>
> <P>Gal 2:12 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 12	(a) [<B>For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision</B>] Peter had already eaten with the Gentiles and had taught that the middle wall of partition was broken down between Jews and Gentiles; but when certain Jews came from James he became fearful, withdrawing all fellowship with Gentiles.</P>
>
> <P>Galatians 2:14 "But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?"</P>
>
> <P>Gal 2:14 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 14	(a) [<B>not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel</B>] They acted in hypocrisy which is called here walking "not uprightly" according to the gospel.	(b) [<B>why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?</B>] Question 3. Next, Gal. 2:17. This was a cutting rebuke in public, but appropriate for Peter who had gone back again on his master (Acts 10:10-15, 28-34; Acts 11:1-18; Acts 15:7-13). This was like the man Peter was before Pentecost, living in fear and torment (Mt. 26:69-75). He had lost some of the boldness for truth that he had at Pentecost (Acts 2:14, 40; Acts 3:12; Acts 4:8-13; Acts 5:29-32). No man is infallible (1Cor. 10:13). </P>
> <B><P>13. All races equal in rights and privileges</P>
> </B>
>
> <P>Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."</P>
>
> <P>Gal 3:28 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 28	(a) [<B>There is neither Jew not Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus</B>] All races, classes, and sexes are one in Christ and equal in rights and privileges regarding gospel benefits. They make one body with Christ as the head (1Cor. 12:13, 28-31; Eph. 1:20-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Col. 3:11). The gulf between Jews and Gentiles, masters and slaves, male and female has been bridged by Christ and the gospel.</P>
>
> <B><P>14. Bigotry rebuked</P>
> </B>
> <P>Galatians 6:3 "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." </P>
>
> <P>Gal 6:3 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 3	(a) [<B>think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself</B>] Bigotry, intolerance, and conceit rebuked (Gal. 6:3-4; Isa. 65:5; Mk. 2:16; Lk. 18:9-14; Acts 10:28, 45; Rom. 3:1-23). Examples of Bigotry:1. Joshua (Num. 11:27-29) 2. Some Jews (Jn. 4:9, 27; Jn. 9:28-34) 3. Some Samaritans (Lk. 9:52-53) 4. The disciples (Mt. 19:13; Lk. 9:49-56) 5. Saul (Acts 9:1-5; Acts 22:3-4; Acts 26:9) 6. Some early Christians (Acts 11:1-3) </P>
>
> <B><P>15. No distinction made in rights and privileges in regards to race</P>
> </B>
> <P>Colossians 3:11 "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." </P>
>
> <P>Col. 3:11 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 11	(a) [<B>Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision</B>] In the new creation there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, color, or position in life (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28). </P>
>
> <B><P>16. All races are the elect of God</P>
> </B>
> <P>Colossians 3:12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" </P>
>
> <P>Col. 3:12 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 12	(a) [<B>the elect of God</B>] All classes, races, colors, sexes, and types of people in Christ make the elect, not just the Jews. Anyone chosen of God -- an individual or nation -- is the elect of God (note, Lk. 18:7). </P>
>
> <B><P>17. Slavery is not sanctioned among Christians </P>
>
> </B>
> </FONT><FONT FACE="Times"><P>1 Timothy 6:2 "And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort."</P>
> </FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2>
> <P>1 Tim 6:2 (KJV)	Notes For Verse 2	(a) [<B>believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit</B>] Christian owners of slaves were not to despise them for they were brethren and the owners' equals in Christ (1Tim. 6:2; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). This does not sanction slavery among Christians. It simply shows the proper relationship between slaves and masters.</P>
>
> </FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER">Note: These notes represent those complied by Leon Bible. They are complete but not an exhaustive search.</P>
> </FONT><FONT FACE="Arial" SIZE=2>
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