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Question 3

Hoffman later said, “I stand alone in the word of God. Let each do likewise”; how does that statement sound like radical faithfulness, and how might it also conflict with the early Christian assumption of the church as a guarded “deposit” of faith (“once for all delivered”) rather than isolated individuals interpreting alone?

Another way to ask: How does “I stand alone in the word of God” sound like strong faith? How could it also clash with the early Christian idea that the faith is protected and shared by the church, not just decided by individuals?

Direct Answer Hoffman’s statement sounds like radical faithfulness because he claims to stand on “the word of God” even without a party or power-base. But Dean’s later emphasis on “once for all delivered” faith suggests a lone-wolf posture can drift into private interpretations and new revelations that function alongside Scripture.

Support from Transcript:

Hoffman answers, “I know of no adherents. I stand alone in the word of God. Let each do likewise,” presenting himself as Scripture-driven and independent of crowds.
Dean notes Hoffman was “a layman… not classically ordained,” so his “stand alone” posture also reflects separation from recognized structures.
Yet Dean later warns Hoffman “opened the door… that the scriptures are not complete and that we can get divine revelations.”
In class discussion, Dean affirms the Spirit speaks but asks if we can “misinterpret,” and students answer we judge by what “align[s] with the scripture.”
Dean quotes Jude 3: “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered,” and Paul’s warning about “another thing… let him be… a curse,” stressing a guarded, complete deposit.

Discussion Follow-ups How can a believer be willing to stand alone for truth without acting as if the church’s shared faith and testing have no role?

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