Matthew Bryce Ervin on the Differences Between the Sacrifices of the Mosaic Covenant and those of Ezekiel's Eschatological Temple

  

The sacrifices described in Ezekiel are quite different than those administered under the Mosaic Covenant. Many of these differences are made apparent when juxtaposing the consecration of the altar in Exodus 29 against the consecration of the altar in Ezekiel 43:18–27. For example, in the Mosaic system, no goats were offered, while in the Ezekiel system a goat is offered on each of the seven days (Ezek 43:25). Another example is that the Mosaic called for applying blood on the horns of the altar (Exod 29:12), while Ezekiel’s instruction goes further with the blood also being applied to the corners and on the border around it (Ezek 43:20).

 

Other differences between the two sacrificial systems are found throughout Scripture. Most notably is that in the Mosaic System the Ark of the Covenant played a critical role, while it will not be missed or even remembered in the Millennium (Jer 3:16). The Ark was only ever a placeholder for the Messiah. In the Mosaic, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies (e.g., Heb 9:7). In Ezekiel’s system, all priests are permitted to enter (Ezek 44:15–16). In the Mosaic, only a Levite could be a priest, while Isaiah prophecies a time when Gentiles will occupy the office (Isa 66:18–21). In the Mosaic, Passover ordinances were performed by the male head of house (Exod 12:3), while Ezekiel mandates that the Prince oversees the feast for the nation as a whole (Ezek 45:21–24). There are still many more differences to be observed in Ezekiel. It was these very differences that kept the rabbis from accepting Ezekiel into the Hebrew Canon for some time. These differences highlight the fact that the prophet foresaw a new system and not a return to the old. (Matthew Bryce Ervin, One Thousand Years with Jesus: The Coming Messianic Kingdom [Eugene, Oreg.: Resource Publications, 2017], 112-13)

 

Matthew Bryce Ervin on the Altar of Sacrifice in Ezekiel's Eschatological Temple

  

THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE

 

The altar of sacrifices’ design and statutes for its sanctification are given in Ezekiel 43:13–27. The altar sits in the inner court before the temple proper (Ezek 40:47). The base is one and one-half feet high. It is surrounded by a one and one-half foot wide trench or gutter, with a nine inch high top edge, undoubtedly for draining blood and water (v. 13; cf. 1 Kgs 18:32, 34–35). The base supports three tiers, one on top of another. The first is three feet high and twenty-four feet square (v. 14). The second is six feet high and twenty-one feet square (vv. 14, 17). This tier also has a gutter with a nine inch top edge (vv. 14, 17). The top tier is the hearthstone, measuring six feet high and eighteen feet square. Four horns will extend from the top of its corners (vv. 15–16). Eastward facing steps ascend the altar (v. 17). This creates the first of many contrasts with the Mosaic sacrificial system, within which a staircase climbing the altar was prohibited (Exod 20:26). This altar will be the largest, measuring approximately thirty feet square at its base and eighteen feet in height. Thomas Constable noted that the design makes the altar resemble a small ziggurat.

 

The cleansing of the altar calls for the first animal sacrifices in the Millennium. This is yet another parallel with the Tabernacle and Solomon’s temple in the purification of their sacrificial altars (Exod 29:36–37; Lev 8:15–16; 2 Chr 7:9). On the first of seven days, a young bull is to be brought before the Zadokite priests so that some of the blood can be applied to the altar’s four horns, the corners, and the border (vv. 19–20). On the second day, an unblemished male goat is to be sacrificed and used to cleanse the altar in the same manner as the bull (v. 22). On all seven days, a goat, a young bull, and a ram will be prepared as an offering (vv. 21, 23, 25). This process purifies, consecrates, and makes atonement for the altar (v. 26). It will then be ready to receive the burnt and peace offerings, so that God may accept the people (v. 27). (Matthew Bryce Ervin, One Thousand Years with Jesus: The Coming Messianic Kingdom [Eugene, Oreg.: Resource Publications, 2017], 97)

 

George A. Smith, Letter to John Whitmer (April 12, 1875)

The following is a transcription of:

 

George A. Smith, Letter to John Whitmer (April 12, 1875) (CHL call no.: CR 100 38)

 

Salt Lake City,
April 12, 1875.

