C. T. RUSSELL and "DR" ARNOLD B. MURRAY; Similarities.


There are many Christians today who would not dream of allowing the Jehovah's Witnesses into their homes to teach them, but allow Arnold Murray of Shepherd's Chapel in every day, via their television sets! On this page I will attempt to show, the many similarities between the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses and the founder of Shepherds Chapel.   On another page "Hymanaeus" many of Murray's actual teachings are exposed for you to read.     

Virtually every false teacher takes the truth of Jesus Christ, says they accept it,  then proceeds to change it!

To do that, the first thing they must do, is discredit the New Testament. They teach  that it has been "corrupted", and changed from the "original". This way they can pick and choose what they want to focus on. Many, even write their own version of the Bible, which puts their heresy on the same page as the Word of God! The Jehovah's Witnesses wrote The New World Translation. Arnold Murray wrote The Shepherd's Bible,  including his "unique" commentary, in the KJV text. [it should be noted that he actually promotes Bullinger's study Bible, and one has a hard time finding a copy of Murray's Bible version.] 

When a subject student is convinced that the Bible they have in their hands can not be trusted to properly explain the truth; well then, they must have someone teach them this "real" truth! I tell you, if God needs a man to explain his Word, then he wouldn't be all powerful, would he? He would be no better than a wooden idol! No. The God of the Bible needs no human interpreter! The Bible itself tells us this. I know many, many people who were saved, and come to know the Truth of Jesus Christ, merely by reading the BIble alone! I know people who have set out to prove the Bible was false, and in reading it, found the truth of Jesus Christ! Why else would this be the most banned book in the world? It holds the truth, the Power of God, which is found through Jesus Christ!

If a person accepts that the Bible was able to be "corrupted", then the student has bit  the "bait" and swallows the "hook"! The false teacher moves on to implant many myths and lies! They  focus on the foundations of Christianity, for if the foundations crumble, the whole faith falls.  The foundations of Christianity are, the Trinity, which speaks to the nature of Jesus Christ; The Resurrection; and the inherent sin nature of mankind saved only by the atonement of Jesus.  This Gospel, this salvation  is by grace alone. And it is able to stand alone!

Many Christians today, realize that the Jehovah's Witnesses teach aberrations, in those areas. But they do not realize that there is another group which teaches similar, and worse heresies, under the banner of "Christian". That group is "Shepherd's Chapel" based in Gravette, Arkansas.

Charles Taze Russell, was raised a Presbyterian, but by 16 years of age, he was a member of the Congregational church. He began to follow Advent Christian Church preacher Jonas Wendell in 1868.

In 1876 Russell learned that a small Adventist magazine, Herald of the Morning, was affirming that Christ did indeed return in the autumn of 1874  only invisibly  and that believers would be raptured three-and-one-half years later in the spring of 1878. He took his own money, profits from his successful men's clothing store, and provided financial backing for the struggling magazine. In return, publisher and editor Nelson H. Barbour, made Russell an assistant editor. When the expected Rapture failed to occur, Russell began to disagree with revelations of Barbour. In the summer of 1879, Russell left his employ, taking with him, a copy of Barbour's mailing list  to start his own magazine, "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence".

Russell founded a denomination of his own. Followers referred to themselves as
"Bible Students" and named their organization the "International Bible Students Association (IBSA)", but outsiders called them "Russellites."

In 1882 Russell began leading Watch Tower readers away from Christian orthodoxy. Russell openly rejected the doctrine of Hell and the Trinity as "totally unscriptural." The Watch Tower and Russell's books included much of Barbour's end time timeline, using 1874 as the beginning of Christ's invisible "presence," and predicting other end-times events by calculating from that date. He Called the Great Pyramid of Gizeh," God's Stone Witness and Prophet". Russell used measurements of it in his calculations to predict that believers would be raptured in 1910.

The Bible Students viewed Russell himself as "the Laodicean Messenger," God's final spokesman to the Christian church.

March 13, 1913 found Russell on the witness stand of a magistrate's court in Ontario Canada. Russell had actually brought charges of criminal libel, against a Canadian Baptist minister, the Rev. J. J. Ross; because Ross had written a booklet attacking Russell's integrity as a religious leader! When asked on the stand if he knew Greek, Russell answered,
"Oh, yes,".

He was handed a copy of the New Testament in Greek, and asked to read the letters as they appear on the top of the page.

Russell could not.  He again was asked if he knew Greek. This time his answer was "No".

Russell explained later that he had simply developed the ability to recognize Greek words in Strong's and Young's concordances of the Bible, when he said he "knew" the Greek.

Russell died on Halloween, 1916, years after the world was predicted to end. Followers buried him and on his headstone, identified him as "the Laodicean Messenger". They also erected a huge stone pyramid, next to the grave, emblazoned with the cross and crown symbol he was fond of.

Not much is known, by the public, about Murray's background. He refuses requests for biographical information.  Consequently, the information provided is limited to unverifiable snipets of information, that  Murray has provided on his broadcast.  He stated  that while growing up he attended many different churches with his relatives.  

Mr. Murray has also stated repeatedly, that he served as a United States Marine. He states in his "answer to critics", that he was a member of the "Chosen Few"; [Note: he has misspelled the name of the group on his website. The group name is "Chosin Few"]
This is group of heros, Marine Corps veterans, who served valiantly at the "Frozen Chosin"....the Chosin reservoir, during the Korean War.  Murray states that he was wounded during this battle.  I have searched  Korean war databases for any proof of a Purple Heart, to confirm his claim, but  have not as of yet, found that proof.  He does not provide details of his detachment, so it is difficult to confirm.  Of course Murray's military career is unimportant to Murray's qualifications as a
Bible scholar.  One wonders why the information is presented in the  "answer to critics",  found on his website? This information has little ability to silence criticisms of Murrays scholastic qualifications. So, why include the information in the answer to critics?

Noteworthy by its absence, anywhere on his webpage, and in his broadcasts, is the story of Mr. Murray's personal conversion to Jesus Christ!  Nowhere on his website, nor on his broadcasts, is there a testimony of when and where Arnold Murray asked Christ into his heart! We hear about the Marines; how many years he was married and has studied God's Word; and when he entered the "third heaven", (Dec. 2, 1980); about how Murray,  overcame Lucifer, and "kicked his butt" in the "first earth age";    But not about the most significant moment in the life of a Christian,  the time they realized that they were a sinner in need of a savior, and came to the foot of the cross, and asked Jesus Christ to come into their heart. That is the day that most of us think of as our birthday! The day we became "Born Again". [Click for more information. It must be noted here, that Murray has a different definition of being "born again"; than Christians. He teaches that it means being born into the flesh, from the spirit world. And also because Murray teaches (on his "Election" and Romans 11 tapes) that he, himself, does not have "free will", and that he "overcame" and was "justified" in another lifetime, during the mythical "first earth age". Thus, he says that  he did not HAVE to be "born again", but volunteered to come to earth as a teacher.]

With a lack of biographical information, the similarities between Murray and Russell are limited to their public ministries.  Here we find many similarities between Russell and Murray!
Murray and Russell both present themselves as Christians, without a personal testimony of when and where they asked Jesus Christ into their hearts!

Both provide a testimony of disagreeing with Christian Churches.  They say that the churches all have it wrong! According to each of these men, the Churches teach the Bible all  wrong.  They say that everyone else is wrong! Except Murray puts an interesting spin on this, as he says that every Christian is given the "truth" (the serpent seed doctrine) at a different time! He says that we all learn different things.  Forgetting of course that there is no Biblical support for this idea!

