Friendly  Version

An Open Response to Brad Scott

 of  Wildbranch.org

Part 1: Introduction & Mountain West

The following articles are the result of an email question on whether I knew of Brad Scott or Bradford Scott and his Wildbranch.org.  My response, which included some factual information as well as some analysis and my opinion about certain issues, was sent to the gentleman who posed the question. The information was shared with someone who was needing that content. Incidentally, I have no problem with that being done. I was asked for research information and provided it, albeit, incomplete in content. That person in turn, either confronted or challenged Brad Scott about his ministry and credentials, using my information. 

The result was an email directed to myself and copies sent to several others. Unfortunately, Brad Scott put my email as ###@seekgod.ca, which means it was an invalid address and never arrived. In fact, in trying to see how my own email program would handle that address, I discovered the message would not even leave the Outbox. An error message came up which said it was an illegal alias and could not be sent. 

The email was, however, forwarded via one of the other recipients, otherwise I would never have been aware that Brad had written. The conclusion would likely have been that I refused to answer. Being that many other people are becoming involved, it seems appropriate to address the issues in a public manner. 

As an aside, Bill Cloud of Shoreshim [Roots] Ministries, who was recently seen on the Christian station, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) with host and longtime associate Perry Stone of "Manna-fest". Bill Cloud is a regular speaker at both Prophecy Conferences and Hebraic Roots conferences, and was on a "Texas Tour with Brad Scott" in July 2004. Both are featured speakers at events sponsored by Monte Judah of Lion and Lamb Ministries, who also promotes and sells Brad Scott's tapes and teachings. Monte Judah has been billed at another groups gathering as the "Moses of America". Bill Cloud's teachings very much reflect Brad's Scott's and others in the push to "Hebraic Roots" or 'getting back' to "our" Jewish Roots. See also: MJAA Executives & The Hebrew Roots Fringe and  More Ecumenical Comrades.

At the beginning, through out and at the end of Brad Scott's email, he chastised and challenged me. For example, he said:

"I am writing this email in response to a good deal of slanderous, unsubstantiated remarks made by your so-called ministry about me." ..."I was absolutely appalled at the 'research' you have taken it upon yourself to  conduct concerning our ministry."..."At least give me one well thought out rebuttal to anything I have taught." and "I consider Dr. Walter Martin a mentor. But Dr. Martin did his homework before he launched an attack on someones credibility. I once again ask for a response."

Thank you Brad, very much, for requesting that I address your teachings and write about you. That suggests you actually do have full confidence in my research and writing and I appreciate that. Most individuals and organizations that I write about don't actually request that I review and Biblically analyze their teachings. 

You may not be aware of this Bradford, but I had already done some research on you and your organization awhile back. I chose not to write about you at that time. However, I will gladly accept your invitation, and I have now done what you have requested. The documentation quoted is from your teachings, or as cited directly from your letter or website and so on. 

B= Brad, and in quotes. 

B: "To Vicky Dillon, I am writing this email in response to a good deal of slanderous, unsubstantiated remarks made by your so-called ministry about me."

Brad, a private response to a question about whether I was familiar with you or what I thought of Brad Scott and his Wildbranch org, is not slanderous. If the information was manufactured and based on undocumented or unproven information, then it would be corrected. However, that is not the case. I work very hard at not making statements I cannot back up.

I do research on public ministries, who post public teachings, who speak publicly and so on. I share that research either in articles or as people might request it. I compile and utilize that public information, and for the most part, a large percentage of content in the articles are text and quotes compiled from the people themselves or their websites or documents and so on.  I also editorialize as necessary, and weigh teachings and the 'fruit' of said leadership to the Word of God, which we as Believers are required to do. 

Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

What I, as a Believer, continually find amazing, is the number claiming leadership who absolutely hate and despise not only that Biblical concept but, also those that obediently apply it to their lives. Especially when it is in reference to a teaching from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

B: "I  would like to take each comment one at a time if you please."

