ENDTIME ISSUES
NEWSLETTER No. 160
Bacchiocchi Responds to
False Allegations - Part 2
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.
Retired Professor of Church
History and Theology
Andrews University
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The unusual volume of messages of encouragement received
from readers of the last newsletter No. 159, made me forcefully aware of the
valuable support structure a community of faith can provide in trying times.
Surprisingly, even some of my detractors reassured me that they are praying for
us at this time, when we are facing the challenge to refute the false allegations made by officers
of the Pontifical Gregorian University regarding my academic awards and the
publication of my abridged and unabridged dissertation by the Gregorian Press.
Since
my wife was eager to read your messages of encouragements, I pasted them
together and printed them for her to enjoy. It is reassuring for us to know
that many fellow believers in different parts of the world are praying for
us. Thank you for your encouraging
messages which mean a lot to us. They give us confidence to trust in God for
protection, wisdom, and guidance.
In
responding to false accusations, it is easy to allow feelings of anger manifest
themselves in a vindictive writing style. Thus, I am praying for divine wisdom
and grace in preparing this response in a forgiving spirit. My goal is not to
prove the absolute accuracy of my claims in order to seek financial
compensation for the academic and moral defamation I have suffered, but simply
to put to rest all the false accusations.
The
easiest way to stop the ongoing defamation campaign against my academic
achievements and moral integrity, is for officers of the Pontifical Gregorian
University to issue a retraction and an apology. Legal action will only be
considered as a last resort. It is with this in mind, that I submit the second
part of my response to the false allegations. I warn you that sections of this
response are tedious, because I have to deal with technical questions. Please bear with me this time. A
detailed response is needed to silence the gossip and the countless allegations
floating in cyberspace. Eventually this two parts response will be edited and
made into a formal document that will be sent to both the Pontifical Gregorian
University and Bishop James Murray of Kalamazoo.
THE ORIGIN OF THE
GREGORIAN CONTROVERSY
Several
readers have expressed surprise that the Pontifical Gregorian University waited
so long to attack my moral integrity and academic credibility. The fact is that
this defamatory campaign began in subtle ways about 25 years ago. Briefly
stated, this is the story.
As
my dissertation From Sabbath to Sunday
began circulating in different parts of the world, a few Catholic Church
leaders found it difficult to accept the fact that I, a non-Catholic, would be
allowed to enter, study, and write a dissertation published with the Catholic imprimatur.
They were particularly distressed over my
thesis that Sundaykeeping is a post-apostolic phenomenon, influenced by
political, social, pagan-religious factors.
In
the early 1980s I started receiving inquiring letters from Catholic leaders
in such dominant Catholic countries like Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Mexico,
asking me who directed my dissertation, how did I receive the imprimatur—approval, who published the dissertation, etc. It became evident
to me that an investigation was in progress. Some Catholic newspapers even
posted the page of the imprimatur,
raising questions about my credibility.
See, for example, the picture of El Piloto, published in Puerto Rico. Click here http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/elpiloto.html
Eventually
the complaints must have been brought to the attention of Pedro Arrupe, S. J.,
The Superior General of the Jesuit order. Since Prof. Vincenzo Monachino, S.
J., was responsible for supervising my dissertation, approving it, and
arranging for the issuing of the imprimatur, he must have been called by Arrupe to explain what he did.
I do not have any proof of such meeting, but I have reasons to believe that
such meeting took place.
My
reasons are based on the sudden change of attitude of Prof. Monachino toward
me. From 1975 to about 1980 we had
enjoyed a most cordial relationships. I visited him regularly every time I went
to Rome. I always brought him a small gift from America as a token expression
of gratitude for his helpfulness to me. I even try to arrange for the English
translation and publication of his doctoral dissertation on St. Ambrose in the
USA. I still have in my possessions several of his letters regarding this
project.
The
situation changed suddenly in the early 1980s. One day I called the
receptionist of the Gregoriana, asking to connect me to Prof. Monachino. He
tried but Prof. Monachino told him that he could not talk with me anymore. I
asked the receptionist to find out the reason or if we could arrange for a
meeting to discuss the problem, but again the answer was that no reason could
be given and no meeting could take place.
It became evident to me that Prof. Monachino had been instructed by his
superior, Pedro Arrupe, S. J., to have no more contacts with me.
At
the same time, Catholic bookstores, including the bookshop of the Gregoriana,
asked me to arrange for taking back all the unsold copies of From Sabbath to
Sunday. Until then, several Catholic bookstores in Rome were
constantly ordering copies of the book that my godly mother would deliver to
them in person. Then suddenly, all
the orders stopped and I was asked to take back the unsold copies.
Catholic
Institutions that attempted to order From Sabbath to Sunday from the Gregorian University bookshop, were told that the
book was sold out and no longer available. Eventually, some of these
institutions like Notre Dame University, found my website and ordered copies
directly from me for their classes.
These
earlier attempts to diminish and restrict the impact of my investigation on the
change from Sabbath to Sunday, were a prelude to the false allegations against
me made a little over two years ago by Dr. Barbara Bergami, the General
Secretary of the Pontifical Gregorian University and by a priest who helped in
the investigation of my academic records. I hope that this brief background of
the Gregorian Controversy, helps to place the new allegations in perspective.
A BRIEF REPORT ON THE
AUSTRALIAN LECTURE TOUR
Sydney: November 17 to 20, 2006
From November 17 to December 4, 2006 I was privileged to
share my ministry in Australia for the sixth time. This time I spoke at two
rallies and two workers meeting. The first rally was held in Sydney at the
Parramatta SDA Church, which is one of the largest church in Sydney. The senior
pastor, Rein Muhlberg, is a well-read man who keeps abreast with Adventist
scholarship. It was a real pleasure to dialogue with him because he is fully
cognisant of the doctrinal issues our church faces today.
On
Sabbath, November 18, the
Parramatta SDA church was full and a close circuit was set up in the youth
auditorium to accommodate the overflow. When Pastor Rein Muhlberg asked for a
show of hands to identify visitors from the various churches, we learned that
members had come from a dozen of churches. Some told me that they had travelled
3 to 4 hours to attend the meetings.
The reception and the response was truly marvellous.
Australians
have the reputation for being more theological oriented. They appreciate listening to a Bible
teacher who opens their mind to the deeper meaning and experience of biblical
teachings. Their keen interest was manifested in the perceptive questions they
asked on Sabbath afternoon after my lecture The Sabbath Under Crossfire,
where I deal with the latest Sabbath/Sunday developments. An even clearer gage of the interest was
the eagerness of many to purchase my publications and recordings after the
close of the Sabbath.
On
Monday morning, November 20, I spoke for three hours at the Workers Meeting of
the Greater Sydney Conference, held at the same Parramatta SDA Church. About 80
pastors and local elders attended the meeting. I delivered two powerpoint lectures. The first entitled From Sabbath to
Sunday: How It Came About? and the second on The Mark and Number of the
Beast. I anticipated some debate,
especially after the second lecture, but it never materialized. In fact, most
of the pastors told me that they had long accepted the change proposed by our
Adventist Church from the numeric to the symbolic interpretation of the number
666. The world church was informed about the proposed change in the Sabbath
School Lesson of June 1-7, 2002.
Australian
Adventist pastors are open to changes that ultimately strengthen our prophetic
and doctrinal interpretations. An
indication of this openness is the new REVELATION SEMINAR, which is being sponsored by the South Pacific Division.
The Seminar is currently being prepared by Prof. Jon Paulien from Andrews
University Theological Seminary and Prof. Graeme Bradford, retired professor
from Avondale College. This coming
year a selected number of pastors will test the seminar, before being made
available sometime later to the church at large.
Brisbane: November 24-27,
2006
From Sydney I flew to Brisbane to speak first at the three
days SABBATH CONFERENCE (November 24-26), and then on Monday, November 27, at
the Workers Meeting. I flew to
Brisbane greatly distressed over the loss of both my Italian and American
passports. The loss occurred at the Sydney domestic airport while walking to
the counter of the Virginia Blue
airlines. When I looked inside the external pocket of my garment bag for the
small billfold with my two passports, I was shocked to discover that my
billfold was no longer there. Somebody may have snatched the billfold since I
had left the pocket of my garment bag unzipped and the billfold looked like a
wallet.
For
the next 5 hours it was a nightmare experience for me. I retraced my steps, checked with the
police and security people, went twice to the lost and found office, visited
the immigration office and travelled even the corporate office of United
Airline to find out if they would allow me to fly back to the USA without
passport. Regretfully, they informed me that the new security measures do not
allow any passenger to fly to the USA without a passport. My search for my passports proved to be
in vain. No one had seen them.