Both men  present themselves  as scholars in biblical languages; and both reject the tenets of the Christian faith.

They both insist that the Bible is not translated properly; even the KJV.  

Both renounce Orthodox Christian belief in the Trinity, The Resurrection, and Hell.  Murray calls them "traditions of men".

Both teach annihilation instead of eternal punishment, for sinners.

Both teach that Christ did not rise from the dead in his flesh,  but rather in a "Spirit body".   Of course Jesus himself said he was not a spirit, but flesh and bones. They each explain the LORD's words away.

Both of them have followers who call themselves "Bible Students".

Both of them impose a Christian meaning on the pyramids and other truly pagan forbidden practices of astrology and psychic phenomena; while applying pagan meaning to the Christian celebration of Easter.

Both teach that the Old Testament food laws should be followed.

Both teach that the Hebrew names for God should be used.

Both leaders appeal to students who are not satisfied with the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who feel that this truth is not enough, but crave knowledge that others do not have! These students are impressed with the leaders supposed "superior" knowledge...and supposed superior understanding of God and spiritual things.

Both have many followers who believe these men are one of the final prophets, spoken about in Rev. 11.

Another similarity between Murray and Russell, are the failed predictions.

Of course Russell predicted the return of Christ, while Murray focuses on Satan----the anti-Christ. Either way, they are both wrong!

Murray stated emphatically in 1979, in his "Seed of the Serpent" audio tape; that,

""Know from the 2nd chapter of 2 Thessalonians that he (Lucifer) shall soon return. The book of Daniel very clearly states that it shall happen before the year 1981, if you have any understanding at all of the wisdom of the elect in the last days."

According to Murray's own standard, he does not have the "wisdom of the elect" or any understanding at all!! Because the Lucifer did not "return". Or maybe like Russell, Murray is saying that he did indeed return, only invisibly?!

Curious that Murray did not address this prediction, in his "answer to critics", on his web page. It is often used when criticizing him. It is important, because the Bible says:

"If the prophet predicts something in the Lord's name and it does not happen, the Lord did not give the message. That prophet has spoken on his own and need not be feared." (Deut.18:22)

Even after this failed prediction in 1981, Murray continued to predict, and be wrong!

In his "communion of sixes" teaching Murray recounts a "vision" he had, and made this prediction:

"I want you to rest assured that on
June 8-9 you are going see something real nice happen (June 8-9 
1985) It will be in the area in a valley of the Alaskan
peninsula where Armageddon will take place"

Nothing "real nice" happened! And are you not surprized to find out that Armageddon will be fought in Alaska! Not biblical at all, of course!

Now look at this:


"Dear Family of the Elect, Jan. 6, 1982
Greetings in the Holy Name of Him, who says:
WATCHMEN, WATCH!

Acts 2:16-19 states that in the last days the Father Himself
will show to those with ears to hear and eyes to see: (note: the Acts 2:16-19 does not
say "eyes to see or ears to hear", but rather: "I will pour out my spirit on all flesh"!)
"wonders
in heaven" and "signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and
vapor of smoke:"

The coming alignment of planets in this year therefore takes on
a significance in the category of wonders in heaven and becomes
important to us. You understand you are to watch continuously,
however sources alert us, as follows:(Chicago Public Library)
Chase Information book: 9 planet alignment, March 10,1982. 
(Farmer's Almanac states the 9 planets will come as close to
lining up Mar.10,1982 as they ever will);and many say this
occurence will bring about earthquakes and severe storms. "


Of course nothing happened during that time!  As a matter of fact, according to real astonomer, "Jean Meeus", this was not even a true alignment! He stated:
"On March 10, 1982, the planets from Mercury to Pluto were situated inside a heliocentric sector 95° wide. While this was the narrowest of the 20th century, it's still a far cry from an alignment!" Click here to read about it. I guess perhaps the farmer's almanac is not really that great a source!

Also, Murray's idea that only those who have 'eyes to see and ears to hear', will notice these events are wrong! Murray even added this common slogan of his about 'eyes to see, ears to hear'.... to Acts 2, as if it were part of the passage!
Signs and wonders are not for believers, but for those who are faithless, according to Jesus!


But I guess it was too good to pass up an opportunity to predict during a planetary "alignment",  to let is slip by without trying it again; because if something
DID happen, SC students could point to their leader as "predicting" it! See how similar the 1982  prediction is to Murray's teaching at his  "Passover" celebration, in March 2000:


CURRENT EVENTS TAPE #1024:
"Now, what's really happening in the Year 2000? On May 3rd, the 4th, and it will stretch on through the 5th, you will have a planetary alignment. ..... Now, we know that the tide is affected by this. We have storms and earthquakes to happen
(NONE DID!). .....MARK MAY 17th. On May 17th that same alignment takes place again, ...Now, the moon is there and it is full, when this 19 1/2 degree alignment takes place. The moon enters LIBRA, the seventh sign of the Zodiac, which is between VIRGO, the VIRGIN, and SCORPIO, the scorpion......But, beloved, it is signs so don't totally discount it but don't make a religion out of it.... May 17th. May through September is the time of the locusts." [the locusts from the pit, in Revelation, Murray translates to mean the fallen angels who are going to be set loose to have sex with human women, as Murray says they did in Noah's day!]


So, Murray predicted that we were going to have tidal problems, storms and earthquakes, the first week in May. (We did not!) Then "Mark" May 17th! Something BIG is going to happen then....But of course it DID not!   He is suggesting that the locusts from the "pit" in Revelation were let loose during May to September, 2000. Murray teaches that these locust are really fallen angels that had sex with human women in Gen. 6. And that they will be set loose to again have sex with human women, in these last days. Only those women who are "sealed" by God, through the knowledge of who the Kenites are; who have this "key of David", as he calls it; only those women will not have sex with these satanic angels. The rest will. And will give birth to evil hybrids!  So he is saying that these satanic angels are on the loose now!  But God said not to fear these false prophets! Murray has predicted and been wrong! Don't listen to him!

Here are Murray's most recent attempts at reading something into the position of the stars and planets. It hasn't worked too well so far, but that doesn't seem to stop him from doing it, or his faithful from listening!

CURRENT EVENTS

Pastor Murray Jan 2003

"Let's just kinda take a look, you know, you are supposed to take the stars and the planets and so forth , and they are kinda for signs but you are not to make a religion out of it. It is there in Genesis Chap 1, what is it, along about verse 15 or 16 the stars and the moon were given for signs of times.

That means planning also, you know if the moon raises the tide five feet out in the ocean, it also raises the water level here under the earth and that's time to plant taters, when the tide is in on ground. Have you ever heard of the tide being in on the plains, well it is, according to the moon. A lot of those things we learn down through life and years by trial and error, and hey, always take advantage, be one up if you want good taters, it will work."