 

John Whitmer, Esq.

 

I received a call from Elder Joshua Davis, from
Provo, who gave me some account of an interesting visit he
had with you. It reminded me forcibly of the day when
the High Council of Zion was organized, on the 8th July, 1834,
and which, if I remember aright, took place in your
room, in Col. Arthur's house, Clay Co., Mo.

 

Having always been a firm believer in the Book of
Mormon as a divine record, I was more than gratified to
hear Elder Davis assert that your testimony to the truth
of that work was clear as at the moment you placed your
name with the eight witnesses to the certificate, published in the
first edition of that Book.

 

If you remember me at all, it will be as a great green
boy, who used to be about Joseph Smith, when you were Editor
of the Messenger and Advocate, in Kirtland.

 

I mailed you this morning a copy of a pamphlet
entitled "Answers to Questions," as Elder Davis informed me
you wanted to see a copy of the translation, July 1843, on
celestial Marriage. I also forwarded a pamphlet containing the
discussion between Dr. Newman, then Chaplain of the Senate,
and Orson Pratt on plural marriage. The Weekly
Deseret News will come to you, for six months, free of charge.

 

Martin Harris resides in Smithfield, Cache Co., with
his son Martin. He is about ninety years old. I received a
letter from him a few days ago, which indicated a clear under-
standing of business matters. He was then in excellent health.

 

If it would not be asking too much of you, we would
like to obtain from you the date and place of the deaths of those of the
eight witnesses who are dead. Your brothers Christian, Jacob,
and Peter and your brother-in-law John C. Page; or if any
of them are still living, please let me know their Post Office
address.

 

Would it not be time and means well spent for you
to visit Utah and see what the Book of Mormon has
brought to pass? I assure you that many friends would be
glad to see you.

 

When Martin Harris came to Utah, eight years ago,
I took him on top of the Tabernacle, where he could have a
view of the city and the improvements around about.
After viewing in silence for some time the beautiful scene
around him, he said, with tears of joy in his eyes, "The
Book of Mormon has done all this!"

Present my regards to your family and friends.

 

Very Respectfully Yours,

 

Geo. A. Smith

 

To John Whitmer Esq.

 

Farwest, Kingston P.O.

 

Caldwell Co. Mo.

 

 

Transcription of John C. Whitmer, Letter to Dear Brethren, February 3, 1888

 The following is a transcription of: 

“John C. Whitmer letter, Richmond, Missouri to Dear Brethren, 1888 February 3” (CHL call no.:  MS 532)

 

Richmond Mo., Feby 3d 1888

 

Dear Brethren:

 

It has pleased the Lord to
take from our midst our dear aged Brother David
Whitmer, God alone knows how we mourn his loss,
yet we know that it pleased God to take him,
because the righteous purposes and work of God must
roll on. The Testator has died: His testimony that
the Truth is now established, and the Book of
Mormon and Bible was true, was given by him on
his death bed; therefore, as he has sealed his testimony
with his death, it is now in full force to the
condemnation or justification of the world.

 

Upon his death bed he gave us his testimony in
these words; "I know the work is set up;
Truth is established; Hold fast to the Rock."
By the same spirit as he gave this testimony, he bore
his testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon.

 

O brethren and sisters, we cannot describe to you
in a letter, what we have seen and heard, and
what the Lord has made known to us through
our dear brother in his dying hours. Only those who
saw and heard can fully feel and know these
great things in their fullness. We can only write
a part of these testimonies; and when we see
you face to face, and can talk with you in
the Spirit, then we will tell you more, for we
know that these things are strength and comfort to
all who are in ChristChrist our Lord.