Common sense told me to leave my email address in all offices I visited, in
case the passports would show up. This proved to be a blessing a few hours
later, as you will soon learn.
I
flew to Brisbane 5 hours later emotionally drained. I prayed that the Lord
would help me not only to find my passports, but also to clear my mind and
renew within me a positive spirit to minister to the people. At 10:00 p. m. that night when I
checked my email for the last time before going to bed, my heart skipped a beat
when I opened the message from the Marrickville Police Department, in Sydney. They informed me that a Sydney airport police officer was handed in my two passports which
had been placed in the safe of the police station for me to pick up. What a
relief! I said aloud: THANK YOU GOD! Now I was ready for a good night of rest
to regain my strength for the SABBATH CONFERENCE scheduled to begin the next
evening.
The
conference was held at the Brisbane Adventist College auditorium, which is
modern, spacious, but without air-conditioning. When on Sabbath and Sunday the temperature reached over 90
degrees fahrenheit, I experience one of the most sweating event of my life.
Though I was speaking without jacket and a tie, my short sleeves shirt was
thoroughly wet. Surprisingly, it almost seemed that I was the only one who was
sweating so much. Perhaps I am too passionate in my speaking. The other pastors
seem to be dry and so the over 500
members attending the conference.
They did not seem to complain. In fact, in spite of the oppressive heat,
hardly a person left during the meetings. Apparently Australians seem to be
able to cope with the heat better than we Americans do, possible because
air-conditioning is not readily available everywhere as in the USA.
The
SABBATH CONFERENCE was a success in several ways. First, in terms of
participation. About half of the
over 500 persons attending were non-SDA Sabbathkeepers belonging to dozen of
different churches and groups. Several of their pastors participated in a panel
discussion. On Sunday morning Pastor Bill Bradford of the United Church of God,
delivered an informative final lecture on the struggles his church has faced in
holding fast to the Sabbath, when their mother church abandoned it.
Second,
the conference was a success in term of fellowship. This was the first time that so many different seventh-day
Sabbathkeeping churches and groups worshipped and fellowshipped together. In my farewell comments I urged to plan
for similar events that encourage a greater interaction among the various
seventh-day Sabbathkeeping churches and groups.
Third,
the conference was a success in terms of learning and inspiration. Though I was asked to speak most of the
time, we learned a lot about how the Sabbath is understood and experience by
fellow Sabbatarians. The panel led by five Sabbatarian pastors, discussed some
of the challenges their members face today. We were inspired by the testimony of those who chose to
stand for the Sabbath at the time when their mother church, the Worldwide
Church of God, gave up the Sabbath.
On
my part I wish to thank both the various Sabbatarian churches for inviting me
in the first place, (especially Mr. Craig White who coordinated the conference
in a masterful way), as well as the South Queensland Conference for
co-sponsoring the event and providing the venue for the conference. I firmly believe that our
Adventist Church should be a rallying place for all people, especially for
those who share the same commitment to honor the Savior on His Holy Sabbath
Day.
On
Monday, November 27, I spoke at the Workers Meeting of the South Queensland
Conference. Since some of the pastors live several hundreds of miles from the
Conference office, only about 20 of them could attend the meeting. To allow
more time for questions, this time I decided to deliver only the powerpoint
lecture on The Mark and Number of the Beast.
Like
in Sydney, the response was very positive. Several pastors expressed their
appreciation for the new insights into this central prophecy of Revelation,
which is so relevant to our times. Practically all the pastors ordered the
complete set of my 18 books and 7 DVD/CD albums. I will fondly remember the warm reception and response I
received in Australia from our Adventist pastors, members, and friends of other
faiths. I look forward to a another opportunity to share my ministry down
under. It is a long trip
requiring 20 hours of flying from Andrews University, but it is worthwhile. It
is a real blessing to minister to our Australian fellow believers and Christian
friends.
SABBATH CONFERENCE IN
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
The Sabbath Conference held in Brisbane reminds me of a
similar invitation I just received from Bruce Horne, Ph. D., a Professor of
English Literature in Knoxville, Tennessee. On behalf of his church board, he
invited me to speak at his Seventh Day Christian Assembly one weekend in
2007. In a phone conversation I
asked him if his members would consider rallying together with our Adventist
congregation of the Knoxville First SDA Church. After consulting with his
board, he reassured me that the
proposal was warmly received.
I
discussed the proposal with Pastor Dale Wolfe of our Knoxville First SDA
Church. He was and is very supportive of the idea. His sanctuary can seat about
500 persons and we expect it to be packed for the Sabbath Conference scheduled
for April 20-21, 2007.
Prof.
Horne wrote to me: Our church wants to invite Sabbatarian groups as far away
as Cincinnati, Lexington, Kingsport, and Nashville. The truth is, we may have a crowd far too large for
Knoxville First SDA Church. I pray
we may have a crowd of 1,000 or more for your visit!
What
a privilege to fellowship and worship with fellow sabbatarians who may never
have been in an Adventist church before! May our Adventist churches become a
rallying place, not only for sabbatarians, but for all people who seek to
worship God according to His revealed will.
UPDATE REPORT ON CRACKING
THE DA VINCI CODE
The release of the DVD Album Cracking the Da Vinci Code, is generating considerable interest and enthusiastic
responses from viewers in different parts of the world. At the last two weekend
seminars, I have shown part of the DVD lecture Cracking the Da Vinci Code, before my afternoon presentation. The response was most
encouraging. Many members queued
up to purchase the album after the close of the Sabbath.
Three
things you will appreciate about the newly released DVD album on Cracking the Da Vinci Code:
1)
You will appreciate the clarity of the lecture which is delivered with the help
of 140 appealing slides in the setting of an impressive virtual studio. The
slides are professionally designed to vividly illustrate the concepts
discussed.
2)
You will appreciate the compelling refutation of Dan Browns blatant attacks
against the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. To avoid confusing the
viewer with technical scholarly arguments, I have focused on the major false
claims of The Da Vinci Code, showing
how they are totally devoid of biblical and historical support.
3) You will appreciate most of all the
insights into the prophetic significance of Dan Browns neo-pagan false worship
of the sacred feminine with ritual sex.
You will see how this false worship is part of the endtime showdown
between the true and false worship of God, portrayed dramatically especially in
the book of Revelation.
To
facilitate the sharing of the Cracking the Da Vinci Code to friends and neighbors, many have requested for a
special discount on quantity orders of 10 albums or more. In response to these
requests, we decided to offer until November 30, 2006, the DVD album Cracking
the Da Vinci Code at an unprecedented
introductory offer:
ONE DVD ALBUM for $35.00 instead of regular price of
$100.00.
This represents 65% discount.
THREE DVD ALBUMS for $50.00 instead of $300.00.
This represents about 80% discount.
TEN DVD ALBUMS for $100.00 instead of $1000.00.
This represents 90% discount.
The quoted prices include the AIRMAIL expenses to any
overseas destination. You can order the DVD albums on CRACKING THE DA VINCI
CODE in four different ways:
(1) Online: By clicking
here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/DaVinci/
(2)
Phone: By calling us at (269)
471-2915 to give us your credit card number and postal address.
(3) Email: By emailing your order to <[email protected]>. Be sure to provide your postal address, credit card number,
and expiration date.
(4)
Regular Mail: By mailing your check to
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 4990, USA. We
guarantee to process your order immediately.
FREE CD/DVD ALBUM OF PROF. GRAEME BRADFORD
Several pastors have reported to me that after showing to
their congregation Prof. Bradfords live DVD lecture on Ellen White, most
members were very eager to purchase a copy of the book MORE THAN A PROPHET at the special offer of $5.00 per copy, instead of the
regular price of $25.00.
To make it possible for every Adventist family to benefit from Prof.
Bradfords timely book MORE THAN A PROPHET,
I decided to offer until December
31, 2006, one FREE CD/DVD album of Prof. Bradford, with any order of 2 or
more copies of the book MORE THAN A PROPHET. The regular price of the
CD/DVD album is $100.00, but you will receive this album free with your order
of 2 or more copies of the book. The
reason for this offer is the conviction that when your church members and
friends view Prof. Bradfords DVD lecture, they will be eager to purchase
a copy of his book. For more details and order information, click here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/BradfordOffer/offer.htm If you have problems to order the book
on line, feel free to call us at (269) 471-2915.