The Bible says: "And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years," Gen.1:14


I did not see where THE BIBLE said that the moon and the stars are for "Planning"! Murray interjects that MEANING, into the scripture. How do we know what the Bible means, when it says that the stars and moon are for "signs"? Not by listening to Mr. Murray! But, by the scripture itself! We know that Murray's interpretation is wrong because God forbids the reading of "omens" or "times" in many places of the scripture! Right in that verse, THE SCRIPTURE tells us that the "signs" are to mark the days and years! We know that for 3 days prior to this, in God's creation, that he had "light and darkness"..God could have left it this way, but didn't. He created the "lights in the sky" not for light but as a way that man could learn to mark a few things, when he learned to read these signs. Man could mark:: weather: Matt.16:2-3; as a testimony of God existence:
Ps.8,19;Rom.1:14-20,3; Navigation:Matt.2:12 ; and as I said before, the earths movement around the sun determines our seasons, and our calendar.  This is how we mark the days and years!

Murray goes on:
Now, however, let's look at the planets today. Who brought in January? Saturn. A lot of people think Saturn, because our Saturday was named for it, is really a fantastic time. Well, Saturn is satan's planet. He is right there standing forth about the time night falls, look over there, brightest thing in the sky.

Now, are we suppose to take this as the truth, just because Murrays says so?! Where does the BIBLE say that Saturn, or any planet, that God made for himself, for that matter, is satans? Check out what he Bible really says, In Deut. 18:10. First in the KJV:

"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch."

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in  the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft," Deut.18:10

Lev.19:26 KJV: " Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times."

God says in Deut. 18:12 ""For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD;"

"All the counsel you have received has only worn you out!
Let your astrologers come forward,
those stargazers who make predictions month by month,
let them save you from what is coming upon you." Isa.47:13

No matter what kind of pretty package Murray tries to put on it, he is gazing at the stars and looking for an omen! He is reading things around him, and  doing the forbidden "observing the times", making predictions!  This is detestable to the LORD....THAT IS WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS, PLAIN ENOUGH FOR A CHILD TO READ! Make no mistake! Do not be fooled.... astrology and fortune telling, (which is what this most certainly is!) and false predictions, ARE  forbidden religious practices used by pagans (ref: Deut.18:9-10;22;  2 Kg.21:6; Isa. 47:13-14; Dan.2:27-28; Leviticus 19:31; 1 Samuel 28; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24; Isaiah 8:19; 19:3; 44:25; Jeremiah 14:14; 27:9; Ezekiel 13:3, 8; 21:21.)  He wraps it up in a pretty package, but he leads his followers down the dangerous "detestable" road, which the LORD has forbidden!  Murray has subtely mixed this pagan practice with our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  He complains that Christian churches sometimes have Easter egg hunts, because he says this is a pagan practice! What hypocrisy! Astrology and fortune telling are expressly forbidden pagan practices! Nowhere does the Bible forbid egg hunts! The egg of Easter is a representation of the Holy Trinity, as is the clover. It demonstrates 3 that are one!  And also can represent how our lives will become new at the Resurrection! The egg is one thing, buried beneath it's mother; hidden from sight...and in a while it jumps up! It is a new creature. Just as we will come out of our buried graves, and be new Creatures, when Christ returns for us!

Murray rales quite often against Christians who believe in the "rapture"--which he says originated with a woman named MacDonald, who had a vision. He calls this a "doctrine of Man".  But, while decrying rapture, Murray promotes traditions and doctrines of men, such as astrology; his own failed predictions; the "TRADITION of Glastonbury; (which admits right in the title that it is a "tradition of man"--do you have to be hit in the head with a rock?!!)  He also promotes the "Witness in the stars" theory--by Bullinger.  This isn't Bullinger's own idea.  No, it was thought up by another person.  This theory originated in 1863 with a women named Miss Frances Rolleston, in her book, "Mazzaroth--The Constellations"!  If one would think this through, they would see that this theory makes no sense to begin with! Think about it, there is no uniform zodiac constellations. Some say there are twenty-four zodiac signs, while others count eight, twelve, ten, or fourteen! The oldest Babylonian charts do not even contain a complete zodiac constellation! Think about the Chinese constellation charts, they do not even include any of the same characters; but have constellations such as the rabbit, rat and dog! And what about the poor Eskimos, Siberians, Greenlanders, and Scandinavians, the zodiac signs do not even appear above the Arctic Circle (66 degrees latitude)!! So obviously the stars CAN NOT serve as a witness to all people!!


The BIBLE clearly states that WE are to be a witness to all people! (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14-15) Why not REALLY follow the Bible, instead of just saying you do? Why really follow these traditions, and then say you rlive by God's word? No you don't!

It is true that Jesus said in Luke 21:25, that "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars." This does not say "Zodiac" signs! Before Christ returns, the Bible says that something is going to go terribly wrong; in the heavens; the normal course of the planetary movements is going to change. Isa.24:18; Mark 24-25; READ IT! This is why the people of the earth are going to be "faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for heavenly bodies will be shaken." (Luke 21:26)


When I opened this site, on May 1st,  2000,  just a few days before the planetary alignment Murray talked about in at the Passover 2000 event, I did not see too many people, about to faint from terror! Thus these were not the "signs" God was speaking of! Plain to see for anyone.

Don't put your faith in a flawed pagan practice, or practitioners, but put your faith in the one who set those stars in the heavens!

As for Murray's statement, on 2003 current events;  saying Saturn is, "bringing in January" from an ASTRONOMICAL point of view, instead of ASTOLOGICAL, is in fact,  pretty much a stretch! Saturn was the closest to earth that it had been in 30 years, on Dec.17, 2002! Check it out:


For the ASTRONOMICAL information of 2003 here is a more accurate source:


More from the 2003 Currents events speech:

"Now we have a very strange thing happening. Mars is still pretty much in play and that is the war planet, (Again, this information DOES NOT come from the BIBLE.
Calling this planet a "war planet" comes from another source, other than God's word. I send his own advice to Mr. Murray, "well, have ya tried reading the Bible lately?"! We are not to get our information from other sources! That is harlotry to God!) and here we sit on a keg of powder, with February coming out when it looks like things might start Juning pretty good, but Mars is fading away like it is some kinda big deception here, but then, all of a sudden it starts closing again and come August the 27th of this year Mars is closer to earth than it has been in-some think 50,000 years and a lot think 70,000 years. So Mars is going to be shining real bright and that's about the time when the fourth 50 day period after Pentecost ah Passover that we start counting down fourteen days to the fall fellowship. Just passing that on.

What does that mean? Why would Mars the war planet, and you know concerning 9-11 we had Mars just beaming its little signals there, and sure enough 911 happened."

(Mars was actually close to earth on June 21st 2001....not in September! Check it out:
http://www.planetary.org/html/news/articlearchive/headlines/2001/brightmars.html )

"We went to war like we have never seen in this nation before. It happened here basically.

So anyway, those are the signs from heaven. Don't make a religion out of that. A lot of people like to just live out in boom boom land and get on a high by not facing reality. This is why you want to stick to God's scriptures-thus sayeth the Lord, a planet can move all it wants to and you are not going to see a "thus sayeth the Lord" out there, ok. So you gotta be very careful to use wisdom. "

So, what is the benefit to saying anything about it? If you are a preacher of God's word...why not just stick to the word?!  Why isn't the Word enough that you must throw in all this mumbo jumbo? Why give anyone any reason to look to the skys for answers, when the Bible, through God's Holy Spirit has them all? But false teachers can not seem to get enough of looking for, or telling the meaning of every little thing! A Christian ought to know better!

Both Russell and Murray present themselves as knowledgable, learned scholars of the Biblical languages.