 

Last spring, soon after Bro. David had finished his pamphlet;
he selected a verse which he told
us he wanted read at his funeral services. He was
then in good health. This was something he never
did before in his life. We told him we wanted
him with us yet many years if it was God's
will, and urged him to not think about
dying. He answered that his work was done;
and God's will (not his, be done); and if it pleased
the Lord to let him remain some years to see
the work move on, well and good; and if it
pleased the Lord to take him hence, well and
good. He would read the replies to his pam-
phlet in the Heralds, and we would ask him if
he did not want to answer answer such and
such things which were in the Herald, and send
the answers forth to the Latter Day Saints; so
the honest in heart might not be led wrong, but
know the truth. He would always tell us that
the honest in heart would have their spiritual
eyes opened in God's own due time, and they
would then understand and receive his pam-
phlet; that he had borne his testimony in the
pamphlet concerning all these things, and his
work was done; that he would not make a
single reply to the Herald, no matter what they
would say; that he would not carry on a
debate or disputations with them. He said
that when a servant of God had borne his testimony
to a people, if that people openly rejected it and
desired only to refute and contend against it because
of their blindness to the truth, that that servant
had rid his garments of their blood, and his
work was done; And for him to keep up a
contention with those people, he would come
under that condemnation where Christ says that
contention was of the devil, and that disputations
must be done away. O brethren, what a lesson
we have learned from our dear brother on this
point. We now see that a true servant of God,
bears his testimony to certain truths, and then he
lets the matter rest, to the condemnation or
justification of the hearers: but all who are not
true servants, will not rest but desire contention
disputation and debate continually; for in this
they delight, because they can display their wit and
human wisdom; but the servant of God desires to
please God only and not men, and is meek and
lowly in heart, caring not what man will say or
think. May God help us to be like our departed
brother in this respect. Hear what he says in the
conclusion of his pamphlet; "Brethren, I have this
to say in conclusion. I will not argue and
dispute with you. In the spirit of love and
meekness I have told you what the Spirit of God
has moved upon me to speak. I am now past
82 years of age, and my work in this world is
about done. + + + My days to stay here are not
many more; I soon go to rest with those who
have gone before me; but I have rid my garments
of your blood and the blood of all men."

 

Brethren, we have told you before about the prophecy
which Bro. Joseph Smith gave in 1834 to Bro. David.
We have the old yellow time worn paper, among the
sacred papers of our dear brother. This prophecy
has been fulfilled. It says of Bro. David that
"he shall be a ruler in Zion when he is old and
well stricken in years. He shall say to the faithful,
'Go forth, and build up the waste places of Zion.'"
Brethren, he has said it! Let us go forth to the
work! May God be with us to keep us humble, meek
could not refrain from saying, "Father, if you
have seen and handled the plates from which
the Book of Mormon was translated, and know
that book to be true, how can you listen to
these things and not speak?" He looked up
and said with much feeling: "My son, I have
never listened to one word of these denials
concerning the Book of Mormon. I know all
these things to be true. I have handled those
plates; there was an Angel present who showed
them to us, and the record of the engravings
thereon; and if I did not know that the Book
of Mormon was true, I would not be here
to-day." He then appealed to those present if
they had ever heard him deny his testimony
as one of the Three Witnesses. They answered
that they never had.

 

During his last sickness many persons came to
see him. Nearly all asked him concerning his
testimony as one of the Three Witnesses to the
Book of Mormon. To all he gave the same
unvarying testimony. He told them that his
testimony, as published to the world, was true;
that he had nothing to take back; that he had
never at any time denied that testimony; and
that he knew as surely as he knew that he
existed, that the Book of Mormon was true.
He declared these things calmly and deliberately,
with that earnestness which always accompanied
his testimony.

 

On Sunday evening, Jan. 22d, we were all
assembled around his bedside. Feeling that the
end was near, we asked him if he had any
counsel to leave with us. After a short pause,
he spoke in a clear though feeble voice:

 

"Be humble. Be faithful to Christ. Hold fast
to the Rock. Do not depend upon any man.
Search the Scriptures diligently, and pray
earnestly, that you may not be deceived.
Stand by the testimony which God has given
you. The truth will prevail."