More
than a Prophet is the fruit of twenty
years of Prof. Bradfords painstaking research on the prophetic ministry of
Ellen White. It is a long-overdue book that clears the air of prevailing
misconceptions about Ellen White which have caused thousands of Adventists to
leave church. It has been encouraging to receive messages from former
Adventists who after reading More than a Prophet, express the desire to come back to the church.
A
dozen of Conferences have already donated a copy of More than a Prophet to each of their workers. For example, the Texas Conference ordered 200 copies. Other
conferences have ordered fewer copies because of their smaller number of workers. Overseas conferences like the South
African Union, ordered 300 copies. Your personal effort to promote this timely
book in your church is greatly appreciated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AT THE
END OF THE NEWSLETTERS
A detailed
description of the special offers on goods and services is provided at the end
of this newsletter. Here is a brief listing of the announcements that are
expanded at the end of this newsletter.
1. CALENDAR OF
FORTHCOMING WEEKEND SEMINARS for the month
of December 2006. See the details at the end of this newsletter.
2. DR.
BACCHIOCCHIS DVD ALBUM ON THE
MARK AND NUMBER OF THE BEAST. See the details at the end of this newsletter.
3. DR. BACCHIOCCHIS HOLIDAY PACKAGE OF
ALL HIS RECORDINGS. The package consists of 6 albums (including the latest on Cracking
the Da Vinci Code), which are offered for
only $150.00, instead of the regular price of $700.00. See the details at the
end of this newsletter.
4. DR. BACCHIOCCHIS
HOLIDAY PACKAGE OF ALL HIS BOOKS. The
package consists of 18 books (including the latest on More than a Prophet), which are offered for only $150.00, instead of the
regular price of $455.00. Several books in the package make a perfect Holiday
Gift. See the details at the end of this newsletter.
5. PROF. JON PAULIEN
PUBLICATIONS IN ONE CD ALBUM. The
album contains more than a dozen of books and scores of articles written during
the past 20 years of research. See the details at the end of this newsletter.
6. TAGNET SPECIAL NEW
WEB HOSTING OFFER for Adventist churches
and members. TAGnet provides an incredible number of webhosting services to
our churches and members. This newsletter comes to you through their gracious
and efficient service. For detail information, visit their website at http://www.netadventist.org
or http://home.tagnet.org/
You may also call their office 800 - 9TAGNET. They are ready and eager to
help you.
7. SPECIAL OFFER ON
HITACHI PROJECTORS: HITACHI has offered an
additional discount to help especially our churches and schools in developing
countries. For examples, the special offer for the new 2500 LUMENS PROJECTOR
CP-X260 IS ONLY $1195.00, instead of the previous SDA price of $2595.00. See the details at the end of this
newsletter or call me at 269-471-2915
8. SPECIAL OFFER ON
NEWLY RELEASED TOSHIBA LAPTOP TECRA A8
with dual processor and finger-print security. See details at the end.
9. REMOTE PRESENTER: Special offer on the smallest and most powerful REMOTE powerpoint presenter by Honeywell. See the details at the end of this
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10. BED &
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If your travel plans call
for a stop in London, you will be pleased to learn about a most gracious Adventist
couple that offer the best accommodation and breakfast I have ever enjoyed.
It has become my home away from home when in London. See details at: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/Promotions/BED&BREAKFAST.htm
Bacchiocchi Responds to
False Allegations - Part 2
Samuele Bacchiocchi, Ph. D.
Retired Professor of Church
History and Theology
Andrews University
In the last newsletter No. 159, I submitted a lengthy
response to two major false allegations made against me by Dr. Barbara Bergami,
the General Secretary of the Pontifical Gregorian University and by a priest
who helped in the investigation of my academic records. As you recall, the
first allegation denies the validity of my claim that I earned the summa cum
laude distinction at the Gregoriana. The
second false accusation denies the truthfulness of my claim that I received a
gold medal donated by Pope Paul VI for earning the academic distinction of summa
cum laude.
To
refute these two false allegations I submitted ample and compelling
documentation in my last newsletter. The documentation includes pictures of the
Licentia diploma with the wording of summa
cum laude, the gold medal donated by Pope
Paul VI for earning summa cum
laude, the Grade Booklet that shows my
grades and the academic distinction of summa cum laude, and the annual Academic Report published by the Pontifical Gregorian University, which
lists the students who earned academic distinction. An asterisk identifies the
few who received the papal medals. The pictures of these documents, posted and
discussed at my website http://biblicalperspectives.com/Gregoriana/, show
beyond the shadow of doubt that my claims about earning the summa cum laude and receiving
the papal gold medal are totally correct and the denial of such claims by
officers of the Gregoriana is completely false.
In
this newsletter I am responding to the remaining two false allegations, namely,
that I was allowed to publish only one chapter of my dissertation due to
extensive problems with the text, and that no imprimatur -approval
was ever granted for my abridged or unabridged dissertation, because the Catholic Church does not
give an imprimatur to non-Catholics.
The
sequential order of the four false allegations reveal a certain logic. The
first two allegations attempt to discredit my academic performance at the
Gregoriana. This paves the way for
the last two allegations which attempt to discredit the scholarship of my
dissertation by denying that it was ever published in whole by the Gregorian
Press and that no imprimatur was ever
granted for its publications.
Simply
stated, the four false allegations, first they attempt to destroy my moral
integrity by accusing me of having made false statements about my academic
awards, then they proceed to attack the scholarly credibility of my
dissertation. The ultimate goal is to discredit the methodology and conclusions
of my dissertation regarding the role of the Church of Rome in changing the
Sabbath to Sunday.
The
task of responding to these false allegations is tedious, because I am submitting
and discussing numerous documents. I beg my readers to be patient with me
one more time. Several revealing documents are still in my possession.
I will post their pictures and discuss their probative value. If you
can surf the web, you can access this newsletter at this address:
http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/ There you will find both the text and the picture of
all the documents cited.
Let
me begin responding to the allegation regarding the publication of the abridged
and unabridged versions of my dissertation.
BACCHIOCCHI WAS ALLOWED TO
PUBLISH ONLY ONE CHAPTER OF HIS DISSERTATION DUE TO EXTENSIVE TEXT PROBLEMS
In her letter to Bishop James Murray of Kalamazoo, Dr.
Barbara Bergami, General Secretary of the Pontifical Gregorian University, states: He was not allowed to publish
his dissertation in whole. Due to extensive
problems with the text, he was only allowed to publish one chapter of his work
and this only after extensive revision. The publication of one chapter
signifies the minimum requirement to receive the doctoral degree at the
Gregorian. His publicity and web site indicate that the whole dissertation has
been published in book form with surrounding claims about its quality as a
Gregorian publication. He has also used the official signature of the Gregorian
University Press on the cover page of a book published by Biblical
Perspectives.
On
a similar vein, the priest who helped to conduct the investigation wrote to
Stephen Korsman, (the South African Medical Doctor who called for an
investigation of my claims), as
follows: He was allowed to publish a small part of the dissertation. This is
obligatory in order to receive the title Doctor from the Gregorian and the
awarded degree. He was never
allowed to publish the whole dissertation. In fact, the partial publication signifies that the
dissertation had too many problems for it to be considered a work that is
scholarly and therefore published in whole. . . . The obligatory corrections
were enormous. In fact, there are
many questions the director has about bibliographic sources, ambiguous
references, etc. (Sort of the same issues that now face Dan Brown from
Theologians). Comparing me with Dan Brown is absurd, because Dan Brown
fabricated documents, while I examine them
Bacchiocchi Responds to
False Allegations Regarding the Publication of the Abridged and Unabridged
Version of his Dissertation
The allegation that due to extensive problems with the
text, he was only allowed to publish one chapter of his work and this only
after extensive revision, is completely false. No restriction was ever placed
upon me by my advisor, Prof. Vincenzo Monachino, S. J., nor by P. Angelo
Damboriena, S. J., the Director of the Universita Gregoriana Editrice—Gregorian University Press. They never instructed me on how much of the dissertation I
could publish or which obligatory changes were to be made. This will be proven
shortly when I post the letter from P. Angelo Damboriena, S. J.
The
Limitation of Time. The only two limitations I faced in
preparing the abridged version of my dissertation were time and money. The
limitation of time was due to my full time teaching schedule at Andrews
University while I was preparing the 144 pages Tesina—abridged dissertation for publication by the
Gregorian University Press. Note that I defended my dissertation on June 14,
1974 and the Gregorian University Press published my Tesina exactly one year later, on June 1975. The reason I submitted only an abridged
version of my dissertation at the Gregorian University Press within a year from
my defence, is simply because I was eager to receive as soon as possible the diploma of my doctoratus. The diploma determined both my academic status and salary
level at Andrews University.