In the case of Russell, despite his assertions to the contrary, it was proven in court, that he did not know Greek at all!  Although not  similarly put on the spot, Murray, calls himself "Dr." ; yet, no proof of his dissertation can be found.  He seems to prefer the title, yet, Mr. Murray refuses to identify his scholastic achievements or affiliations, so that, one could affirm his qualifications to teach.  He will not provide the name of the school he got his degree from, or where he recieved his "doctorate". His reason is, as he states on his website, "so critics" cannot judge me by association."  Well, this goal has not been attained! As a matter of fact, Murray is
constantly criticized and judged for NOT providing proof that he has earned the right to be called "Dr. Arnold Murray" as is printed on all the tapes he sells.

Providing the documentation of his education could easily silence the critics!   Also, it is strange that Mr. Murray so freely offers his association to the Marine Corps and the "Chosin Few", when this has nothing to do with Bible scholarship! He does not wish to be judged on his association to a college, yet DOES wish to be judged on his association with a military organisation?! This is very contrary. 


Murray states on his website, that "I have always publicly stated that my credentials are my ability to teach God's Word. To the extent that our Heavenly Father blesses me with the ability to clearly teach His Word then what higher ordination could there be?"    If he truly believes this statement, why does he include "Dr." on all the tapes? If a Biblical education is unimportant, why call yourself a doctor? Isn't it really to give himself an air of credibility as a scholar? Isn't it so his "students" will trust his interpretations? Murray is constantly asking his followers to "check him out", but then refuses to provide any information for them to check on his claims of education!

Compare that statement to the Jehovah's Witnesses statement on the translators of their "New World Translation" Bible.  Similarly to Shepherd's Chapel, the JW's  refuse to provide the the translator's credentials!  They refuse to provide evidence of the translator's scholastic education! The reason given by the watchtower society, is that the translators  "do not seek honor and glory, and wish to remain anonymous even after their death". Very similar to the reasoning used by Murray. The groups both offer unique translations of the Bible, without providing any proof that the translator is educated in the ancient languages of the Bible, and able to translate it correctlly! The student is expected to just  have faith in the good character of the teacher, and without any proof, except that said teacher is qualified to translate correctly! 

The fact is, through the investigation of JW critics,  it was found that none of the men who worked on the NWT were scholars, and they were in no way qualified to take on such a translation! Only one of them had studied about two years of Greek.

Why would one place their trust in a man to interpret the Bible for them, when they do not know his true qualifications in biblical languages?! 

If what they taught agreed with what Jesus and the Apostles taught, it would be one thing, but the JW's and Shepherds Chapel teach strange diverse doctrines, that go against Orthodox Christianity, based on their interpretation of Scripture. 

Would you trust a surgeon to perform open heart surgery on you, without knowing his educational qualifications for doing so? What if the surgeon just said, "God gave me this gift for healing....what better education could there be?!"  Do you want a person to cut open your chest, who hasn't actually graduated from a medical school, and earned the right to be called, "doctor"?  Of course not! God does not ask you to leave your brains at home,  and trust a man on the man's word! God has given the gift of knowledge to earthly surgeons, who have put in years of study and practice and are qualified to open up your chest and perform the surgery!

Friend, your everlasting soul is much more important than a temporary heart!  Why would you have a different standard for one who would take care of your physical body; than one who would take care of your soul?


Check out your spiritual mentor! Check out his credituals as much as you would a doctor for your physical body!  You may just find that you are following one who would decieve you! Here is an example:

Murray's own "In Answer to Critics" Murray says:


"  I also should point out to those not familiar with the Shepherd's Chapel that we are completely independent; therefore we are not affiliated with any other church, denomination or group. As a matter of record, the only group of which I am a member is with the "Chosen Few" ...."


Well, this is not true. Mr. Murray is actually a member in good standing with the "Soldiers of the Cross".  He recieved his ministerial license from them, in 1958.   According to the State of Arkansas, he registered Shepherd's Chapel as a non-profit corporation under that name, with that affiliation. The State of Arkansas lists "Shepherd's Chapel" as a "fictitious" (false) name!  Don't believe me? Check it out your self.  Go to the Arkansas Secretary of State Site: http://www.sosweb.state.ar.us/corps/search_all.php
And type in  "All Types"; "Soldiers of the Cross"; "Arnold B. Murray"; "Gravette"; "Arkansas"....and click find. All this information is there for you to see. Check it out.


Also, in Murray's answer to critics, he states that,
" I have never claimed to have received a doctorate from Roy Gillaspie. I do not know where some of these "researchers" came up with this. Roy Gillaspie was simply a beloved teacher of God's Word and I have never said or implied any such thing."


The Christian researchers 'came up with this', because Roy Gillaspie is the one who signed Murray's license to be a minister. Which is the only document which can be found to show any qualifications. Murray says that Gillaspie was only a "beloved teacher"; when in fact he was the one to ordain Murray, along with "John Lovell" and "O. Kenneth Goff".  Now, check those fellows out. See who trained your spiritual doctor. Check out what traditions Murray teaches. 

Do you believe that Islam is a "religion of peace"; and it only has a few kooks involved in the religion who kill people? Muslims say that islam is a peaceful religion, in the same way that Murray says his church does not teach racism and hatred.  It is there, if you dig a little bit and find the truth about Shepherd's Chapel. Check it out.

The Bible warns us over and over not to be fooled.  Don't be fooled by a nice old man from Arkansas...."a good ole boy".


I  have made this website as a help for those who want to learn more about the teachings of Shepherd's Chapel. For those who feel that "something" isn't right, and they wonder what. There are many, many websites on the internet by Murray's students, who promote Murray's doctrines. When I started this site, there was only a handful who addressed the Shepherd's Chapel heresy.

I would like to say that I do not have anything against Mr. Murray personally.  I honestly think Murray has a certain charm about him. I actually like him. I think he is funny! I even agree with many of his commentaries.   But just as Paul rebuked the wrong ways of Peter, publicly, (Galatians 2:11 ) it is the Christians duty to point out and rebuke the wrong teachings of public teachers, no matter how much we like them.

I am not trying to settle some score, or make a name for myself at Mr. Murray's  expense.  If I were, my name and image would appear on these pages--but it does not.  I want nothing for myself. 

Unlike Mr. Murray, I am not asking for ANY money--it costs me money to post this site.  The site is not, "brought to you by your tithes and offerings"....as Murray reminds his viewers that his television show is. 

In addition, anyone is free to reprint or print out what I have on these pages, without fear of being threatened with lawsuits!  The information on these pages, God has given me freely. He offers knowledge for free, and we should share it for free!

Arnold Murray says on his website,

"Since the beginning of my Bible teaching ministry, over 50 years ago, I have always insisted on taking questions from the congregation. This important part of teaching ensures that everyone has an opportunity to ask key questions, then hear and judge the knowledge of the teacher for themselves."


And so, at Scripture Truth, that is what we have done. We have listened to the teaching and the answers given by this teacher, and have judged that his knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is wrong!

We checked out what he had to say, and found it seeped in heresy, false teaching and deception!

Let's leave the comparison to JW's for now, and take a look at a few of Arnold Murray's interpretations of Scripture.  Join us as we  "check him out"!










C. T. RUSSELL and "DR" ARNOLD B. MURRAY; Similarities.


There are many Christians today who would not dream of allowing the Jehovah's Witnesses into their homes to teach them, but allow Arnold Murray of Shepherd's Chapel in every day, via their television sets! On this page I will attempt to show, the many similarities between the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses and the founder of Shepherds Chapel.   On another page "Hymanaeus" many of Murray's actual teachings are exposed for you to read.     