 

After speaking these words he rested quietly
for a little time. Those present were deeply
affected. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon
the room in a remarkable manner, and all
felt that they had listened to the words of
one whose earthly mission was almost ended.

 

At another time, during his sickness, he called
those nearest him and again repeated that he
knew the Book of Mormon to be true; that
the testimony borne by himself and his fellow
witnesses was true; that no man had ever
heard him deny that testimony; neither had
he ever denied it to any person; and that
he died in the full faith of the Gospel of
Christ as revealed through the Book of Mormon.

 

On the morning of Jan. 25th, feeling that
the end was very near, we again gathered
around his bedside. Although very weak, his
mind was perfectly clear. We asked him if
he still desired that the Scripture selected by
him last spring should be read at his funeral.
He answered that he did.

 

A little later he again bore testimony before
those present, saying that he knew the Book
of Mormon was true; that Joseph Smith was
called of God to bring forth that record; and
that the testimony which he had borne to the
world concerning these things was true.

 

He then said that his work was finished;
that he had done what the Lord required of
him; and that he was ready to go whenever
the Lord should call him. There was no fear,
no doubt, no uncertainty expressed by him.
He rested wholly upon the promises of God,
and awaited the end in peace.

 

At about half past four o'clock in the evening,
without a struggle, and almost without a sigh,
he quietly fell asleep in Jesus. Thus passed
away one of the Three Witnesses to the Book
of Mormon, after having faithfully borne the
same testimony for more than sixty years,
never wavering nor denying that which God
had revealed unto him.

 

step into the promised land forever. He said other
things in this vision that we cannot write you.
After this he said what we have told you in the
beginning of this letter. "I know the work is set
up; Truth is established; Hold fast to the Rock."
That Rock is Christ. Brethren, our hearts are too
full in writing this—words fail us—we cannot
describe to you these things. We will close our
letter now, hoping the time is not far distant
when we can speak with you face to face,
and tell you what we have seen and heard.
We had thought to write you add more to this
letter by way of exhortation to the brethren, but
we feel to close now. May we all so live, that
when we come to die, we may be as sure of the
first Resurrection as our dear departed Bro. David
Whitmer. May the Holy Spirit of God be with
you all abundantly, to continue with you
all through life, is the prayer of your
unworthy brethren, in the name of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Your brethren in Christ

 

J. C. Whitmer

 

John J. Snyder

 

P. S.

 

Brethren. there is one thing more we will speak
in this letter. When the appointed time of the Lord
had come for the spirit to leave the body, such a
quiet, peaceful, and marvelous death, we have never
seen or heard of. Just before the last breath
left the body, he opened his eyes wide. There
was no more expression in his eyes, than there
would be in the eyes of a dead man. Gradually
the eyes began to grow bright. They grew brighter
and brighter, until they shone far brighter than
ever we have seen them in this world. The eyes
then gradually turned straight up toward
heaven, and he seemed to be looking at some
thing way up off He was looking into heaven!
Then a sweet smile came upon his whole
face and features, as if he was greeting the
angels of God. He breathed one or two more
times, and his body sank in death. His spirit
had taken its flight to heaven. O brethren,
words fail us. We can not describe to you by
letter, nor could we by word of mouth to bring
you to realize fully, the great and marvelous
things which we have seen, and heard, and
felt, and know.

 

Your brethren in Christ.