Brad, It would have been appropriate to quote the comments for accuracy sake. Especially since you omitted much of what I said and did not address all the issues, including any reference to your associations. 

B: "I was absolutely appalled at the 'research' you have taken it upon yourself to  conduct concerning our ministry."

Brad, you were likely unaware that in that email, I didn't provide all the research I have done on you, or your Wild branch 'ministry.' I provided a brief overview, but since you are asking for my analysis and opinion of your teachings, I will be only to happy to clarify and correct any misunderstanding on what has or has not been said or known. 

B: "As I would have quessed, I did not receive a single communication by email or phone to validate or verify much of the claims you made about me."

This statement is puzzling to me Brad. Was I supposed to obtain your permission to answer a question sent to me, regarding what I knew or didn't know about you or your ministry?  

Public ministries post public material and information. People are not required to obtain permission to read, quote from, or analyze said public information, or to do a critical review. And certainly your or any one else's permission is not required in an email or discussion directed to me with a request for information or my opinion on a matter. It is not required to report on that information request by interviewing that particular leadership or discussed issue. 

Brad, you have chosen a public life, a public website, public tapes, writings and so on,  along with many of your associates. If you are really struggling with this concept, and if one does not wish to have evaluation or critical review done of their teachings or ministry, the recommendation to you is to not be involved in a public leadership ministry. Particularly one that publishes on the public internet, books, tapes, pamphlets, radio, email and so on, or avails themselves to a speaking career to all manner of audiences, and claims to be one that people should come to for particular "accurate" information. 

Part of public ministry and leadership, for Believers, means, public scrutiny according to the very Word of God you say you follow. 

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

B: "So right off the bat, I consider what you wrote nothing short of gossip."

Now Brad. I must ask. Since I quoted and analyzed your writings and your website material, and your teachings, are they to be considered gossip? 

Are you in fact, then defining gossip, or someone involved in gossip as :

Anyone inclined to evaluate and discuss your teachings and beliefs from the information that is posted on your own website, for people to consider and embrace as truth, or checking out your various memberships, which are posted on other public web sites with your full permission? 

Could you please clarify why Biblical obedience is gossip and supply Scripture to substantiate this claim.

B: " When I say 'unsubstantiated' I mean just that. NO ONE from your organization contacted me about any information you felt it necessary to spew to the masses."

Until now, Brad, the information from that private email, to which you have chosen to respond to and direct to others and not myself, was not public and not to the "masses." Just to clarify, so you understand you are not dealing with an organization. 

The SeekGod.ca website is our family website ministry. With my husband's full support, I do the research, interviews and writing.  I take care of the website and deal with all correspondence. The "organization" in that regard, consists of myself. Perhaps it might be wise to substantiate your data, before suggesting to others this incorrect information about our website. You can read up on our website in the Introduction.

Further, I am remiss. In the email you are responding to, which was forwarded to you, I neglected to provide full documentation on all the various activities, etc, as well as full analysis of your teachings and associations. You are right. It was an oversight on my part, and since this is now a public letter, will be addressed in the fullest I can take time for, as you have requested. 

Mountain West Hebrew University

B: "Several months ago, a good friend of mine emailed me about the subject of the Mountain West University connection. I wrote you the truth about this subject and asked for a retraction on your part, which you have not responded to me about, nor have you retracted."

Well, actually Bradford, you did not ask me to do a retraction. You asked me to dialogue with you about the information. The email you sent me was in reference to Mountain West Hebrew University and in your words, someone had told you that, you were on my "hit list". An interesting term. Meaning research and writing and reporting on factual information is done with malicious intent, which is false. I believe conveying that idea, is actually the slander everyone is always talking about, or lashon hara, or evil speaking, that seems to flow from the mouths of people written about in my articles, more than the Word of God they say they adhere to. 

That said, my response to your concerns about being on the faculty list to the defunct Mountain West Hebrew University, was to add this to the Mountain West Hebrew University faculty section.