Virtually every false teacher takes the truth of Jesus Christ, says they accept it,  then proceeds to change it!

To do that, the first thing they must do, is discredit the New Testament. They teach  that it has been "corrupted", and changed from the "original". This way they can pick and choose what they want to focus on. Many, even write their own version of the Bible, which puts their heresy on the same page as the Word of God! The Jehovah's Witnesses wrote The New World Translation. Arnold Murray wrote The Shepherd's Bible,  including his "unique" commentary, in the KJV text. [it should be noted that he actually promotes Bullinger's study Bible, and one has a hard time finding a copy of Murray's Bible version.] 

When a subject student is convinced that the Bible they have in their hands can not be trusted to properly explain the truth; well then, they must have someone teach them this "real" truth! I tell you, if God needs a man to explain his Word, then he wouldn't be all powerful, would he? He would be no better than a wooden idol! No. The God of the Bible needs no human interpreter! The Bible itself tells us this. I know many, many people who were saved, and come to know the Truth of Jesus Christ, merely by reading the BIble alone! I know people who have set out to prove the Bible was false, and in reading it, found the truth of Jesus Christ! Why else would this be the most banned book in the world? It holds the truth, the Power of God, which is found through Jesus Christ!

If a person accepts that the Bible was able to be "corrupted", then the student has bit  the "bait" and swallows the "hook"! The false teacher moves on to implant many myths and lies! They  focus on the foundations of Christianity, for if the foundations crumble, the whole faith falls.  The foundations of Christianity are, the Trinity, which speaks to the nature of Jesus Christ; The Resurrection; and the inherent sin nature of mankind saved only by the atonement of Jesus.  This Gospel, this salvation  is by grace alone. And it is able to stand alone!

Many Christians today, realize that the Jehovah's Witnesses teach aberrations, in those areas. But they do not realize that there is another group which teaches similar, and worse heresies, under the banner of "Christian". That group is "Shepherd's Chapel" based in Gravette, Arkansas.

Charles Taze Russell, was raised a Presbyterian, but by 16 years of age, he was a member of the Congregational church. He began to follow Advent Christian Church preacher Jonas Wendell in 1868.

In 1876 Russell learned that a small Adventist magazine, Herald of the Morning, was affirming that Christ did indeed return in the autumn of 1874  only invisibly  and that believers would be raptured three-and-one-half years later in the spring of 1878. He took his own money, profits from his successful men's clothing store, and provided financial backing for the struggling magazine. In return, publisher and editor Nelson H. Barbour, made Russell an assistant editor. When the expected Rapture failed to occur, Russell began to disagree with revelations of Barbour. In the summer of 1879, Russell left his employ, taking with him, a copy of Barbour's mailing list  to start his own magazine, "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence".

Russell founded a denomination of his own. Followers referred to themselves as
"Bible Students" and named their organization the "International Bible Students Association (IBSA)", but outsiders called them "Russellites."

In 1882 Russell began leading Watch Tower readers away from Christian orthodoxy. Russell openly rejected the doctrine of Hell and the Trinity as "totally unscriptural." The Watch Tower and Russell's books included much of Barbour's end time timeline, using 1874 as the beginning of Christ's invisible "presence," and predicting other end-times events by calculating from that date. He Called the Great Pyramid of Gizeh," God's Stone Witness and Prophet". Russell used measurements of it in his calculations to predict that believers would be raptured in 1910.

The Bible Students viewed Russell himself as "the Laodicean Messenger," God's final spokesman to the Christian church.

March 13, 1913 found Russell on the witness stand of a magistrate's court in Ontario Canada. Russell had actually brought charges of criminal libel, against a Canadian Baptist minister, the Rev. J. J. Ross; because Ross had written a booklet attacking Russell's integrity as a religious leader! When asked on the stand if he knew Greek, Russell answered,
"Oh, yes,".

He was handed a copy of the New Testament in Greek, and asked to read the letters as they appear on the top of the page.

Russell could not.  He again was asked if he knew Greek. This time his answer was "No".

Russell explained later that he had simply developed the ability to recognize Greek words in Strong's and Young's concordances of the Bible, when he said he "knew" the Greek.

Russell died on Halloween, 1916, years after the world was predicted to end. Followers buried him and on his headstone, identified him as "the Laodicean Messenger". They also erected a huge stone pyramid, next to the grave, emblazoned with the cross and crown symbol he was fond of.

Not much is known, by the public, about Murray's background. He refuses requests for biographical information.  Consequently, the information provided is limited to unverifiable snipets of information, that  Murray has provided on his broadcast.  He stated  that while growing up he attended many different churches with his relatives.  

Mr. Murray has also stated repeatedly, that he served as a United States Marine. He states in his "answer to critics", that he was a member of the "Chosen Few"; [Note: he has misspelled the name of the group on his website. The group name is "Chosin Few"]
This is group of heros, Marine Corps veterans, who served valiantly at the "Frozen Chosin"....the Chosin reservoir, during the Korean War.  Murray states that he was wounded during this battle.  I have searched  Korean war databases for any proof of a Purple Heart, to confirm his claim, but  have not as of yet, found that proof.  He does not provide details of his detachment, so it is difficult to confirm.  Of course Murray's military career is unimportant to Murray's qualifications as a
Bible scholar.  One wonders why the information is presented in the  "answer to critics",  found on his website? This information has little ability to silence criticisms of Murrays scholastic qualifications. So, why include the information in the answer to critics?

Noteworthy by its absence, anywhere on his webpage, and in his broadcasts, is the story of Mr. Murray's personal conversion to Jesus Christ!  Nowhere on his website, nor on his broadcasts, is there a testimony of when and where Arnold Murray asked Christ into his heart! We hear about the Marines; how many years he was married and has studied God's Word; and when he entered the "third heaven", (Dec. 2, 1980); about how Murray,  overcame Lucifer, and "kicked his butt" in the "first earth age";    But not about the most significant moment in the life of a Christian,  the time they realized that they were a sinner in need of a savior, and came to the foot of the cross, and asked Jesus Christ to come into their heart. That is the day that most of us think of as our birthday! The day we became "Born Again". [Click for more information. It must be noted here, that Murray has a different definition of being "born again"; than Christians. He teaches that it means being born into the flesh, from the spirit world. And also because Murray teaches (on his "Election" and Romans 11 tapes) that he, himself, does not have "free will", and that he "overcame" and was "justified" in another lifetime, during the mythical "first earth age". Thus, he says that  he did not HAVE to be "born again", but volunteered to come to earth as a teacher.]

With a lack of biographical information, the similarities between Murray and Russell are limited to their public ministries.  Here we find many similarities between Russell and Murray!
Murray and Russell both present themselves as Christians, without a personal testimony of when and where they asked Jesus Christ into their hearts!

Both provide a testimony of disagreeing with Christian Churches.  They say that the churches all have it wrong! According to each of these men, the Churches teach the Bible all  wrong.  They say that everyone else is wrong! Except Murray puts an interesting spin on this, as he says that every Christian is given the "truth" (the serpent seed doctrine) at a different time! He says that we all learn different things.  Forgetting of course that there is no Biblical support for this idea!

Both men  present themselves  as scholars in biblical languages; and both reject the tenets of the Christian faith.

They both insist that the Bible is not translated properly; even the KJV.  

Both renounce Orthodox Christian belief in the Trinity, The Resurrection, and Hell.  Murray calls them "traditions of men".

