What is your response to the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies when they say that God did not ordain sacrifices at all, and salvation is based on law rather than an atoning death on a cross?
Question:
According to the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies (4th Century), the Torah was altered (Homily 3.47), God did not ordain sacrifices (Homily 3.45), and salvation is based on obeying the True Prophet’s uncorrupted laws rather than a singular, atoning death on a cross (Homily 8.5-7). This hits the foundations of Christianity. How would you respond to this text?
Answer:
What you heard about the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies is, more or less, true. Whoever wrote these homilies (which may have been even later than the 4th century for its final form), apparently, believes this. What you are saying may be a bit of an overstatement of what is in the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies, but it is not completely out of line with what is written there.
My response is this: This person is wrong! People say a lot of things, I say a lot of things, and I am often wrong. Atheists say a lot of things, as do Muslims, Buddhists and all kinds of other folks say a lot of things. Joseph Smith said a number of crazy and clearly wrong things about himself. I do not need to prove him wrong. He must prove himself right. This author is spouting his opinion, but his opinion is clearly, unambiguously wrong, at least according to the Scriptures. I do not need to “respond” to every wrong thing ever said about Christianity. If the person who wrote this homily can prove from the Scripture that he is right, let him try to do so. It is not my’ “job” to prove him wrong. You should read this homily for yourself, and ask yourself if you agree with it. I certainly do not!!! I have no response. to this bogus claim!
So, here is my request. Please read what the Pseudo-Clementie Homily says about this and, if you find it credible, then write back, explain why you find it at least credible, and I will give a specific response to your concern.
John Oakes