****For those who have asked--Please understand--this is from the actual original website listing, that was dealt with by the State of Utah. This author did not manufacture or compile the list of faculty.

There was no need to respond in order to enter into dialogue with you Bradford. The facts stand. The information about the publicly posted illegal diploma mill that was presented, was accurate and known by the State of Utah authorities. 

Just a recap on what is being discussed, from the article MBI Yeshiva & The Hargis Clan. My focus in that particular article was MBI and the Hargis' and their relationship to James Trimm.

Mountain West Hebrew University Connection

Mountain West Hebrew University (MWHU), which was supposedly located in Utah, is no longer online. This diploma mill was not licensed by the State of Utah to offer anything. It was not accredited and did not have religious exemption and after investigation by authorities the website was shutdown. 

However from March through October 2000, the 'university' showed the following faculty or instructors, which include Don and David Hargis, and eight individuals who are or were, also involved in MBI Yeshiva. Some also obtained their credentials from MBI. Found March through October 2000.

****For those who have asked--Please understand--this is from the actual original website listing, that was dealt with by the State of Utah. This author did not manufacture or compile the list of faculty.

FACULTY LOUNGE
MOUNTAIN WEST HEBREW UNIVERSITY

The Board and Faculty of Mountain West Hebrew University create curricula and bibliography, establish academic criteria, write and grade examinations, instruct and assist students, and post grades.

Alphabetical List [Some bolding added]

Miryam B'rit-Hargis, Th.D. / Professor Emeritas of Bible and Theology / Diploma: Central Bible Institute, Certificate: Christ for the Nations, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Theology: Lael University / Over fifty years of ministry, Licensed with the Assemblies of God

Ellen Campbell, R.N., B.S. / Instructor of Practical Studies / Associate in Nursing: Mott Community College, Bachelor of Science: University of Michigan / 20 years in the field of nursing, 15 years in health education

David M. Hargis, Ph.D. President of MBI Yeshiva / Professor of Hebrew and Theology / Bachelor of Arts in Bible: Central Bible College, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Communications: International Seminary and Bible College / Ordained to ministry 1973, Ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi 1991, President of Messianic Bureau International

Don B. Hargis, S.T.D. an Elder of the Yeshiva / Professor of Theology / Bachelor of Arts in Comparative and Historical Religions and Linguistics: Southern Methodist University, Master of Theology: National Christian University, Doctor of Sacred Theology: St. Johns Theological Seminary / Twenty years of ministry, Director with the Aramaic Bible Society

Linda G. Hargis, M.A., Doctoral Candidate Academic Dean of the MBI Yeshiva / Associate Professor of Practical Studies / Bachelor of Arts: Lael University; Master of Arts in Education: Regent University; PhD in Organizational Leadership program: Regent University  / Twenty-eight years of ministry, Eight years of Messianic ministry, Registrar of Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA)

Michael B. Humphrey, J.D. , M.Rb. an Elder of the MBI Yeshiva / Associate Professor of Bible / Bachelor of Science, Master of Taxation, Juris Doctor: University of Akron; Master of Rabbinic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Ordained Messianic Jewish Rabbi of Beth Messiah, Canton, Ohio

Yosef Koelner, an Elder of MBI Yeshiva / Assistant Professor of Theology / Director of TAK Yeshiva, branch of MBI Yeshiva / Messianic Jewish Rabbi of Temple Aron HaKodesh, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ivan Lewis, PhD / President of Mountain West Hebrew University / Professor of Talmudic Studies / Doctor of Philosophy in Hebrew and Semitic Studies - London School of Religion and Philosophy / Magna Cum Laude

Kalila Gavriella Sams, M.M.S. / Assistant Professor of Bible / Bible studies: Cedarville College, Wheaton College; Bachelor of Science in Education: Ashland College; Communication studies: Regent University; Master of Messianic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Six years of Messianic ministry

Bradford Scott / First Councilor and Instructor at Mountain West Hebrew University / Asst Professor of Messianic Studies / Licensed and Ordained FourSquare Minister / Seventeen years in Hebrew / Messianic Ministry / Messianic Conference Speaker / Founder and Director of WildBranch Ministry

Walter N. Thorpe, M.A. an Elder of the MBI Yeshiva / Assistant Professor of Theology / Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Administration, US Air Force Major (Retired).