Both teach annihilation instead of eternal punishment, for sinners.

Both teach that Christ did not rise from the dead in his flesh,  but rather in a "Spirit body".   Of course Jesus himself said he was not a spirit, but flesh and bones. They each explain the LORD's words away.

Both of them have followers who call themselves "Bible Students".

Both of them impose a Christian meaning on the pyramids and other truly pagan forbidden practices of astrology and psychic phenomena; while applying pagan meaning to the Christian celebration of Easter.

Both teach that the Old Testament food laws should be followed.

Both teach that the Hebrew names for God should be used.

Both leaders appeal to students who are not satisfied with the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who feel that this truth is not enough, but crave knowledge that others do not have! These students are impressed with the leaders supposed "superior" knowledge...and supposed superior understanding of God and spiritual things.

Both have many followers who believe these men are one of the final prophets, spoken about in Rev. 11.

Another similarity between Murray and Russell, are the failed predictions.

Of course Russell predicted the return of Christ, while Murray focuses on Satan----the anti-Christ. Either way, they are both wrong!

Murray stated emphatically in 1979, in his "Seed of the Serpent" audio tape; that,

""Know from the 2nd chapter of 2 Thessalonians that he (Lucifer) shall soon return. The book of Daniel very clearly states that it shall happen before the year 1981, if you have any understanding at all of the wisdom of the elect in the last days."

According to Murray's own standard, he does not have the "wisdom of the elect" or any understanding at all!! Because the Lucifer did not "return". Or maybe like Russell, Murray is saying that he did indeed return, only invisibly?!

Curious that Murray did not address this prediction, in his "answer to critics", on his web page. It is often used when criticizing him. It is important, because the Bible says:

"If the prophet predicts something in the Lord's name and it does not happen, the Lord did not give the message. That prophet has spoken on his own and need not be feared." (Deut.18:22)

Even after this failed prediction in 1981, Murray continued to predict, and be wrong!

In his "communion of sixes" teaching Murray recounts a "vision" he had, and made this prediction:

"I want you to rest assured that on
June 8-9 you are going see something real nice happen (June 8-9 
1985) It will be in the area in a valley of the Alaskan
peninsula where Armageddon will take place"

Nothing "real nice" happened! And are you not surprized to find out that Armageddon will be fought in Alaska! Not biblical at all, of course!

Now look at this:


"Dear Family of the Elect, Jan. 6, 1982
Greetings in the Holy Name of Him, who says:
WATCHMEN, WATCH!

Acts 2:16-19 states that in the last days the Father Himself
will show to those with ears to hear and eyes to see: (note: the Acts 2:16-19 does not
say "eyes to see or ears to hear", but rather: "I will pour out my spirit on all flesh"!)
"wonders
in heaven" and "signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and
vapor of smoke:"

The coming alignment of planets in this year therefore takes on
a significance in the category of wonders in heaven and becomes
important to us. You understand you are to watch continuously,
however sources alert us, as follows:(Chicago Public Library)
Chase Information book: 9 planet alignment, March 10,1982. 
(Farmer's Almanac states the 9 planets will come as close to
lining up Mar.10,1982 as they ever will);and many say this
occurence will bring about earthquakes and severe storms. "


Of course nothing happened during that time!  As a matter of fact, according to real astonomer, "Jean Meeus", this was not even a true alignment! He stated:
"On March 10, 1982, the planets from Mercury to Pluto were situated inside a heliocentric sector 95° wide. While this was the narrowest of the 20th century, it's still a far cry from an alignment!" Click here to read about it. I guess perhaps the farmer's almanac is not really that great a source!

Also, Murray's idea that only those who have 'eyes to see and ears to hear', will notice these events are wrong! Murray even added this common slogan of his about 'eyes to see, ears to hear'.... to Acts 2, as if it were part of the passage!
Signs and wonders are not for believers, but for those who are faithless, according to Jesus!


But I guess it was too good to pass up an opportunity to predict during a planetary "alignment",  to let is slip by without trying it again; because if something
DID happen, SC students could point to their leader as "predicting" it! See how similar the 1982  prediction is to Murray's teaching at his  "Passover" celebration, in March 2000:


CURRENT EVENTS TAPE #1024:
"Now, what's really happening in the Year 2000? On May 3rd, the 4th, and it will stretch on through the 5th, you will have a planetary alignment. ..... Now, we know that the tide is affected by this. We have storms and earthquakes to happen
(NONE DID!). .....MARK MAY 17th. On May 17th that same alignment takes place again, ...Now, the moon is there and it is full, when this 19 1/2 degree alignment takes place. The moon enters LIBRA, the seventh sign of the Zodiac, which is between VIRGO, the VIRGIN, and SCORPIO, the scorpion......But, beloved, it is signs so don't totally discount it but don't make a religion out of it.... May 17th. May through September is the time of the locusts." [the locusts from the pit, in Revelation, Murray translates to mean the fallen angels who are going to be set loose to have sex with human women, as Murray says they did in Noah's day!]


So, Murray predicted that we were going to have tidal problems, storms and earthquakes, the first week in May. (We did not!) Then "Mark" May 17th! Something BIG is going to happen then....But of course it DID not!   He is suggesting that the locusts from the "pit" in Revelation were let loose during May to September, 2000. Murray teaches that these locust are really fallen angels that had sex with human women in Gen. 6. And that they will be set loose to again have sex with human women, in these last days. Only those women who are "sealed" by God, through the knowledge of who the Kenites are; who have this "key of David", as he calls it; only those women will not have sex with these satanic angels. The rest will. And will give birth to evil hybrids!  So he is saying that these satanic angels are on the loose now!  But God said not to fear these false prophets! Murray has predicted and been wrong! Don't listen to him!

Here are Murray's most recent attempts at reading something into the position of the stars and planets. It hasn't worked too well so far, but that doesn't seem to stop him from doing it, or his faithful from listening!

CURRENT EVENTS

Pastor Murray Jan 2003

"Let's just kinda take a look, you know, you are supposed to take the stars and the planets and so forth , and they are kinda for signs but you are not to make a religion out of it. It is there in Genesis Chap 1, what is it, along about verse 15 or 16 the stars and the moon were given for signs of times.

That means planning also, you know if the moon raises the tide five feet out in the ocean, it also raises the water level here under the earth and that's time to plant taters, when the tide is in on ground. Have you ever heard of the tide being in on the plains, well it is, according to the moon. A lot of those things we learn down through life and years by trial and error, and hey, always take advantage, be one up if you want good taters, it will work."

The Bible says: "And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years," Gen.1:14


I did not see where THE BIBLE said that the moon and the stars are for "Planning"! Murray interjects that MEANING, into the scripture. How do we know what the Bible means, when it says that the stars and moon are for "signs"? Not by listening to Mr. Murray! But, by the scripture itself! We know that Murray's interpretation is wrong because God forbids the reading of "omens" or "times" in many places of the scripture! Right in that verse, THE SCRIPTURE tells us that the "signs" are to mark the days and years! We know that for 3 days prior to this, in God's creation, that he had "light and darkness"..God could have left it this way, but didn't. He created the "lights in the sky" not for light but as a way that man could learn to mark a few things, when he learned to read these signs. Man could mark:: weather: Matt.16:2-3; as a testimony of God existence:
Ps.8,19;Rom.1:14-20,3; Navigation:Matt.2:12 ; and as I said before, the earths movement around the sun determines our seasons, and our calendar.  This is how we mark the days and years!

