Thesis, Method, Observations and Conclusions about Ralph Rutledge

Reporting facts is something like science.  There are methods to follow to establish the facts.  Science has levels of knowledge: observations are required to establish facts or laws,  theories are formulated to explain facts and laws and to predict interesting new questions to study.  Laws are compromised by observations that falsify the law, theories are compromised by failure to explain all the laws or failure of predictions from the theories.

I want to follow a systematic method in my reading of Mariam Bellamy's book -  "Demons in the Sanctuary." (Mariam Bellamy, Trafford, 2008, 978-1-4251-8582-4.)

I am wanting a description of the pastor in the book.  I want to establish a profile made of various character traits.  There may be broad conclusions that can be drawn.

In science a model or theory helps one to predict outcomes.  Based on the first 2/3rds of the book ( up to and including Chapter 19), I want to develop the profile and the model and then see what that would predict going forward in the account.

What are the facts.  Characteristics of the pastor are the facts.  We require that the book identify a characteristic  two or more times.  

Based on the facts we may develop a theory.  Theory represents general statements or conclusions about the pastor in the book.  Theories are helpful if they provide a clear explanation of a lot of facts.

Theories can be tested by the amount of truth or falsity they convey.  If they explain a lot of observations then they are helpful theories.

Theories in science should be able to be verified by testing the predictions based on the theory.  ONe makes predictions and then tests to see if they are false or true.

I will make predictions about the pastor's behavior in the final third of the book based on the observations and theories derived from the first two thirds of the book.  Call this playful science.

Books sometimes describe changes in character, personality and attitude in key persons.  A Christian may soften and repent and turn from his sinful ways.  The Holy Spirit can convict; hearts can soften; life transformation can happen.  Will Rafe Rutherford - the pastor in the book - soften, get real and repent?

With no change of character we may find further confirmation of the observations and conclusions drawn from the first two-thirds of the book.

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The facts established about the pastor in Demons in the Sanctuary may or may not match the facts of the life of Pastor Rutledge.  First hand witnesses must attest to these assertions before we can attribute them to Rutledge.  Records of the past and first hand witnesses will be providing confirming or disconfirming evidence.

I have, however, been told that Bellamy's book - Demons in the Sanctuary - is an accurate account of Rutledge's ministry at Good Samaritan Church when Bellamy was Secretary-Treasurer of the Board.  I have spoken to one Board member who said: "I am amazed.  She wrote it just like it happened."