Others pending (Watch For Updates)

 hebrewuniversity.edu    ***no longer valid to Mountain West
 http://hebrewuniversity.edu/instructors  

 http://hebrewuniversity.edu/catalog/9.html

This Yeshiva faculty parallels MBI as well as St John Chrysostom Theological Seminary faculty. For a comparison of the various individuals involved see the Table of Credentials [and also Timelines]. On the MWHU faculty page, note David and Don Hargis, and Miryam B'rit-Hargis. Miryam, or Marian, is the mother of David and Don Hargis. Linda G. Hargis is the wife of David Hargis.

If one looks at the June 2000 faculty posting for MBI, one sees many of the same names found on the Mountain West defunct diploma mill. Apparently in diploma mills it's important to appear to have numerous staff, instead of the reality of the one, two or half dozen individuals usually found involved...."

 End quote

I would like to point out a small detail that I neglected in my original article. Regarding, the dating of the Mountain West diploma mill, which was flown March through October, 2000, and the following persons.  

Miryam B'rit-Hargis, Th.D. / Professor Emeritas of Bible and Theology / Diploma: Central Bible Institute, Certificate: Christ for the Nations, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Theology: Lael University / Over fifty years of ministry, Licensed with the Assemblies of God

Kalila Gavriella Sams, M.M.S. / Assistant Professor of Bible / Bible studies: Cedarville College, Wheaton College; Bachelor of Science in Education: Ashland College; Communication studies: Regent University; Master of Messianic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Six years of Messianic ministry

It should not really be a surprise that there is a pattern of using deceased people, as Marian Hargis and Jerome Joachim were used for SJCTS. From the David Hargis MBI website from 2001, we see the following announcement. Please notice the dates:

(Deceased 1/25/2000 In honor of:) Kalila Gavriella Sams, M.M.S. / Assistant Professor of Bible / Bible studies: Cedarville College, Wheaton College; Bachelor of Science in Education: Ashland College; Communication studies: Regent University; Master of Messianic Studies: MBI Yeshiva / Six years of Messianic ministry

(Deceased 12/24/1999 In Honor of:) Miryam B'rit-Hargis, Th.D. / Professor Emeritas of Bible and Theology / Diploma: Central Bible Institute, Certificate: Christ for the Nations, Master of Theology: Lael University, Doctor of Theology: Lael University / Over fifty years of ministry, Licensed with the Assemblies of God

http://www.mbiyeshiva.com/faculty.htm --which was posted in 2001.

Not to be picky, but we have more deceased people on the faculty of the defunct diploma mill run in 2000, that you Brad, were also a part of.

Update: In fact, before the above faculty was listed, the original faculty consisted of two people in March and April 2000. In fact the original course description was advertised with six courses as being for the :

Meaning that those that found the website would believe that there were actual prior courses, which there were not. Further, the original instructors for those courses were, and I quote: "Dr Ivan Lewis" and "Prof Bradford Scott."  And the question is, what are you academically qualified as a Professor in, Bradford, and where did you go to school to obtain those academic credentials?

End update.