Murray goes on:
Now, however, let's look at the planets today. Who brought in January? Saturn. A lot of people think Saturn, because our Saturday was named for it, is really a fantastic time. Well, Saturn is satan's planet. He is right there standing forth about the time night falls, look over there, brightest thing in the sky.

Now, are we suppose to take this as the truth, just because Murrays says so?! Where does the BIBLE say that Saturn, or any planet, that God made for himself, for that matter, is satans? Check out what he Bible really says, In Deut. 18:10. First in the KJV:

"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch."

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in  the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft," Deut.18:10

Lev.19:26 KJV: " Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times."

God says in Deut. 18:12 ""For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD;"

"All the counsel you have received has only worn you out!
Let your astrologers come forward,
those stargazers who make predictions month by month,
let them save you from what is coming upon you." Isa.47:13

No matter what kind of pretty package Murray tries to put on it, he is gazing at the stars and looking for an omen! He is reading things around him, and  doing the forbidden "observing the times", making predictions!  This is detestable to the LORD....THAT IS WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS, PLAIN ENOUGH FOR A CHILD TO READ! Make no mistake! Do not be fooled.... astrology and fortune telling, (which is what this most certainly is!) and false predictions, ARE  forbidden religious practices used by pagans (ref: Deut.18:9-10;22;  2 Kg.21:6; Isa. 47:13-14; Dan.2:27-28; Leviticus 19:31; 1 Samuel 28; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24; Isaiah 8:19; 19:3; 44:25; Jeremiah 14:14; 27:9; Ezekiel 13:3, 8; 21:21.)  He wraps it up in a pretty package, but he leads his followers down the dangerous "detestable" road, which the LORD has forbidden!  Murray has subtely mixed this pagan practice with our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  He complains that Christian churches sometimes have Easter egg hunts, because he says this is a pagan practice! What hypocrisy! Astrology and fortune telling are expressly forbidden pagan practices! Nowhere does the Bible forbid egg hunts! The egg of Easter is a representation of the Holy Trinity, as is the clover. It demonstrates 3 that are one!  And also can represent how our lives will become new at the Resurrection! The egg is one thing, buried beneath it's mother; hidden from sight...and in a while it jumps up! It is a new creature. Just as we will come out of our buried graves, and be new Creatures, when Christ returns for us!

Murray rales quite often against Christians who believe in the "rapture"--which he says originated with a woman named MacDonald, who had a vision. He calls this a "doctrine of Man".  But, while decrying rapture, Murray promotes traditions and doctrines of men, such as astrology; his own failed predictions; the "TRADITION of Glastonbury; (which admits right in the title that it is a "tradition of man"--do you have to be hit in the head with a rock?!!)  He also promotes the "Witness in the stars" theory--by Bullinger.  This isn't Bullinger's own idea.  No, it was thought up by another person.  This theory originated in 1863 with a women named Miss Frances Rolleston, in her book, "Mazzaroth--The Constellations"!  If one would think this through, they would see that this theory makes no sense to begin with! Think about it, there is no uniform zodiac constellations. Some say there are twenty-four zodiac signs, while others count eight, twelve, ten, or fourteen! The oldest Babylonian charts do not even contain a complete zodiac constellation! Think about the Chinese constellation charts, they do not even include any of the same characters; but have constellations such as the rabbit, rat and dog! And what about the poor Eskimos, Siberians, Greenlanders, and Scandinavians, the zodiac signs do not even appear above the Arctic Circle (66 degrees latitude)!! So obviously the stars CAN NOT serve as a witness to all people!!


The BIBLE clearly states that WE are to be a witness to all people! (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14-15) Why not REALLY follow the Bible, instead of just saying you do? Why really follow these traditions, and then say you rlive by God's word? No you don't!

It is true that Jesus said in Luke 21:25, that "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars." This does not say "Zodiac" signs! Before Christ returns, the Bible says that something is going to go terribly wrong; in the heavens; the normal course of the planetary movements is going to change. Isa.24:18; Mark 24-25; READ IT! This is why the people of the earth are going to be "faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for heavenly bodies will be shaken." (Luke 21:26)


When I opened this site, on May 1st,  2000,  just a few days before the planetary alignment Murray talked about in at the Passover 2000 event, I did not see too many people, about to faint from terror! Thus these were not the "signs" God was speaking of! Plain to see for anyone.

Don't put your faith in a flawed pagan practice, or practitioners, but put your faith in the one who set those stars in the heavens!

As for Murray's statement, on 2003 current events;  saying Saturn is, "bringing in January" from an ASTRONOMICAL point of view, instead of ASTOLOGICAL, is in fact,  pretty much a stretch! Saturn was the closest to earth that it had been in 30 years, on Dec.17, 2002! Check it out:


For the ASTRONOMICAL information of 2003 here is a more accurate source:


More from the 2003 Currents events speech:

"Now we have a very strange thing happening. Mars is still pretty much in play and that is the war planet, (Again, this information DOES NOT come from the BIBLE.
Calling this planet a "war planet" comes from another source, other than God's word. I send his own advice to Mr. Murray, "well, have ya tried reading the Bible lately?"! We are not to get our information from other sources! That is harlotry to God!) and here we sit on a keg of powder, with February coming out when it looks like things might start Juning pretty good, but Mars is fading away like it is some kinda big deception here, but then, all of a sudden it starts closing again and come August the 27th of this year Mars is closer to earth than it has been in-some think 50,000 years and a lot think 70,000 years. So Mars is going to be shining real bright and that's about the time when the fourth 50 day period after Pentecost ah Passover that we start counting down fourteen days to the fall fellowship. Just passing that on.

What does that mean? Why would Mars the war planet, and you know concerning 9-11 we had Mars just beaming its little signals there, and sure enough 911 happened."

(Mars was actually close to earth on June 21st 2001....not in September! Check it out:
http://www.planetary.org/html/news/articlearchive/headlines/2001/brightmars.html )

"We went to war like we have never seen in this nation before. It happened here basically.

So anyway, those are the signs from heaven. Don't make a religion out of that. A lot of people like to just live out in boom boom land and get on a high by not facing reality. This is why you want to stick to God's scriptures-thus sayeth the Lord, a planet can move all it wants to and you are not going to see a "thus sayeth the Lord" out there, ok. So you gotta be very careful to use wisdom. "

So, what is the benefit to saying anything about it? If you are a preacher of God's word...why not just stick to the word?!  Why isn't the Word enough that you must throw in all this mumbo jumbo? Why give anyone any reason to look to the skys for answers, when the Bible, through God's Holy Spirit has them all? But false teachers can not seem to get enough of looking for, or telling the meaning of every little thing! A Christian ought to know better!

Both Russell and Murray present themselves as knowledgable, learned scholars of the Biblical languages.

In the case of Russell, despite his assertions to the contrary, it was proven in court, that he did not know Greek at all!  Although not  similarly put on the spot, Murray, calls himself "Dr." ; yet, no proof of his dissertation can be found.  He seems to prefer the title, yet, Mr. Murray refuses to identify his scholastic achievements or affiliations, so that, one could affirm his qualifications to teach.  He will not provide the name of the school he got his degree from, or where he recieved his "doctorate". His reason is, as he states on his website, "so critics" cannot judge me by association."  Well, this goal has not been attained! As a matter of fact, Murray is
constantly criticized and judged for NOT providing proof that he has earned the right to be called "Dr. Arnold Murray" as is printed on all the tapes he sells.

