About FEBC

Far Eastern Bible College: An Overview and Associated Criticisms

The Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC) is a Reformed, fundamentalist, and separatist Bible-Presbyterian theological institution located in Singapore. Established in 1962 by Timothy Tow, it is one of the oldest Bible colleges in the country. FEBC subscribes to the Reformed system of theology as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith and aims to train individuals for Christian ministry, adhering to a strict interpretation of biblical inerrancy and preservation. Its mottoes are "Holding forth the Word of Life" (Philippians 2:16) and "Holding fast the Faithful Word" (Titus 1:9).

FEBC is known for its strong emphasis on what it terms "Verbal Plenary Preservation" (VPP) of the Holy Scriptures. This doctrine asserts that God has providentially preserved every single word of the original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible throughout history, down to the "jot and tittle." FEBC maintains that these perfectly preserved words are found in the Traditional/Byzantine/Majority manuscripts, which underlie the Reformation Bibles, best represented by the King James Version (KJV).

Weaknesses and Criticisms

While FEBC presents itself as a staunch defender of biblical truth, its specific theological positions, particularly regarding biblical preservation and the King James Version, have led to significant criticism and controversy within broader evangelical and fundamentalist circles.

1. Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) and "King James Onlyism":

o   The Core Issue: FEBC's most notable and controversial doctrine is its unique interpretation of Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP). While most conservative evangelicals affirm Verbal Plenary Inspiration (VPI) of the original biblical manuscripts (autographs), FEBC extends this to argue for a perfect, word-for-word preservation of the copies (apographs) throughout history. They contend that the Textus Receptus (TR), the Greek text underlying the KJV, is the perfectly preserved text.

o   Criticism: Critics argue that this VPP doctrine goes beyond historical Reformed confessions and is a relatively new theological construct. It is often associated with "King James Onlyism," a position that asserts the KJV is the only true or authoritative English translation of the Bible. Many scholars and theologians disagree with this, pointing to the existence of numerous ancient manuscripts and textual variations, and arguing that while God has preserved His Word, He has not guaranteed a perfect, error-free transmission in every single copy or translation. Opponents suggest that FEBC's stance effectively elevates the KJV (or its underlying texts) to the status of a "new inspiration" or implies a miraculous restoration of texts by the KJV translators, which the KJV translators themselves did not claim.

o   Impact: This dogmatic adherence to VPP and the KJV has led to accusations of sectarianism and has caused divisions within Bible-Presbyterian churches, including a significant legal dispute between FEBC and Life Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore over doctrinal deviation.

2. Separatist Stance:

o   FEBC explicitly takes a separatist stance against what it perceives as liberalism, modernism, neo-orthodoxy, charismatism, ecumenism, neo-evangelicalism, and "all kinds of false isms of the day." While fundamentalism often involves separation from perceived error, FEBC's rigorous application of this principle can lead to isolation from broader Christian movements and a narrow definition of orthodoxy, potentially hindering collaborative efforts and wider theological discourse.

3. Academic Accreditation Concerns (Implied):

o   While not explicitly stated as a "falsehood," the strong emphasis on its unique VPP doctrine and its separatist nature might affect its recognition or accreditation by broader academic or theological bodies. Institutions with highly specific and exclusive doctrinal stances sometimes face challenges in gaining widespread academic acceptance, which could be seen as a practical "weakness" for students seeking to transfer credits or pursue further studies elsewhere.

In summary, while Far Eastern Bible College is committed to its interpretation of biblical authority and seeks to train ministers, its distinct and controversial doctrine of Verbal Plenary Preservation and its associated "King James Only" leanings are the primary points of criticism, leading to theological disputes and internal church divisions.