B: "So once again I will inform you about something you are erroneously concluding by reading material on web sites. I was contacted by a faithful reader of our web site several years ago. He told me that he was starting a university that 'employed' teachers from a Hebrew perspective. He asked if I would teach an introductory course on the history of Greek and Hebrew thought processes. I told him I had no time for such a thing, but he insisted that all I had to do was post a teaching once a week and submit test questions. This is essentially what I have been doing on the web site for 7 years now, so I did just that. There were a total of 3 people who took the 'class'. No diplomas were issued to anyone that I know of. It was my understanding that this was just the ground floor being laid for a correspondence school. I have NEVER read the description he posted of me or my teachings. I have no idea what happened to the 'university' idea, and I have never heard of the Hargis people you have erroneously associated me with. I do not have a diploma from them, because I do not know who they are. All I did was post a teaching once a week and email it to him. These teachings are still on our web site. So this is your first poor attempt at amateur journalism." [bolding added]

Regarding your original letter to me, where you used my correct email address, dated July 16, 2003 we note the following information:

My name is Bradford Scott and I am director of Wildbranch Ministry. Someone emailed me recently concerning my name showing up on someones 'hit' list so to speak. The founder of this 'school' was Ivan Lewis who contacted me early in our ministy to receive teaching material that we offer. He asked me if I would teach an introductory course on Greek culture for his 'internet' school. I agreed to do this. I showed up on his faculty list in a much different fashion than the way it showed up on your website. I was informed at some point during the postings that there were only 3 students actually signed up for this course. I was not offered any remuneration for this, I assumed I was lending my background in Hebrew and Hebrew culture to his website. Ivan soon launched into some of the most bizarre doctrines that I had ever seen and we parted was soon afterward. I am fully aware of James Trimm and his, shall we say, lack of credentials. I have no association with any of these people you are writing about. I would appreciate some contact back concerning this matter.

Thank you

Brad Scott

Wildbranch Ministry

Not to quibble, Bradford, but Ivan Lewis, "faithful reader of our web site several years ago" is actually only referring to 3 years ago. And you said you broke from him after he went into, "bizarre doctrines." There is no dating on that information. 

How do you know if you, "showed up on his faculty list in a much different fashion", than what was actually posted to that website, if, as you say, you never saw the actual website posting?

The diploma mill website "for his 'internet' school", where you are listed as faculty, was launched in March 2000. It was shut down by October, 2000.

So the question would be, Brad, when did you actually part company with Ivan Lewis? While the diploma mill still had the website, or in the past 2 or so years? 

Did you ever promote the diploma mill known as Mountain West Hebrew University, Brad, from your own website? 

From your website posted February 15, 2001, with "©1999-2000 Wild Branch Ministry," we see the following Introduction, and your Index to all your then articles and links, Brad. Although on your page, the index table would be to the left of your welcome, the link content remained like this until at least June, 2001. 

Here is a table from your earlier website....none of these links are active currently. Please note especially the second last link.

B: "As it is with most media types, who feel responsible to save the world from people who do not agree with them on every issue, there has been a horrendous amount of jumping to gargantuan conclusions.

You also said this Brad, "So once again I will inform you about something you are erroneously concluding by reading material on web sites." 

You said very clearly, "I have no association with any of these people you are writing about."

Perhaps you simply have forgotten that you were quite aware of the Mountain West Hebrew University, what was on that website and what was said about you. And what was on your own website. 

I didn't jump to conclusions at all, as you proclaim. The State of Utah certainly didn't jump to conclusions when they shut that illegal diploma mill down. The faculty was as shown from the actual Mountain West Hebrew University website, flown in 2000. 

Brad, you are on that faculty list, as a matter of record. Those are all provable facts. There is no opening for discussion on that factual information. It is history so to speak. 

In a closer look at your past web links, we also see that Ivan Lewis was moderator on your internet discussion forum well into the year of 2001. 

From your link, "WILDBRANCH UTAH-AREA DISCUSSION BOARD", which is no longer valid.  >http://www.coolboard.com/boardshow.cfm?mb=482400108704432:

And the link for, "Hebraic Perspective Forum" > http://ivanlewis.com/Forum.html on your then website in 2001, was and is, Ivan Lewis's current website. In fact, Ivan Lewis's "Pay pal" email/web link was used in your "Pay pal" order form, on your Wildbranch Resource page, on your own website in 2001, and into the beginning of January 2002. His was also the "Pay pal" link for Mountain West Hebrew University.