Providing the documentation of his education could easily silence the critics!   Also, it is strange that Mr. Murray so freely offers his association to the Marine Corps and the "Chosin Few", when this has nothing to do with Bible scholarship! He does not wish to be judged on his association to a college, yet DOES wish to be judged on his association with a military organisation?! This is very contrary. 


Murray states on his website, that "I have always publicly stated that my credentials are my ability to teach God's Word. To the extent that our Heavenly Father blesses me with the ability to clearly teach His Word then what higher ordination could there be?"    If he truly believes this statement, why does he include "Dr." on all the tapes? If a Biblical education is unimportant, why call yourself a doctor? Isn't it really to give himself an air of credibility as a scholar? Isn't it so his "students" will trust his interpretations? Murray is constantly asking his followers to "check him out", but then refuses to provide any information for them to check on his claims of education!

Compare that statement to the Jehovah's Witnesses statement on the translators of their "New World Translation" Bible.  Similarly to Shepherd's Chapel, the JW's  refuse to provide the the translator's credentials!  They refuse to provide evidence of the translator's scholastic education! The reason given by the watchtower society, is that the translators  "do not seek honor and glory, and wish to remain anonymous even after their death". Very similar to the reasoning used by Murray. The groups both offer unique translations of the Bible, without providing any proof that the translator is educated in the ancient languages of the Bible, and able to translate it correctlly! The student is expected to just  have faith in the good character of the teacher, and without any proof, except that said teacher is qualified to translate correctly! 

The fact is, through the investigation of JW critics,  it was found that none of the men who worked on the NWT were scholars, and they were in no way qualified to take on such a translation! Only one of them had studied about two years of Greek.

Why would one place their trust in a man to interpret the Bible for them, when they do not know his true qualifications in biblical languages?! 

If what they taught agreed with what Jesus and the Apostles taught, it would be one thing, but the JW's and Shepherds Chapel teach strange diverse doctrines, that go against Orthodox Christianity, based on their interpretation of Scripture. 

Would you trust a surgeon to perform open heart surgery on you, without knowing his educational qualifications for doing so? What if the surgeon just said, "God gave me this gift for healing....what better education could there be?!"  Do you want a person to cut open your chest, who hasn't actually graduated from a medical school, and earned the right to be called, "doctor"?  Of course not! God does not ask you to leave your brains at home,  and trust a man on the man's word! God has given the gift of knowledge to earthly surgeons, who have put in years of study and practice and are qualified to open up your chest and perform the surgery!

Friend, your everlasting soul is much more important than a temporary heart!  Why would you have a different standard for one who would take care of your physical body; than one who would take care of your soul?


Check out your spiritual mentor! Check out his credituals as much as you would a doctor for your physical body!  You may just find that you are following one who would decieve you! Here is an example:

Murray's own "In Answer to Critics" Murray says:


"  I also should point out to those not familiar with the Shepherd's Chapel that we are completely independent; therefore we are not affiliated with any other church, denomination or group. As a matter of record, the only group of which I am a member is with the "Chosen Few" ...."


Well, this is not true. Mr. Murray is actually a member in good standing with the "Soldiers of the Cross".  He recieved his ministerial license from them, in 1958.   According to the State of Arkansas, he registered Shepherd's Chapel as a non-profit corporation under that name, with that affiliation. The State of Arkansas lists "Shepherd's Chapel" as a "fictitious" (false) name!  Don't believe me? Check it out your self.  Go to the Arkansas Secretary of State Site: http://www.sosweb.state.ar.us/corps/search_all.php
And type in  "All Types"; "Soldiers of the Cross"; "Arnold B. Murray"; "Gravette"; "Arkansas"....and click find. All this information is there for you to see. Check it out.


Also, in Murray's answer to critics, he states that,
" I have never claimed to have received a doctorate from Roy Gillaspie. I do not know where some of these "researchers" came up with this. Roy Gillaspie was simply a beloved teacher of God's Word and I have never said or implied any such thing."


The Christian researchers 'came up with this', because Roy Gillaspie is the one who signed Murray's license to be a minister. Which is the only document which can be found to show any qualifications. Murray says that Gillaspie was only a "beloved teacher"; when in fact he was the one to ordain Murray, along with "John Lovell" and "O. Kenneth Goff".  Now, check those fellows out. See who trained your spiritual doctor. Check out what traditions Murray teaches. 

Do you believe that Islam is a "religion of peace"; and it only has a few kooks involved in the religion who kill people? Muslims say that islam is a peaceful religion, in the same way that Murray says his church does not teach racism and hatred.  It is there, if you dig a little bit and find the truth about Shepherd's Chapel. Check it out.

The Bible warns us over and over not to be fooled.  Don't be fooled by a nice old man from Arkansas...."a good ole boy".


I  have made this website as a help for those who want to learn more about the teachings of Shepherd's Chapel. For those who feel that "something" isn't right, and they wonder what. There are many, many websites on the internet by Murray's students, who promote Murray's doctrines. When I started this site, there was only a handful who addressed the Shepherd's Chapel heresy.

I would like to say that I do not have anything against Mr. Murray personally.  I honestly think Murray has a certain charm about him. I actually like him. I think he is funny! I even agree with many of his commentaries.   But just as Paul rebuked the wrong ways of Peter, publicly, (Galatians 2:11 ) it is the Christians duty to point out and rebuke the wrong teachings of public teachers, no matter how much we like them.

I am not trying to settle some score, or make a name for myself at Mr. Murray's  expense.  If I were, my name and image would appear on these pages--but it does not.  I want nothing for myself. 

Unlike Mr. Murray, I am not asking for ANY money--it costs me money to post this site.  The site is not, "brought to you by your tithes and offerings"....as Murray reminds his viewers that his television show is. 

In addition, anyone is free to reprint or print out what I have on these pages, without fear of being threatened with lawsuits!  The information on these pages, God has given me freely. He offers knowledge for free, and we should share it for free!

Arnold Murray says on his website,

"Since the beginning of my Bible teaching ministry, over 50 years ago, I have always insisted on taking questions from the congregation. This important part of teaching ensures that everyone has an opportunity to ask key questions, then hear and judge the knowledge of the teacher for themselves."


And so, at Scripture Truth, that is what we have done. We have listened to the teaching and the answers given by this teacher, and have judged that his knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is wrong!

We checked out what he had to say, and found it seeped in heresy, false teaching and deception!

Let's leave the comparison to JW's for now, and take a look at a few of Arnold Murray's interpretations of Scripture.  Join us as we  "check him out"!










Be sure to read through these pages for more on Shepherd's Chapel teachings
Serpent seed doctrine is lie from Satan.
THINK:
Why would satan want to have sex with Eve, to "stop Christ from coming"...unless he knew God's plans...unless he knew the future and God's plans for it.
Think about what you are saying when you teach this lie.
How would satan know God's plan? Where does the Bible say that God reveals his plans to Satan?!

The Kenite teaching, if true, would mean that satan has the ability to see into the future and know what is going to happen.

That teaching gives satan abilities that God has reserved for himself!  It puts satan on par with Almighty God, which is just what satan wants everyone to think!
He wants to trick you into thinking that he is as powerful as Almighty God.

But, he is in fact, under the authority of Jesus Christ. He must ask for permission before he acts.
Think!