 

J. C. W.

 

J. J. S.

 

Transcription of Lucy M. Allen autobiographical sketch, undated

The following is a transcription of:

Lucy M. Allen autobiographical sketch, undated (CHL call no.: MS 6106)

 

Having been requested to write a short

sketch of my early life I will try in my

free way to do so

 

I was born in the town of Kirtland State of Ohio

in the year 1857 1815 on October th 4 my Fathers

and Mothers names were Isaac and Lucy Morley

they were honorable and virtuous parents and always

taught their children to honor and obey them and

always strove to do they gave us

as their means allowed of in them

being of a religious turn of mind we

believe Mormonism in the year 18[covered]

 

October I went to work for a widow [covered]

of Abigail Daniels she was weaving for

I was doing her house work and winding

for the weaving; on the day of the 10 of that mo[covered]

work all done up and sat winding quill ne[covered]

to the door when there came a knock at the door

three well dressed nice looking gentlemen came in

I arose from my seat sat them some chairs took their

hats and when they were seated they began to talk

to us of the about the Gospel as had been revealed in

these last days how an angel had appeared to one

Joseph Smith and had given them authority to preach

this gospel to all the world when the Lady of the house

turned on her loom bench shuttle in hand which

she shook in them faces told them to leave her house

as she would not have her children polluted by any

such doctrine she called them impos imposters and deceivers

they tried to reason with her but to no effect they told

her they were verry hungary had not had any thing to

eat that day she told them there would have nothing to eat in

her house I have plenty but nothing for you she said

I had been siting there all this time listening to her

foul tongue I could stand it no longer for I feilt that

they were the servants of God as they said they were

I said gentleman my Father lives one mile from here

he never turns any one hungary from his door go there

and you well be fed and cared for I gave them their hats

and then showed them the road that lead to my Fathers

house and they were soon out of sight when I

went back into the house the Lady said to me I hope you

feel better now yes I said I do and when I get these

quils all wound and the rest of the work done I

will leave and hear them talk

~~go and stay if you ~~ want to

do not until my work was done

Parley P Pratt Oliver Cowdary

Peterson they staid to my Fathers

and preached until there was a large

of the church of the church raised up

all of my Fathers family that were old

enough joined the church our neighbours came

every night to hear these elders talk often

instead of going home all but my poor old Grand Father

he would not receive the Gospel he was verry old

and full of his old tradition he thought there

need be nomore revelation and would not hear

what Father had to say but turned a deaf ear to

all that my Father could say to him and told

him to leave his house and never darken his

door again and he never did but we have been

baptized for him and Grandmother in the St

George Temple and had their washings and

annointings done for them and had them

sealed for Eternity

 

L S A

 

Roy W. Doxey on the Post-1830 Fulfilment of 2 Nephi 30:3

  

Given approximately 550 years before Christ, this prophecy not only includes those who have a knowledge based upon spirit testifying to spirit, but it also embraces another group, those who will believe but who do not necessarily know by the testimony of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Nephi spoke of the future Book of Mormon in these words:

 

And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and the Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written. (II- Nephi 30:3.)

 

The casual reader might think it of little significance that a man living centuries before the publication of a record should know that his words and those of other prophets would be accepted by many people living in a subsequent era. Such a prediction, however, is not commonplace in the annals of literature, and surely it is not so in sacred literature, either Christian or non- Christian. Is this bold statement made in any one of the books comprising the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments? One would look in vain for such a prophecy there. The nearest approach to such a prediction is in the Koran, the sacred writings of the Mohammedans, and yet very dissimilar in letter and spirit are the numerous statements of condemnation against the unbeliever. It is believed that the Book of Mormon is unique among the professing books of scripture in this regard. One of its most important characters declares that after the Book of Mormon would be revealed to the world "there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written" in that book.

 

. . .

 

Although one could estimate the number who have received membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, about two million living and dead, it would be virtually impossible to make an estimate of the "many" who believe the Book of Mormon but who have not accepted all of the gospel. It is believed by the writer that the number would doubtless be great, even many more than the number converted in the missions in this dispensation.

 

. . .