Ivan Lewis is married to a fourth generation Mormon who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). The couple alternates between attending services at a local Evangelical Free congregation and an LDS church. [One Family's Experience with New Song-Salt Lake ]

Does it sound familiar to you Brad, that Ivan Lewis hosted your "Wildbranch Ministries religious essays site", on his website with the url > www.ivanlewis.com/essays.html, even in 1998? Until you got your own space on his website, in 1999, with the url >www.ivanlewis.com/wildbranch. 

Your doctrinal statement at that time, was identical to the one posted on your current website, except for changing the name Yeshua to Yahshua.

For an in-depth discussion from a reader about the various Names, please see: Yahshua, Yehoshua, Y'shua, Yeshua, Iesous, Iesus, or Jesus The Sacred Name or True Name

The lessons for the Hebrew Mind vs Greek Mind gave the appearance of also being the ones intended to be used for Mountain West Hebrew University in 2000. The 'lessons' and teachings you have on your site today, and many of which were written in 1999 and forward, were also posted to Ivan Lewis's website. As also shown by this example of your currently posted:

In fact the original "Wildbranch Religious essays" included those that are on your site today, including the one to the Aleph-Bet article. Please note the inclusive "we" with reference to the essays by both you, Brad, and Ivan: [hotlinks removed, bolding added] www.ivanlewis.com/essays.html

"Welcome to the Wildbranch Ministries religious essays site. We will be adding essays periodically, so check back often. We plan to add some chat / bulletin boards that can be used to ask questions, give counter arguments, and hear your personal viewpoints on the subject matter. We are writing these essays rooted in the convictions and opinions that much within the boundaries of Christian worship and doctrine is either off track, or poorly stated. The standards herein given are based on pre-Nicaean (before the Council of Nicaea, AD 325) doctrines, and not on Catholic or Protestant determinations. We hope to give the readers new areas and perspectives of study. Our writings are grounded in many years of University level post-graduate studies in both classical Hebrew, Greek, Biblical archaeology and Church history. For the time being, the essays available for study are:

MYSTERIES AND TRUTHS HIDDEN WITHIN THE HEBREW ALEPHBET (Brad Scott) >http://www.ivanlewis.com/alephbet.html

THE CHURCH AND THE LAW (Ivan Lewis) >http://www.ivanlewis.com/law.html

A STRANGE FIRE (Brad Scott)> http://www.ivanlewis.com/fire.html

A FALSE BALANCE...A JUST WEIGHT (Brad Scott) >http://www.ivanlewis.com/balance.html

Also, in January 1999, we noted that the copyright on Ivan Lewis's website stated, "©1997, 1998 & 1999 Lewisong Communications. All rights reserved. All trademarks are owned by Lewisong Communications & Wild Branch Ministries."

It's odd, but Ivan Lewis did not include there, as in the Mountain West Biography of himself, that he was, "Ivan Lewis, PhD / President of Mountain West Hebrew University / Professor of Talmudic Studies / Doctor of Philosophy in Hebrew and Semitic Studies - London School of Religion and Philosophy / Magna Cum Laude"

Instead he later changed the presentation at the end of the essays dialogue and stated, "My writings are grounded in many years of University level post-graduate studies in classical Greek, Rabbinic Hebrew, Biblical archaeology and Church history." In the previous rendition it was stated both of you were grounded in "both classical Hebrew, Greek."

Might we inquire what University level classes you and Ivan attended, where and when? And what is meant by "post-graduate"?

