Chapter 16: How to Help Those Influenced by Dake

When someone you care about has been influenced by false teaching, it can be really hard to know what to do. Maybe it’s a family member who loves their Dake Bible and quotes from it all the time. Maybe it’s a friend at church who believes things about God that don’t match what the Bible actually says. Or maybe you’re a pastor or teacher trying to help people in your church understand why the notes in their study Bible are leading them away from the truth. This chapter will give you practical, loving ways to help people who have been influenced by Finis Dake’s teachings. Remember, our goal isn’t to win arguments or make people feel bad – it’s to help them know the true God better and grow in their faith.

Dake, Finis Jennings. Dake Annotated Reference Bible. Lawrenceville, GA: Dake Bible Sales, 1963. [All citations to the Dake Bible refer to this edition unless otherwise noted. Additional references to Dake’s other works will be cited as they appear.]

Understanding Why People Follow False Teaching

Before we can help someone who’s been influenced by Dake’s teachings, we need to understand how good, sincere Christians can end up believing things that aren’t true. It’s easy to think, “How could anyone believe that God has a physical body?” or “Why would someone think there are three separate Gods?” But the truth is, people who use the Dake Bible are usually sincere believers who really want to understand God’s Word better. They’re not trying to believe false things – they’ve just been misled by someone who seemed to know what he was talking about.

Good People Can Be Deceived

The Bible tells us that even believers can be deceived. Paul warned the Corinthians: “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). These were real Christians Paul was writing to, yet he was worried they might be led astray. If it could happen to them, it can happen to anyone.

Think about it this way: when someone gives you a gift, you usually trust that it’s good, right? Many people receive a Dake Bible as a gift from someone they respect – maybe a pastor, a parent, or a friend who’s been a Christian for a long time. They naturally assume that if this person they trust is giving them this Bible, it must be good. They don’t know to check whether the notes are teaching false things about God.

Why Smart People Fall for False Teaching

You might wonder how intelligent people can believe obviously wrong things. The answer is that false teaching rarely looks obviously wrong at first. It usually comes mixed with a lot of truth, which makes the lies harder to spot. Think of it like this: if someone tried to give you a glass of pure poison, you’d probably notice something was wrong. But if they mixed just a little poison into a delicious smoothie, you might drink the whole thing without realizing the danger.

Dake was clever in how he presented his false teachings. He didn’t start by saying, “Hey, God has a body just like us!” Instead, he would point to Bible verses that talk about God’s hands or eyes, and he’d say, “See? The Bible says God has hands and eyes, so He must have a body.” To someone who doesn’t know how to interpret Scripture properly, this might seem to make sense.

Here’s what Dake actually wrote: “God has a personal spirit body… shape, image, likeness, bodily parts such as, back parts, heart, hands and fingers, mouth, lips, tongue, feet, eyes, hair, head, face, arms, loins, and other bodily parts” (Dake Bible, note on Genesis 1:26). He makes it sound so confident and certain that many readers just accept it without questioning.

The Danger of Trusting Notes More Than Scripture

One of the biggest problems with study Bibles like Dake’s is that people often trust the notes as much as they trust the Bible itself. After all, the notes are printed right there on the same page as God’s Word. They look official and authoritative. Many people don’t realize that the notes are just one man’s opinion and can be completely wrong.

I once knew a woman who had used the Dake Bible for twenty years. When I asked her what she thought about a certain passage, she immediately looked at Dake’s notes rather than reading the verse itself. She had gotten so used to letting Dake interpret the Bible for her that she had stopped thinking about what the Bible actually says. This is incredibly dangerous because it means we’re trusting a human teacher more than we’re trusting God’s Word.

Common Defenses People Use (And How to Respond Gently)

When you try to help someone see the problems with Dake’s teachings, they’ll often defend him and his Bible. This is natural – nobody likes to admit they’ve been wrong, especially about something as important as their understanding of God. Here are some common defenses you’ll hear, and gentle, biblical ways to respond.

Defense 1: “But Dake Uses So Many Bible Verses!”

People often point out that Dake quotes tons of Scripture to support his views. The Dake Bible contains over 500,000 references and cross-references! Surely someone who uses that much Scripture must be right… right?

Gentle Response: It’s true that Dake quotes a lot of verses, but quoting verses and understanding them correctly are two different things. Even Satan quoted Scripture when he tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:6), but he twisted its meaning. The important question isn’t “How many verses does he quote?” but “Is he interpreting them correctly?”

For example, when Dake sees a verse that mentions God’s “hand,” he assumes God literally has a physical hand. But the Bible often uses figurative language. When Psalm 17:8 asks God to “hide me in the shadow of your wings,” it doesn’t mean God is a giant bird! It’s a beautiful picture of God’s protection, using language we can understand.

You can show them how even Jesus used figurative language. He said, “I am the door” (John 10:9), but He wasn’t claiming to be made of wood with hinges! He was using a metaphor to help us understand that He’s the way to salvation.

Defense 2: “My Pastor Recommends the Dake Bible”

This is a tough one because we should respect our spiritual leaders. When someone’s pastor recommends the Dake Bible, it creates a real dilemma for the person who’s beginning to see its problems.

Gentle Response: It’s good that you respect your pastor, and the Bible does tell us to honor our spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17). But the Bible also tells us to test everything, even what our leaders teach. The Bereans were praised because they checked Paul’s teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11), and Paul was an apostle!