 

If one ascribes this prophetic statement to Joseph Smith instead of to Nephi, who lived many centuries before him, it is nevertheless a remarkable utterance. He could not, uninspired of God, predict that which would have its fulfilment in his own life, even amid extreme opposition to the publication of the book, and be more literally fulfilled as time marches on. Joseph Smith of himself was powerless to fulfil this prophecy. The fact that truth bears evidence of itself is the basis for the acceptance of the Book of Mormon. Hundreds of thousands of witnesses have testified to the truths in the Book of Mormon. Some of these may be said to be silent testators who "believe" but who do not go the full way along the way to perfection. These are they who fulfil Nephi's prediction. It is believed that if all the foreign and stake missionaries of this Church were to report the instances of Nephi's prophecy being fulfilled today, whether the person accepted the gospel or not, the number would undoubtedly be very great. The fulfilment of this prophecy is but one of the many ways in which God is verifying his word as spoken by his holy prophets. (Roy W. Doxey, “Modern Fulfilment of a Book of Mormon Prophecy,” Improvement Era 50, no. 11 [November 1950]: 879, 880, 924)

 

 Further Reading:

Resources on Joseph Smith's Prophecies (see the section, "Resources on Book of Mormon prophecies fulfilled post-1830")

Emails Sent to the Faculty of Mary-I Limerick Against Adam O'Flynn's False Claims about the Credibility of the Pontifical in Maynooth by Liam McDade

I am cross-posting this from youtube. If you want to see action taken again Adam, do email the relvent parties, including the presidents of both universities (esp. Mary-I)-their email addresses are highlighted

Background: Back in September of last year, I had a zoom call with a Baptist, Adam O'Flynn (the so-called "The Christian Warner"). Unlike Adam, I am happy for people to see the exchange. He embarrassed himself--it was clear that he was both ignorant and disingenuous, and to this day, remains butt-hurt. [1] Since then, he has (1) tried getting strikes against my youtube channel and (2) have lied about my credentials. [2]

On June 9, I had a debate with another Baptist, Kelly Powers, on the topic of Sola Scriptura. It was not even close: the Protestant side lost. Kelly immediately had a "coping" session, and little Adam appeared on it around the 45 minute mark. This is when he decided to, not just slander me, but slander Jonathan Burroughs (his thesis supervisor at Mary-I, Limerick *and* the qualifications of other professors in the theology department there *AND* the Pontifical University of Ireland, Maynooth itself. I was annoyed, but I shrugged it off initially, as it only shows Adam is pitiful and, as I have said before, cognitively limited. *However* an Anglican "frenemy" (we have sparred on doctrine since 2009) was pissed off. So much so that he (1) emailed Jonathan Burroughs (Adam's thesis supervisor), and, after getting no response, Drs. Connolly and Finnegan from Mary-I and the Presidents of both Mary-I and the Pontifical in Maynooth. As with my friend, Liam, I am calling for Mary-I to throw the book at him. If you think it appropriate, let the relevant parties know, including the President of Mary-I, Prof. Dermot Nestor. Emails are included below (they are all accessible on the Mary-I Website, so nothing that is not easily accessible is being shared here). Liam is currently on a vacation for a few weeks, so not sure if he has received any direct response.

I am reproducing the emails here (sadly, there is some bold/emphasis that does not come out from the OG): [1] Email no. 1 From: Liam McDade <liam.mcdade.1984@gmail.com> Date: Sun, Jun 14, 2026 at 11:26 AM Subject: Complaint about your student Adam O'Flynn To: <Jonathan.Burroughs@mic.ul.ie>

Drs Burroughs,

I am Liam McDade. I am an Anglican who has an interest in world religion, and have dialogued with some representatives of different world religions over the years, including some people involved in the following. With that as background--

I recently came across a video by one of your current (former?) students, Adam O’Flynn. This was aired on Tuesday, June 9th of this year, so just in the past week. He discussed the status of theology degrees from the Pontifical University of Ireland, Maynooth, and labeled them as “not credible."

According to the Mary-I Website, you received all your degrees from Maynooth, and two of your colleagues, Drs. Finegan and Connolly also received degrees therefrom. I think it is vile that a student who wishes to have accreditation from Mary-I would slander (1) a graduate from Maynooth and (2) indirectly do the same for those in the Mary-I theology faculty.