Ivan also linked to and promoted David Hargis's Messianic Bureau, Eddie Chumney, and others. In fact, later on, his link for the "All Saved Freak Band", brings you to the links of :

Lewis's site was the "Unofficial homepage and chatboard for The All Saved Freak Band!" Regarding the, All Saved Freak Band, which was founded as, Preacher And The Witness. The band was together from 1968-1980, and put out four albums. They were, My Poor Generation (1973), Brainwashed (1976), For Christians, Elves and Lovers (1976), Sower (1981). It was headed by Larry Hill, who started his own cult. The writing about the band, by Ivan Lewis, was posted to www.ivanlewis.com/savedfreaks/index.html as well as the one-way org. See: http://one-way.org/jesusmusic/allsaved.htm

Your web site, incidentally, was a mirror in table/link appearance, to the presentation used by Ivan Lewis. Even to the navigation buttons and the handling of emails. And Ivan had the same style of table for his index links as yours, shown above, only his had 3 links to Mountain West Hebrew University. With copyright as: "© Copyright 1997-2000 Lewisong Communications. All rights reserved. All trademarks are owned by Lewisong Communications & Wild Branch Ministry" 

It was stated on Lewis's website, that it was the, "Homepage for WildBranch Ministry." In fact, it was listed that way in 1999 and well past 2000. Even when the first Ad came out in May, promoting:

Those Ads, including the link to your website, and also the links to Mountain West continued through the year, until long after Mountain West was shut down. The Ad for Mountain West was not removed until April of 2001, but the Wild Branch Main link was still there. 

Would it be more of a surprise to you, Brad, that your original Wildbranch website, when beginning the move to your own domain name, was at ivanlewis.com/wildbranch, in February of 2000, and carried this copyright. "©1999 & 2000 Lewisong Communications. All rights reserved. All trademarks are owned by Lewisong Communications & Wild Branch Ministries." And continued like that in June 2000, when the move was made fully into your own website, where your copyright changed to being just under Wildbranch. 

Even though we noticed that you simultaneously did have a different copyright on your new website, also saying, "©1999-2000 Wild Branch Ministry. All rights reserved. All trademarks are owned by Wild Branch Ministry."

In point of fact, in a website listing of Messianic sites, we see a listing dated for 2002, but found in January 2004:

Incidentally, were you and Ivan in partnership, Brad? I don't see any of this  information or history in your own biography. 

You said, "I was contacted by a faithful reader of our web site several years ago. He told me that he was starting a university that 'employed' teachers from a Hebrew perspective. He asked if I would teach an introductory course on the history of Greek and Hebrew thought processes. I told him I had no time for such a thing, but he insisted that all I had to do was post a teaching once a week and submit test questions. This is essentially what I have been doing on the web site for 7 years now, so I did just that." 

In the first email, you also said, "The founder of this 'school' was Ivan Lewis who contacted me early in our ministy to receive teaching material that we offer. He asked me if I would teach an introductory course on Greek culture for his 'internet' school. I agreed to do this."

With all due respect, Brad, it appears that Ivan Lewis was more than just a "faithful reader" of your website, since he hosted your original writings and then your website, and you both held the copyright. 

You also said you did not know anything about David Hargis or Messianic Bureau International (MBI) and so on. However, on the "Mountain West Hebrew University: Why Choose It" page, of the defunct website, we read:

In fact, Brad, according to the actual website articles, you were listed in amongst all the people, you now say you didn't know at all, nor were ever aware of what was on that website. 

MBI also claims to be accredited by the Transworld Accreditation Commission, which is not a State sanctioned or State recognized accrediting agency, nor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a crediting agency. Please see MBI Yeshiva & The Hargis Clan, for more on this issue.

The Mountain West Hebrew 'University' is gone, defunct, is no longer in existence, and no longer something that you are currently contributing to. Which should have been obvious since it was dealt with and shut down by the State of Utah in 2000, as was stated in my article. Although you continued to promote it from your own Wildbranch.org website at least six months after it was shut down, as did Ivan Lewis. 

I didn't put your name on that web site as faculty. You, yourself, have admitted in both email letters to contributing to and being part of that faculty for "Mountain West Hebrew University." And your own website reveals you knew about the actual website and what was on it. Your statement, "I have NEVER read the description he posted of me or my teachings." rings rather hollow with these facts. 