My
original plan was to fulfil my last requirement of the Doctoratus by submitting the whole dissertation for publication at the
Gregorian University Press. It would have been more practical to publish the
whole dissertation from the outset. But I soon discover that this was an impossible
task to accomplish in one year while teaching full time new classes I never
taught before. Furthermore, my original 528 pages Italian dissertation needed
to be translated into English and edited. This was a time consuming project that could not be completed
during my first year of teaching at Andrews University. Click here for a picture of the Italian
Dissertation http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/copertina.html
In view of the time limitations, I decided to translate and
prepare for publication those sections of my dissertation which contain the
major findings of my research, namely, the role of anti-Judaism in leading many
Christians to abandon the Sabbath and the role of the Church of Rome in
influencing many Christians to adopt the Dies Solis—Sunday.
Contrary
to the allegations, what I prepared for publication was not only a single chapter, or a small part of the
dissertation, but a major portion of 144 pages of what later became the 372
pages English version From Sabbath to Sunday. I am partly responsible for the confusion on this matter,
because in some places I wrote that my Tesina consisted of
chapter 5 of my Italian dissertation and in other places of chapter 7 of its
English edition. Technically, both statements are correct, because what
originally was chapter 5 of my Italian dissertation Anti-Judaism and the
Origin of Sunday, later became chapter 7 of the English version From
Sabbath to Sunday.
What
is incorrect is the scope of the published chapter. Unintentionally, I have
failed to explain that the Tesina entitled Anti-Judaism and the
Origin of Sunday, expands into 144 pages, the 23 pages of chapter 7 Anti-Judaism
an the Origin of Sunday found in From Sabbath to Sunday (pp. 213-235
). The expanded version includes sections from two other chapters where I
deal with the role played by the Jerusalem Church and the Church of Rome on
the origin of Sunday. The reason for submitting an expanded version was the
desire to offer to English readers a good overview of the whole dissertation,
in case the latter could never be published because of time or financial limitations.
Click here to see Anti-Judaism and the Origin of Sunday http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/antijud.html
Financial
Limitations. The second reason for
submitting to the Gregorian University Press an abridged version of my
dissertation, was the financial limitations. In other words, the reason was not the extensive problems
with the text, or the enormous obligatory corrections, but the cost of
publishing the whole dissertation. The Gregorian University Press does not
publish abridged or unabridged dissertation free of charge. The author or the
institution that he represents, must pay for the printing cost.
The
cost of printing 1100 copies of Anti-Judaism and the Origin of Sunday,
was about $3000.00, plus $500.00 to airfreight the books to
the USA. Click here to see the invoice from the Gregorian University Press.
http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/invoice.html The estimated cost of publishing 1100 copies of the whole 372
pages From Sabbath to Sunday would
have been about $7000.00, plus $900.00 for the airfreight to the Andrews University
Press.
As
you can imagine, $7900.00 was more money than I could afford after my first
year of teaching. At that time I had not developed a system for promoting and
distributing my books. I was
totally dependent upon Andrews University Press to purchase and distribute my
abridged and later unabridged dissertation. Its Director, Dr. James J. C. Cox, was not prepared to
invest $7900.00 to buy 1100 copies of my unabridged version, which was later
published under the title From Sabbath to Sunday. He did
finance with some apprehension the publishing of 1100 copies of Anti-Judaism
and the Origin of Sunday, wandering if
such a scholarly study would sell well. It was this stark
financial reality—not the obligatory enormous corrections— that
convinced me to prepare an abridged version of my dissertation.
Extensive
Problems with the Text. Dr. Barbara Bergami claims that Due to extensive problems
with the text, he was only allowed to publish one chapter of his work and this
only after extensive revision. The same allegation is repeated even more
emphatically by the Priest Investigator who wrote: He was never allowed to publish the whole
dissertation. In fact, the partial
publication signifies that the dissertation had too many problems for it to be
considered a work that is scholarly and therefore published in whole. . . . The
obligatory corrections were enormous.
In fact, there are many questions the director has about bibliographic
sources, ambiguous references, etc. (Sort of the same issues that now face Dan
Brown from Theologians).
Were
there such extensive problems with the text and enormous obligatory
corrections that restricted me to submit only one chapter of my
dissertation? The answer is NO!
As shown above, I was allowed to submit to the Pontifical Gregorian Press, not
one but several chapters for a total of 144 pages. As explained earlier, it was
only the limitations of time and money that prevented me from submitting the
whole dissertation.
Contrary
to the allegations, the partial publication of my dissertation, does NOT signify
that the dissertation had too many problems for it to be considered a work
that is scholarly and therefore published in whole. The falsity of this allegation
is clearly proven by the PREFACE to the whole dissertation written by Prof.
Vincenzo Monachino himself on June 27, 1977. Keep in mind that before directing my dissertation, Prof. Monachino
spent two years supervising the doctoral dissertation of Corrado Mosna, Storia
della Domenica dalle Origini fino agli Inizi del V Secolo—A
History of Sunday from its Origin until the Beginning of the Fifth Century.
This dissertation was published in 1969, a few years before mine. This means that Prof. Monachino was well familiar with the
biblical and patristic texts, having directed Mosnas dissertation a few years
before mine. Click here for Mosnas
Disertation or go to http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/mosna.html
The
Probative Value of the PREFACE. In the
PREFACE, Prof. Monachino writes: The new work of Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi is to
be welcomed. He takes up again the study of this suggestive theme and, by
analyzing critically the various factors—theological, social, political,
pagan-religious—which have somehow influenced the adoption of Sunday as a
day of Christian worship, he makes an effort to provide a complete picture of
the origin and progressive configuration of Sunday until the fourth century. It
is a work that recommends itself because of its rich content, the rigorous
scientific method, and the vast horizon with which it has been conceived and
executed. This is indicative of
the authors singular ability to encompass various fields in order to capture
those aspects and elements related to the theme under investigation.
We
gladly mention the thesis that Bacchiocchi defends regarding the birth-place
of Sunday worship: for him this arose most probably not in the primitive Church
of Jerusalem, well-known for its profound attachment to Jewish religious traditions,
but rather in the Church of Rome. The abandonment of the Sabbath and the adoption
of Sunday as the Lords Day, are the result of an interplay of Christian,
Jewish, and pagan-religious factors (pp. 7-8). Click here for pictures of the disertation and its
PREFACE http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/sabtosun.html
Does
the wording of the PREFACE support the allegation that the dissertation had too many problems
for it to be considered a work that is scholarly and therefore published in
whole? Absolutely NOT! On the contrary, Prof. Monachino praises the study for
its rich content, the rigorous scientific method, and the vast horizon with
which it has been conceived and executed.
A
Letter from the Director of the Gregorian University Press. Further proof
for the scholarly quality of the dissertation is provided by a an
official letter to be posted and discussed shortly. The letter was sent to me
by Angelo Damboriena, S. J., the Director of the Gregorian University Press.
Incidentally, I learned that the Gregorian University Press that printed books
in the basement of the administration building, no longer exists. The printing
press was closed down about 20 years ago, presumably because of its limited
production.
In
his letter, Damboriena informs me that both he and Prof. Monachino supported
the inclusion of From Sabbath to Sunday in
the scientific series known as Analecta Gregoriana. Unfortunately, the proposal was not accepted by the
editorial board because it is not possible to include is such series a study
that has already been published with personal copyright.
My
plan was to submit the manuscript to the editorial board of Analecta
Gregoriana before its publication. But when I arrived in Rome in June
1977 to do the final editing and help in proof-reading the galleys, I was
informed that the board would not meet until October, because most of its members
were away during the Summer recess. This left me with two choices. I could
either postpone the publication of the dissertation for four months until the
next meeting of the editorial board, or authorize the Gregorian University
Press to proceed with its publication. I opted for the second choice, since I
had flown to Rome planning to spend a month, doing any final editing required
by Prof. Monachino and assisting
in the proof reading of the galleys. I still hoped that the editorian board
might consider including From
Sabbath to Sunday in the Analecta Gregoriana.
Incidentally,
I negotiated a personal copyright for both the abridged and unabridged versions
of the dissertation, in order to be able to reprint the books in the USA. The
cost of printing was cheaper at the Gregorian Press, but I soon learned
that shipping books to the USA was
laborious and very expensive. This
is why I negotiated a personal copyright.