Adam makes his initial appearance around the ~45 minute mark of this video (a debate review):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kk9snnQ6Ik

At the 1 hour 6 minute mark, we have him declare:

I can confirm as someone who lives in Ireland as well who is Irish, I can confirm that the university that was mentioned [the Pontifical University of Ireland, Maynooth] is not a credible university. There's for theology, two credible universities in Ireland. One is Mary Immaculate College, the other is Trinity College, Dublin.

I understand there is a time and place for rhetoric, but when the qualifications of one's professors (and in the case of you, Dr. Burroughs, I am assuming thesis supervisor?) are dismissed like this, it is a spit in the face of academia and shows great disrespect. Further, the Pontifical has long had a strong theological tradition, and I would hate for such an offhand remark to obscure that for Maynooth itself too.

Perhaps this is not actionable, but I thought I would bring it to your attention. If he has yet to graduate (I remember on his “The Christian Warner” youtube channel he has mentioned doing a MA in Mary-I on the Gospel of Matthew, thus my assumption you are/were his thesis supervisor) I think he should be forced to apologize to you and this fellow in the video and to your esteemed colleagues. And perhaps, if he has already graduated, there is a way to penalize him. I also will let you decide if you wish to forward this complaint to Fr. Michael Shortall (President of Maynooth) and/or Professor Dermot Nestor, as well as Drs. Connolly and Finnegan, too. While I wish to send it to them, I believe prudence dictates that I send it to you first.

Either way, I thought I would bring up this slanderous claim against the credibility of Maynooth and by extension your degrees by one of Mary I's own students, to your attention.

Best,

Liam Matthew McDade

Kinsale, Cork

[2] Email no. 2 (I was bcc'd in this one; email no. 1 was forwarded in this email; also note that Tom Finegan and I were friends during our undergraduate days in Maynooth [2004-2007]) From: Liam McDade<liam.mcdade.1984@gmail.com> To: patrick.connolly@mic.ul.ie; tom.finegan@mic.ul.ie CC: President@mic.ul.ie; michael.shortall@spcm.ie Drs. Connolly, Finegan, et al., Perhaps Dr. Burrough's is on a break for the summer. However, as this complaint still has to be actioned, and as you and other parties have been attacked (directly or indirectly) by Adam O' Flynn's public slandering of the credibility of theology degrees from the Pontifical University of Ireland, Maynooth, and as a result, the credibility of Drs. Connolly's and Finegan's degrees, as well as all of Dr. Burroughs' qualifications, I am forwarding my initial complaint about this student to you gents. I hope appropriate action will be taken. I also believe the respective presidents of both universities should be alerted to this, too. If, as Adam O'Flynn (falsely) claimed, your degrees are indeed "not credible," that means Mary-I made a gross error in hiring any or all of you; in other words, these comments represent an attack on your academic credentials and abilities, not only the credibility of degrees from the Pontifical in Maynooth If it were up to me, nothing short of a public apology to all parties involved and revocation of any qualifications (grades, diplomas, degrees) by Mary-I would be in order. Mise le meas Notes: [1] To download the mp4 from zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/jfrMAoHp2pfgiQ9OJt3tU8-W-sf7UzjJv9dz8X5NKiM4PUhQY1X0_pNBYH62s2XR.fTt2VXsgZRs7DynJ Passcode: 4r@?FP!+ [2] For e.g., he claimed I applied and was rejected by Mary-I (Limerick) and Trinity College Dublin. This is false. As I told Adam, I (successfully) applied for a PhD program in NT studies in the Dominican Biblical Institute in Limerick. However, my thesis supervisor (Thomas Brodie) was too liberal for my taste. I am glad I paid attention to those impressions as he would later write a book rejecting the historicity of Jesus. I have the emails from mid-2009 showing I was accepted by DBI Limerick from Brodie himself. Again, Adam is a liar.