Are you asking us to believe that you never even took a peek at the website you linked to for over a year? 

If you chose not to check what was presented about you in the biography, in what you knew was a website, and which you linked to for many months from your own website, that was your choice and has nothing to do with the presentation of facts. The Truth is what matters. 

I never actually wrote "about" you, in that article.  However, with your concerns and complaints, we can deal with these issues now.

From the faculty information:

Bradford Scott / First Councilor and Instructor at Mountain West Hebrew University / Asst Professor of Messianic Studies / Licensed and Ordained FourSquare Minister / Seventeen years in Hebrew / Messianic Ministry / Messianic Conference Speaker / Founder and Director of WildBranch Ministry

The information about seventeen years in Hebrew is matching what is said in the "About Brad Scott" section of Wildbranch, since at the time my article was posted, was 2003:

"Brad has been teaching the Scriptures since 1971. He began in the Lutheran system and was taught traditional "Christian" theology. In 1978, he began his studies in the Greek language and soon discovered that the well-defined Greek structure was NOT so well-defined. He soon began to learn the Hebrew language, and sat at the feet of Rabbinical scholars, much the same way Sha'ul may have done so! Having been trained that the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) was written in Greek, Brad discovered through other scholars of the Brit Chadashah and the Dead Sea Scrolls that the New Testament may well have been written in Hebrew. He has been teaching the Hebrew language and culture since 1983. Brad is an ordained minister through a non-denominational pastoralship ...." About Brad Scott; http://www.wildbranch.org/About/whobrad.htm

1983 plus 17 years does make the year 2000 accurate as shown in the Mountain West information. Further down in this email, Brad, you said, " I have always been very upfront about my background and credentials.I have nothing to hide. You can request such info any time you wish. " 

I am very glad of that, Brad. Because, what is lacking in your own web site biography, then, aside from being listed on the faculty of the Mountain West Hebrew University, is the information about being a "Licensed and Ordained FourSquare Minister. " 

This writer thinks that matters a great deal, as "ordained minister through a non-denominational pastoralship" is different than being ordained in  Foursquare. Foursquare is the Pentecostal denomination launched by Aimee Semple McPherson. Sadly, McPherson died of an overdose of sedatives (barbituates), which was ruled accidental. At that time she had been twice divorced, which may have increased the speculation by some of a possible suicide. Is the Foursquare denomination also now part of the Nazarene and Two House Movements, and Torah Observant?

Perhaps you could explain why that is omitted from your online information, especially since Mountain West was in 2000, and it is only just now, January of 2004, and you had promoted it for so many months. 

Perhaps you could explain how that Foursquare information was known for the Mountain West biographical write up, but is not on your own web site biography, since you clearly state, "I have always been very upfront about my background and credentials.I have nothing to hide." 

From your article, Wildbranch Teaching of the Week: Salvation - Introduction > Hebrew Words : Salvation

"....I grew up in the Lutheran system, which rarely ever used the word. I spent part of my third decade of life in the Baptist denomination. ...." http://www.wildbranch.org/Archive/lesson20.html

When and where were you ordained a Foursquare minister, Brad, as well as being involved as a Lutheran and Baptist? 

What is also missing in your biography, Brad, is where you learned Hebrew and Greek and Aramaic and what dialects you are fluent in. Those are all languages in the Bible. Sitting at the feet of "Rabbinical" scholars suggest embracing the teachings of those who reject Jesus Christ. Could you perhaps clarify where you were taught these languages and your sources for interpretation of the Scriptures?

A perusal of the resources that had been on Ivan Lewis's site, while you were also contributing to that site, we saw promotion of the gnostic Gospel of Thomas, the questionable Didache and similar. On your own website, in your own writings, "...I would recommend two disturbing books. One is called the 'The Two Babylons' by Alexander Hislop, and the other is 'Fossilized Customs' by Lew White. I would warn you that after reading these books you may have an almost uncontrollable desire to abandon everything you hold dear and go live in a cave...."