The
Corrections of the Dissertation. Were
there corrections to be made to the dissertation? The answer is YES! I made the corrections in accordance to
the instructions I had received. I
still have in my possession the Italian dissertation with all the marginal
corrections requested by Prof. Monachino. For the sake of clarity he also
printed out the list of corrections.
In preparing the English edition of the abridged and unabridged versions
of my dissertation, I spent several months, translating and editing the text in
accordance to the correction requested.
When
finally I submitted to Prof. Monachino the corrected versions, first of the
abridged and later of the unabridged English dissertation, he approved both of
them within few days without requesting substantive changes. In fact, I made the last few changes
while sitting at a desk inside the Pontifical Gregorian Press, that was located
in the basement of the main administration building. While proof-reading the
galleys printed with an old linotype, I did any last minute correction
suggested by Prof. Monachino. Almost every other day he came down to the Press
to check on how the project was proceeding.
I volunteered to help the proof reader
by double checking the galleys for any possible mistake that may have escaped
his scrutiny, especially since English was his second language. For the
publication of both the abridged and unabridged English version of my
dissertation, I spent almost the whole month of June 1975 and later of July
1977, in the basement of the Gregoriana, helping with the proof-reading. In the process I became accepted almost
as a member of their crew by Brother Bartolotti, the Director, and Luciano, the
foreman. We had a most pleasant time together.
Did
the Gregorian University Press Refuse to Publish the Whole Dissertation? Both Dr. Barbara Bergami and the priest investigator
categorically deny that the Gregorian University Press ever published the whole
dissertation because there were extensive problems with the text. Dr. Bergami emphatically states: He
was not allowed to publish his dissertation in whole. The same categorical statement is made
by the priest investigator: He was never allowed to publish the whole
dissertation.
The
best way for me to respond to this allegation is to briefly report on the
process that led me to submit to the Gregorian University Press the whole manuscript
for publication. It all started with the surprising demand for the abridged
version of my dissertation Anti-Judaism and the Origin of Sunday (pp. 144) that
was published by the Gregorian University Press in June 1975 for me to obtain
the title and the diploma of Doctor of Church History.
When
the first 1100 copies reached Andrews University Press, they sold like hot
cakes. Within a few months we asked the Gregorian Press to reprint 5000 copies
and shipped them to the Andrews University Press. The surprising demand for Anti-Judaism
and the Origin of Sunday, persuaded me to
proceed with the translation, correction and compression of the whole Italian
dissertation.
The
Preparation of the English Manuscript. It
took me about two years to complete the project, partly because I was teaching
full time. In a letter dated March
13, 1977, I informed Prof. Monachino that I was preparing the English
manuscript, keeping in mind your valid observations. Specifically, I wrote: I have
eliminated the lengthy quotations as well as the needless repetitions. Some
themes have been expanded after reading The
Theology of Jewish Christianity by
Cardinal Jean Danielou, S. J. . . . Overall I believe that my thesis of a Roman
origin of the weekly Sunday and annual Easter Sunday is emerging with greater
clarity in this revision that I am preparing.
In
the same letter I informed Prof. Monachino that the manuscript should ready to
be sent to Gregorian University Press by the end of June 1977. Then I added: I
would be greatly honored if the volume included even a short Preface from your
pen. I am attaching a copy
of your general evaluation of the dissertation that you may wish to use with
some modifications.
In
his reply dated April 4, 1977, Prof. Monachino wrote: Since you are coming to
Rome to arrange for the publication of your complete study, though in an
abbreviated version, at that time we will discuss the Preface, which I am glad
to do. You did well to mail me the
general evaluation I gave to your study.
This will serve me as guideline, though I will add other ideas.
I
heartily congratulate you for the great success of the abridged version of
your dissertation that was published for you to receive the title and the
diploma of Doctor of Church History.
Undoubtedly the new volume that you are preparing will have even a
greater success, because it is
a more complete study. Let me know in advance when you arrive in Rome, because
I would regret to be out of town. Click here to see a copy of the letter
http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/letter
The
first thing I did when I arrived in Rome on June 29, 1977, was to visit Prof. Monachino. I presented
to him a copy of the manuscript that the Gregorian University Press was already
typesetting. I asked him to make any final corrections he deemed
necessary. I would enter those
corrections during the following three weeks while working in the basement
proof-reading the galleys supplied to me daily by the Press. At that time he handed to me the
Preface written in Italian so that I could translate into English.
The
Question of the Imprimatur. At this
meeting I asked Prof. Monachino two important questions. The first regarding the imprimatur and the second about the possible inclusion of my
dissertation in the scientific series known as Analecta Gregoriana. Regarding the imprimatur, I asked Prof. Monachino if the whole manuscript should be
submitted to the Rector of the Gregoriana and the Vicariate of Rome for their
approval—imprimatur, as we did
for the abridged version Anti-Judaism and the Origin of Sunday. He replied
that it was not necessary, because both offices had already approved a major
portion of the dissertation published two years earlier. The Gregorian
University Press could readily use the same imprimaturs certificate which they already had in their
possession.
Prof.
Monachinos reasoning was that no new imprimatur was needed since the new manuscript only expanded what had already
been published two years earlier.
Moreover, both he and Prof. Luis Marinez-Fazio had examined the
whole dissertation, as members of
the examining commission. In fact,
at the top of the imprimatur page, both
names are given as the official examiners of the whole dissertation. The text
reads:
Vidimus and approbamus ad
normam Statutorum Universitatis
(We have seen it and approved it in accordance with the
norms of the Statutes of the University)
Romae,
ex Pontificia Universitate Gregoriana
die
25 iunii 1974 (June 25, 1974)
R.
P. Vincenzo Monachino, S. J.
R.
P. Luis Martinez-Fazio, S. J.
Note
that the date of June 25, 1974, is not the date of the issuing of the imprimatur
on June 17, 1975 by the office of the
Archbishop of Rome, but the date following the defence of my dissertation. The oral defence took place on June 14,
1974, and the certificate of approval was issued to me 11 days later, June 25,
1974. By virtue of this
certificate I could proceed to prepare for publication a portion or the whole
dissertation, in order to receive the title and diploma of Doctor of Church
History.
On
the basis of these considerations, Prof. Monachino instructed Angelo
Damboriena, S. J., the Director of the Gregorian University Press to use the imprimaturs certificate already in their possession for publishing From
Sabbath to Sunday. It is important to remember that this book was published
not by an outside press, but by the Gregorian University Press. I did not supply the imprimaturs certificate. The Press had it already in its possession. If the Director
had a problem in using again the imprimaturs certificate issued two years earlier for the abridged
version of the dissertation, he would have discussed the matter with Prof.
Monachino and he could have chosen to leave it out from the new publication.
The fact that this did not happen, shows that both men had no problem in using
the same imprimatur for both
publications.
The
Question of the Inclusion of From Sabbath to Sunday in the Analecta Gregorianas Series. The second
question I discussed with Prof. Monachino upon my arrival in Rome on June 29,
1977, was the possible inclusion of From Sabbath to Sunday in the scientific series Analecta Gregoriana. Prof. Monachino told me that such a decision could only be
taken by the editorial board which unfortunately would not meet again until
October, that is, after the end of the Summer recession. On his part he would recommend the
volume for inclusion, but he feared that there might be a problem because they
do not consider for inclusion in the Analecta Gregoriana a volume already published. And this is exactly what
happened.
In
a letter dated October 22, 1977, Angelo Damboriena, S. J., the Director of the
Gregorian University Press, wrote:
I was unable to reply earlier because the professors who had decide on
your request did not return to Rome until after the beginning of October.
I
regret to inform you that your request was not favorably received, as
personally and P. Monachino had
wished. The Board of Analecta
Gregoriana maintains that it is not
possible to include in such series a study which has already been published
with personal copyright. This decision does not imply a negative evaluation of
the scientific merits of the study or of other aspects. Rather, they lament the lack of
sufficient information or interest, before the publication of the book. No one is to be blamed for this.
The
decision taken simply reflects the general policy followed by editors of scientific
series and has always been adhered to by Analecta Gregoriana. On the other hand, this decision precludes any possible new
initiative by the [Gregorian] Press because it has not been asked to publish
your book again. The last sentence
suggests that since the Gregorian University Press published the book only
the first time and was not asked to reprint it (it was reprinted in the USA),
this precludes any further initiative on their
part to explore other possibilities of inserting the book in other
series. Click here to see the
letter http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/editrice.html
This
letter is significant for two reasons. First, because it shows that both Prof.
Monachino and Angelo Damboriena supported the inclusion of From Sabbath to
Sunday in the scientific series of the Analecta Gregoriana. This proves that they had no reservations about its
scholarly quality and scientific value of the dissertation. This fact
compelling refutes the allegation that the dissertation had too many problems
for it to be considered a work that is scholarly and therefore published in
whole.
Second,
the letter acknowledges that the Gregorian University did publish From
Sabbath to Sunday the first time and had
no problems with its content. Had P. Damboriena and Prof. Monachino believed
that the dissertation had too many problems for it to be considered a work
that is scholarly and therefore published in whole, they would not have
published it in the first place, nor would they have proposed its inclusion in
the scientific series of the Analecta Gregoriana. More important
still, Prof. Monachino would not have written a positive PREFACE for the book.
My
understanding is that the Gregorian University Press was willing and eager to
publish any dissertation that met two conditions: 1) The dissertation must have
been approved and received the imprimatur
by official Catholic authorities. 2) The author or his institution must be able
to pay for the printing and to take delivery of the book. This was the case
with most dissertations published by the Gregorian University Press for
graduates belonging to various religious orders. If their dissertations have been
officially approved (received the imprimatur) and their religious orders were able to pay for the
printing, the Gregorian University Press would gladly publish them.
The conclusion that emerges from the foregoing
considerations is that the whole dissertation From Sabbath to Sunday was indeed published by the Gregorian University Press, but
not as part of any scientific series. It was published as an independent
publication as was the case with most abridged or unabridged
dissertations.
This
conclusion is supported by the following facts discussed above: Prof. Monachino wrote a PREFACE for From
Sabbath to Sunday; he checked the
manuscript for any last minute corrections; he instructed Angelo Damboriena, S.
J., to use for From Sabbath to Sunday, the
imprimaturs certificate already used
for the publication of the abridged version of the dissertation; both men
supported the inclusion of the volume in the Analecta Gregoriana. These facts
compellingly discredit the contention
that I was not allowed to publish his dissertation in whole because the dissertation had too many
problems for it to be considered a work that is scholarly and therefore
published in whole.
EVALUATIONS BY CATHOLIC
SCHOLARS
An external but equally compelling refutation of the false
allegation regarding the poor scholarship of my dissertation, is provided
by hundreds of favorably reviews From
Sabbath to Sunday has received. In my
office I have a a carton box full of reviews. For the sake of brevity I will
mention only a few reviews by Catholic scholars and church leaders.
Prof. John T. Pawlikowshi, OSM, Ph. D., Chairman of the Department
of Historical and Religious Studies at the Catholic Theological Union, writes:
It may be that one of the most powerful forms of anti-Judaism today, is the
very structure of its liturgy. Hence From Sabbath to Sunday must be welcomed as a new, soundly researched attempt to
open up discussion in this vital area. It is a field that needs our attention.
And one could not find a better starting point for such an exploration
than Dr. Bacchiocchis latest volume.
I recommend it highly. Click
here for a picture of the letter http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/statement.html
Surprisingly, Prof. Pawlikowski acknowledges that
Sundaykeeping may be a powerful form of anti-Judaism, because historically
Sunday was chosen more to show hate and contempt toward the Jews than love for
Jesus Christ. The same applies to the change from Passover to Easter Sunday,
which took place, to use the wrods of Constantine, in order to have nothing in
common with with the detestable Jewish crowd. Few Christians are aware of the
role anti-Judaism has played in developing Christian beliefs and practices.
Bishop
Thomas Krosnicky, S. V. D., DSlit., Executive Director, Bishops Committee on
Liturgy, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote: In From Sabbath too Sunday Dr. Bacchiocchi attempts to ascertain the historical
genesis of Sunday observance by a thorough investigation of Jewish, pagan, and
early Christian contributory factors.
His findings are significant and deserve ones careful consideration.
In
a review published in The Catholic Historical Review, W. A Jurgens write: The scholarship of From Sabbath to
Sunday is not just impeccable, it is truly a marvel. No patristic stones have been left unturned.
And, when, as in several instances, Dr. Bacchiocchis patristic and
scriptural interpretations are opposed to traditional interpretation, they
are generally quite though-provoking and in all rather persuasive. I am really most thoroughly impressed by the scope and vision
of the work. Click here to see the picture http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/cathhis.html
The
Story of the French Edition Du Sabbat Au Dimanche. One of the most compelling proof of scholarly appreciation
for From Sabbath to Sunday, is the
incredible story of the French edition Du Sabbat au Dimanche. A Belgian Benedectine monk, Ferdinand Poswick, O. S. B. et
P. O., who serves as Director of
the Center for Biblical
Information at the Abbey of Maredsous in Belgium, ordered a copy of
From Sabbath to Sunday. He read the book with great
interest. He was impressed by the
compelling documents and arguments which indicate the continuity, validity, and
value of the Sabbath for the Christian life today. Poswick decided to contact
me during his trip to America to attend the Annual Meeting of the Society of
Biblical Literature. He never anticipated
that we would meet in Dallas at the same meeting.
Poswick shared with me his great desire
to translate and publish From
Sabbath to Sunday into French, if I would give him permission. He felt that the
book could contribute to the recovery of the biblical values of the Sabbath for
our tension-filled and restless society. I was delighted to grant him
permission, forfeiting any royalties in view of the cost of translation.
The
translation was done by another Benedectine monk, Dominique Sebire, who worked
for almost two years on this project under Poswicks supervision. Together they produced a superb French
translation. The French title of the book is Du Sabbat au Dimanche. Poswick and Sebire did all their work as a labor of
love, without receiving a cent of compensation. They even arranged for the
first printing to be done in Paris by Lethielleux. They were inspired by the desire to help Christians
rediscover the blessings of the
biblical Sabbath for today. They verbalize their desire in the Presentation—Introduction,
where they encourage readers to reexamine afresh the values of the Sabbath
which can bring spiritual enrichment to our Christian life today.
Surprisingly,
in the Introduction, Poswick admits that Jesus and Paul did not abolish the
Sabbath. Alluding to my dissertation, he acknowledges that the change was
motivated by the need for Christians to separate from the Jews and to identify
themselves with the rhythms and customs of the Romans, at a time when
Sabbathkeeping was outlawed in the Roman empire. Then Poswick makes this daring statement: Should we not
prefer the sincere and truthful celebration of the Sabbath unto God to the
pharisaism of a paganized Sunday? He closes the introduction by urging
Christians to reexamine afresh the blessings to be found in the celebration
of the Sabbath.
Click
here for a picture of the Introduction and the cover of the book http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/frenchintro.html
Many
more positive evaluations of From Sabbath to Sunday by Catholic
scholars could be submitted. The few sampling of comments submitted, should
suffice to discredit the allegation that the dissertation had too many
problems for it to be considered a work that is scholarly and therefore
published in whole. The facts speak for themselves. Both Catholic and
Protestant scholars have commended From Sabbath to Sunday as a scholarly
study that deserves serious consideration.
BACCHIOCCHI WAS NEVER
ISSUED AN IMPRIMATUR FOR HIS
ABRIDGED OR UNABRIDGED DISSERTATION
The last and most outrageous allegation is that I did not
receive any imprimatur—approval,
because the Catholic Church does not issue
an imprimatur to a non-Catholic. This
explains why at a later date I allegedly said that the imprimatur had been rescinded.
Dr. Bergami states this allegation saying: At one time an imprimatur was claimed by Dr. Bacchiocchi, though we understand he
later said this had been rescinded. As you know, this does not happen, nor does
the Church find a need to give an imprimatur to non-Catholics who write on a
variety of topics. This
allegation is expressed even more emphatically by the priest investigator,
who writes: It is impossible for a non-Catholic to receive an imprimatur for a book. It was never awarded. This probably indicates why he said
that it was removed at a later date.
Let
me respond to this outrageous allegation by mentioning three important point:
1).
I have never stated or even suggested that the imprimatur had been rescinded.
2).
Though I am a non-Catholic, the imprimatur was issued for my abridged dissertation, because it is
prescribed by the Statutes of the University.
3).
The process to obtain the imprimatur
proved to be more problematic than I had anticipated.
Did
I Ever Say that the Imprimatur
had been Rescinded? Absolutely NOT! The reason is that I am well aware of
the fact that once an imprimatur has
been issued, it cannot be rescinded. Dr. Bergami is correct in saying: This
does not happen.
The
only possible reason for me to have said that the imprimatur has been rescinded, was to cover up an alleged false claim
that I had made. But I never made such a false claim because I never had
anything to cover up. The fact is that the imprimatur was issued to publish my abridged dissertation, not as a
favor, but as a requirement in order for me to receive both the title Doctor
and the diploma. Whoever
fabricated the lie of the rescinding of the imprimatur, reveals his/her malignant intent to defame me. No such
thing ever happened.
The
Issuing of the Imprimatur is
Dictated by the Norms of the University. The
allegation that I was never awarded the imprimatur because it is impossible for a non-Catholic to receive an
imprimatur for a book, ignores my unique situation. I was both the first non-Catholic to be
admitted at the Gregoriana in 450 years and also the first non-Catholic to
receive the imprimatur for a
dissertation. The imprimatur was granted to me not as a favor, but as a requirement of
the University.
The
official norms for the publication of doctoral dissertations are given in
a 16 pages Latin booklet, entitled Normae Officiales ad Disertationes Doctorales
Typis Edendas— Official Norms for Publishing Doctoral Dissertations.
Half of the booklet is made up of sample pages of imprimatur. Click
here for pictures of the booklet http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/normaecover.html
Briefly
stated some of the main Normae
Generales— General Norms for
publishing the dissertation can be summarized as follows:
After
passing all the exams and the defense of the dissertation, a doctoral candidate
must publish a part or the whole dissertation in order to receive the diploma.
The
dissertation cannot be published unless it has the written approval of two
examiners. The statement of approval must reads as follows: Vidimus et
approbamus at normam Statutorum Universitatis—We have seen it and
approved it in accordance with the norms of the Statutes of the
University. The statement must
carry the names of the two examiners (with the letters S. J., that is, Societas
Jesu) and must be placed behind the title
page.
In
the same place must be given the date, month, and year of the approval, in
accordance with the instructions of the Deans Office.
In
accordance with the Norm n. 1394, the imprimatur must also be shown with the place and time in which it
was granted. . . .
A
doctoral candidate must deliver 50 copies of the published dissertation at the
Academic Dean Office. These copies are sent to seminaries and universities with
which the Pontifical Gregorian University has relations.
After
the copies have been delivered to the Academic Deans Office, the candidate
can receive his legitimate diploma. Click here to see the rules: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/normae2.html
The
list of the norms are followed by six sample pages of the imprimatur, each representing
a different School of the Gregoriana. This is the sample page given for the
Facultas Historiae Ecclesiasticae—School of Church History. Click here for the pictures http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/attivita.html
The
front and back pages are identical to the pages of my abridged and unabridged dissertation. Click here for pictures http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/parttwo/antijud.html
Note
that the page of the imprimatur
consists of three approvals. At
the top there is the approval of the two examiners. In the center there is the
approval (Imprimi Potest) of the Rector
Universitatis—President of the
University, and in the lower part of the page, there is the approval of the
Vicariate of Rome, which is the Office of the Archbishop. The last approval is
generally called imprimatur.
In
my page of the approval of the
Vicariate of Rome is given in Italian Con Approvazione del Vicariato di Roma
in data 17 giugno 1975—With the Approval of the Vicariate of Rome, dated
June 17, 1975. In some
dissertations the same approval is given with the Latin word imprimatur, which simply means It can be printed, obviously because
it has been approved.
Frankly,
I do not know why the Vicariate of Rome chose to issue the approval in Italian,
rather than in Latin. The language does not make a difference. The important
thing is that the page of the imprimatur
consists of three approvals: the first from the two examiners who approved the
whole dissertation, the second from the Rector of the University, R. P. Herv
Carrier, S. J. who approved the abridged dissertation, and the third from the
Office of the Vicariate of Rome, who issued the final approval for the abridged
dissertation. In the light of this compelling documentation, the allegation
that I never received the imprimatur for my dissertation, is baseless and
false.
The
Story of the Imprimatur. In the
light of the above discussion about the imprimatur, it might be of
interest to hear more about the challenges I faced to receive it. After
completing the preparation of the abridged version of my dissertation, I
decided to explore the possibility of obtaining the imprimatur and of publishing the manuscript in the USA. The
dissertation can be published in part or in full in any country as long as it
is published by a Catholic Press with the official Catholic imprimatur.
Since
Andrews University where I live, is located only 25 miles from Notre Dame
University, I decided to explore the possibility of obtaining the imprimatur for the abridged dissertation through Notre Dame and of
publishing it through their Ave Maria Press. This would save me an expensive
trip to Rome. If it worked out, I would eventually airmail the 50 required
copies of the book to the Academic Deans Office and thus receive the diploma
by mail. After all this is he
procedure followed by priests and monks who serve in different parts of the
world.
With
this is mind, I went to visit Father John Reedy, Director of the Ave Maria
Press, located inside the campus of Notre Dame. I explained to him that I needed to receive an imprimatur for the manuscript I placed in his hands. If he could help
me to obtain the imprimatur, then I
would pay the Ave Maria Press for publishing 1000 copies. Eventually 50 copies
would be airmailed to the Gregoriana to fulfil my last requirements to receive
the doctoral diploma.
Father
Reedy was most cordial and eager to help me both to obtain the imprimatur and to publish the partial dissertation, especially since
he also had studied for a time at the Gregoriana. In a few days he read and approved the manuscript, but he
informed me that he needed a second approval from Bishop Leo A. Pursley of Fort
Wayne, before the imprimatur could be
issued and the printing could be done.
We submitted a copy of the manuscript to Bishop Pursley, waiting for his
decision.
Eventually
Bishop Pursley replied that he could not approve the manuscript , because he
could not agree with some parts of its content. Father Reedy was disappointed
and felt that the only course of action left was for me to go back to Rome and
work out the problem with my adviser, Prof. Vincenzo Monachino. And this is
exactly what I did.
Prof. Monachino proved to be most
understanding and helpful. He submitted the manuscript to both the Rector of
the University as well as to the office of the Archbishop of Rome. Within a
week, the imprimatur was granted with
the date of June 17, 1975. The
certificate of the imprimatur was
delivered in person by Prof. Monachino to Angelo Damboriena, S. J., the
Director of the Gregorian University Press. This made it possible for the Press
to publish, first the abridged and then later the unabridged versions of the
dissertation.
If
no imprimatur had been granted, it would have been
impossible for the Gregorian University Press to print it on page 4 of both the
partial and full dissertations. To
do so fraudulently, would be an illegal
act subject to prosecution.
Conclusion. The
hundreds of people in cyberspace who are questioning my moral integrity and
scholarly credibility, because of the false accusations levelled against me,
made by officers of the Pontifical Gregorian University, have compelled me to
prepare this lengthy and for some tedious response. It is my fervent hope that
the extensive documentation and detailed explanations that I have submitted,
will help to clear the air of so much misinformation floating in cyberspace
about me.
It
is unfortunate that some officers of the Pontifical Gregorian University have
attempted to defame me by denying the validity of my claims regarding the
academic awards I received from the university and the publication of my
partial and full dissertation with the imprimatur by the Gregorian University Press. I have attempted to
refute the false allegations by submitting an extensive documentation and
detailed explanations.
My
next step is to repackage all this information in an official document that
will be sent both to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and to Bishop
Murray of Kalamazoo. I will simply ask them to help me to put an end to the
raging controversy about me in cyberspace by issuing a retraction and an
apology for their false allegations.
If this happens, I will gladly forgive and forget all the pain they have
caused me. If they stonewall by refusing to reply as they have done until now,
then legal action may be necessary. Please pray that the Holy Spirit may touch
their hearts so that the whole controversy may soon come to a peaceful
conclusion.
UPCOMING WEEKEND
SEMINARS
As a service to our
subscribers, I am listing the date and the location of the upcoming seminars
for the month of December 2006. I wish to extend my personal, warm invitation
to all who are able to attend one of the followings rallies.
DECEMBER 8-9: LOS
ANGELES: SPANISH-AMERICAN SDA CHURCH
Location: 1815 Bridge Street, Los Angeles, California
90033. For information call Pastor
Guillermo Quiroz at (714) 522-0296
DECEMBER 15-16: HAMILTON MOUNTAIN SDA CHURCH
Location: 284 Concession Street, Hamilton, ON L9C 7N7,
Canada. For information call
Pastor Wesley Torres at (905) 304-9024. :
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF
SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
SPECIAL OFFER ON THE
NEW DVD ALBUM ON THE MARK AND NUMBER OF THE BEAST
The DVD
album consists of two disks which contain the live recording recently done at
the Andrews University Towers Auditorium. The marathon lecture lasted over two hours and was
delivered with the help of 175 powerpoint slides. The lecture was introduced by
Prof. Jon Paulien and Prof. Ranko Stefanovich, two foremost Adventist experts on the book of Revelation.
You will be
thrilled by this passionate lecture that will help you understand what the mark
and number of the beast are really all about. This prophecy is not about
external markings, barcodes, biochips, or popes titles, but rather about the internal control of
the mind of every human being. It is a battle over who will people worship in
the final showdown: the true God or Satan. This visual presentation will help
you to see the role of the Sabbath in the battle over worship in the endtime
showdown.
At the end
of the second DVD disk, there is a separate powerpoint file with all the 195
slides and accompanying script. This should prove to be a valuable resource for
evangelists, pastors, and anyone engaged in sharing the prophetic message of
Revelation. They can use some of the stunning pictures for their own
presentation.
How to Order the DVD
Album
The special introductory
offer on the DVD Album on The
Mark and Number of the Beast, is only $50.00, instead of $100.00. The airmailing expenses to any foreign country are
included in the special price. You
can order the DVD album in four different ways:
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(2) Phone: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give us your credit
card number and postal address.
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(4) Regular Mail: By mailing a check for $35.00 to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 4990, USA. We
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SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER
ON THE 6 ALBUMS CONTAINING ALL OF DR. BACCHIOCCHIS PUBLICATIONS AND
RECORDINGS
In
occasion of the release of the new DVD album on Cracking the Da Vinci Code, I am pleased
to offer you the complete package of all my DVD and CD recordings,
consisting of 6 Albums, for only $150.00,
instead of the regular price of $700.00. This is a one-time incredible
HOLIDAY offer.
You can see the
picture of all the SIX ALBUMS and read a detailed description of them, just by clicking at this URL address:
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You can order the
complete package of 6 DVD and CD Albums for only $150.00, instead of
the regular price of $700.00, in four different ways:
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(2) Phone: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give us your
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(3) Email: By emailing
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(4)
Regular Mail: By mailing a check for
$150.00 to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES,
4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 4990, USA. We guarantee to process
your order immediately.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER
ON THE PACKAGE OF ALL THE 18 BOOKS BY DR. BACCHIOCCHI.
The package consists of 18 books (including the latest on More
than a Prophet by Graeme Bradford), which are offered for only $150.00,
instead of the regular price of $455.00. Several books in the package make a
perfect Holiday Gift. For example, you may wish to give The Marriage
Covenant to a couple who is facing marital
conflicts. Many couple claim to
have been reconciled after reading this book.
You may to give Wine in
the Bible to people with drinking
problems, It is a powerful book that helps people understand the reasons for
the biblical imperative of total abstinence.
You may wish to give Christian
Dress and Adornment to people who wear
even to church very revealing clothes.
It is a timely book that helps people understand the biblical teachings
regarding our outward appearance.
You may wish to give The
Christian and Rock Music to people who are
obsessed with rock music. It is a
compelling symposium by 7 international scholars who help people understand the
mental, physical, and spiritual impact of rock music.
In the package of 18 books
you will find ideal books to give to people who need help in various aspects of
their lives. By buying them as a
package you pay only $8.00 per book, instead of the regular price of $25.00.
Just think how many gifts you can make at a bargain price with the whole
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You can see the picture
of all the 18 books and read a detailed description of them, just by clicking at this URL address:
You can order the complete package of the 18
books for only $150.00, instead of the regular price of
$455.00, in four different ways:
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(3) Email: By emailing
your order to <[email protected]>. Be sure to provide your postal address, credit card number, and
expiration date.
(4)
Regular Mail: By mailing a check for
$150.00 to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES,
4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan 4990, USA. We guarantee to process
your order immediately.
CD-ROM WITH PROF. JON PAULIEN BOOKS & ARTICLES
Prof. Jon
Paulien is one of the most respected Adventist scholars. Besides serving as the
chairman of the New Testament at Andrews University Theological Seminary, he
writes and lectures extensively in many parts of the world.
Until now
Prof. Paulien books and articles were available only in a printed form, often
unavailable at local ABC stores.
In view of my indebtedness to Prof. Pauliens scholarship, I have
offered to help him to place all of his books and articles on a CD disk. This makes it possible with the ACROBAT
global search, to locate immediately what he has written on biblical texts or
current topics.
The newly
released CD-ROM contains more than
a dozen of books and scores of articles written by Prof. Paulien during the
past 20 years of research. You
will find in this collection a priceless resource to enrich your understanding
and experience of biblical truths. Prof. Paulien examines fundamental biblical
beliefs in a profound and yet popular way. He is a recognized expert on the book of Revelation. Several
of his books will help you to unlock the secrets of Revelation.
The special introductory offer of the newly released CD-ROM ALBUM with
all of Prof. Paulien books and articles is only $35.00 instead of the regular
price of $50.00. The price includes the airmailing expenses to any overseas
destination.
To order the
newly released CD ALBUM with all of Prof. Paulien books and articles, simply
click here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/PaulienAD/
If you have
a problem ordering online, email us your order at <[email protected]>,
giving us your address, credit card number, and expiration date. You can also
order by phone, calling us at (269) 471-2915.
We will take your order by phone.
INCREDIBLE NEW OFFERS
ON HITACHI PROJECTORS
Lately
HITACHI has given an additional discount on their projectors to help especially
our churches and schools in developing countries. This is the special offer on
the following four models:
CP-X250 HIGH
RESOLUTION 2000 LUMENS - Only $1095.00
Previous SDA
price for the 2000 lumens was $1900.00.
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Previous SDA
price for the 2500 lumens was $2595.00.
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Previous SDA
price for the 3200 lumens was $3295.00.
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RESOLUTION 4500 LUMENS - Only $3895.00
Previous SDA
price for the 4500 lumens was $4900.00.
WARRANTY: The above prices include a 3 years 24/7 replacement
warranty that is worth about $285.00.You can order these projectors in four
ways:
You can order the
HITACHI projectors by calling us at (269)
471-2915. We will be able to quote you the latest offer from HITACHI and take
your order by phone.
NEW TOSHIBA LAPTOP
TECRA A8-EZ8312
This is the latest TOSHIBA
laptop that was first released on June 27, 2006. These are the specifications:
Duo processor 1.66Hz, Memory size 512MB, Monitor size 15.4, Resolution
1280x800, Hard drive 60GB, Optical
drive CD-RW/DVD-Rom, Wireless, 3-USB ports, Microsoft Office and Microsoft
Works software. The special price is $895.00, plus shipping expenses.
You can order the
TECRA A8-EZ8312 in four ways:
(1) Online: By clicking here: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/Toshiba/Notebooks.html
(2)
Phone: By calling us at (269) 471-2915 to give us your credit card
number and postal address.
(3) Email: By emailing your order to <[email protected]>.
(4)
Regular Mail: By mailing a check to BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES, 4990 Appian Way, Berrien Springs, Michigan
4990, USA. We guarantee to process your order immediately.
THE MOST POWERFUL
REMOTE PRESENTER
If you are looking for an
outstanding REMOTE for your PowerPoint presentations, you will be pleased to
know HONEYWELL has just come out with the smallest and most powerful remote in
the market.
The size of the
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your hand and nobody can see it. I tested the remote in an open environment,
and the radio signal can go up to 400 feet of distance. IT IS INCREDIBLE! The
transmitter has three button: forward, backward, and laser.
You can order online the
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If you have a problem
ordering online, simply call us at (269) 471-2915. We will take your order by phone.
You can also email us your
order at <[email protected]>,
giving us your address, credit card number, and expiration date.
DOES YOUR CHURCH OR SCHOOL
NEED A SCREEN?
If your
church/school is looking for a screen, the DA-LITE SCREEN COMPANY, the largest
manufacture of screens in the world, has agreed to offer their line of screens
to our Adventist churches and schools at a about 30% discount.
The
procedure is very simple. Visit the DA-LITE SCREEN COMPANY website at http://www.da-lite.com.
You will see hundreds of models of screens with their respective prices. Once
you find the screen that you need, give us the model number by phone (269)
471-2915 or email your request <[email protected]>
We will forward your order immediately to DA-LITE that will ship the screen
directly to your address. You will receive the screen at about 30% discount.