Your pastor might not be aware of all the problems in the Dake Bible. Many pastors are so busy with ministry that they haven’t had time to carefully examine every study Bible. Or perhaps your pastor uses the Dake Bible carefully, knowing to ignore the problematic notes while finding some helpful information in other areas.

You might consider respectfully sharing your concerns with your pastor. Approach it as a question rather than an accusation: “Pastor, I’ve been reading about some concerning teachings in the Dake Bible notes. Have you looked into these issues? I’d love to hear your thoughts.”

Defense 3: “But I’ve Grown So Much Using This Bible!”

Many people have genuine testimonies of spiritual growth while using the Dake Bible. They’ve learned more about Scripture, they’ve grown in their faith, and they’ve experienced God’s blessings. How can something that’s produced good fruit be bad?

Gentle Response: It’s wonderful that you’ve grown in your faith! God is so merciful that He often blesses us despite our imperfect understanding. Remember, the Bible itself is perfect and powerful, and the Dake Bible does contain the complete text of Scripture. God’s Word doesn’t return void (Isaiah 55:11), even when it’s surrounded by problematic notes.

Think of it like this: imagine you’re eating a nutritious meal, but there are a few ingredients that aren’t good for you. You might still grow and be healthy from the good food, but you’d be even healthier without the bad ingredients. Similarly, you’ve grown from reading God’s Word, but you’ll grow even more when you understand it correctly!

Also, spiritual experiences and feelings aren’t always the best test of truth. The Bible tells us to test everything by Scripture itself (1 John 4:1). Just because something seems to “work” doesn’t mean it’s right. We need to make sure our beliefs line up with what God has actually revealed in His Word.

Defense 4: “You’re Just Being Divisive!”

Nobody wants to be seen as causing division in the church. When you raise concerns about the Dake Bible, some people might accuse you of being divisive or judgmental.

Gentle Response: I understand your concern about unity – Jesus prayed that we would be one (John 17:21). But biblical unity is based on truth, not on ignoring error. Paul told us to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), but he also warned against false teaching constantly.

Actually, false teaching is what causes real division. When some people in the church believe God has a body and others know He’s spirit, when some think there are three Gods and others know there’s only one, that’s real division. By lovingly correcting error, we’re actually working toward true unity based on biblical truth.

Remember, Jesus Himself said He came to bring division between truth and error (Luke 12:51). While we should never be harsh or unloving, we must stand for truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

Defense 5: “But Dake Knew Hebrew and Greek!”

Dake often referenced Hebrew and Greek words in his notes, giving the impression of scholarly expertise. Many people assume that someone who knows the original languages must be interpreting Scripture correctly.

Gentle Response: It’s true that knowing Hebrew and Greek can be helpful in Bible study, but it’s not a guarantee of correct interpretation. Even scholars who know the languages well can disagree on interpretation. What matters more is whether someone is using those languages properly and whether their conclusions line up with the whole teaching of Scripture.

Many real Hebrew and Greek scholars have examined Dake’s use of the languages and found serious problems. He often cherry-picks definitions that support his views while ignoring the context and normal usage of words. It’s like if someone looked up the English word “trunk” in a dictionary and insisted it always means an elephant’s nose, even when the context clearly shows it means a tree’s main stem or a car’s storage compartment!

Building Trust Before Correcting Error

One of the most important things to remember when helping someone influenced by false teaching is that you need to build trust first. If you just attack what they believe without showing that you care about them, they’ll probably get defensive and stop listening. Here’s how to build that essential foundation of trust.

Start with Relationship, Not Theology

Before you ever bring up problems with the Dake Bible, invest in your relationship with the person. Show genuine interest in their life. Pray with them about their concerns. Rejoice with them in their victories. Be there for them in their struggles. When someone knows you truly care about them as a person, they’re much more likely to listen when you have concerns about their theology.

I learned this lesson the hard way. Years ago, I met someone at church who constantly quoted from the Dake Bible. My first instinct was to immediately correct all the errors I heard. But every time I tried, he got defensive and our conversations turned into arguments. Finally, I decided to stop talking about Dake altogether and just focus on being his friend. We went fishing together, helped each other with house projects, and prayed together about our families. After six months of genuine friendship, he came to me one day and said, “You know, I’ve been thinking about some of those things you said about the Dake Bible. Could we talk about it?” Because he trusted me, he was finally ready to listen.

Affirm What’s Good

When someone loves the Dake Bible, they usually love it because it’s helped them study Scripture. That love for God’s Word is a good thing! Start by affirming their dedication to Bible study. Praise their desire to understand God better. Acknowledge the time and effort they put into studying. This shows that you’re not against them or their spiritual journey – you just want to help them grow even more.

You might say something like: “I really admire how much you study the Bible. It’s clear that you really want to know God better. That hunger for truth is wonderful! Can I share some things I’ve learned that might help you understand Scripture even more clearly?”

Ask Questions Rather Than Making Accusations

Instead of saying, “Dake teaches heresy about the Trinity,” try asking questions that help the person think through the issues themselves. Questions are less threatening than statements and help people discover truth for themselves.

Here are some helpful questions you might ask:

• “I noticed Dake says God has a physical body. How do you understand Jesus’ statement that ‘God is spirit’ in John 4:24?”
• “Dake teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate Gods. How does that fit with Deuteronomy 6:4, which says ‘The Lord our God, the Lord is one’?”
• “What do you think it means when the Bible uses physical descriptions of God? Are they literal or figurative?”
• “How do you decide when the Bible is using metaphorical language versus literal language?”

These questions help people think without making them feel attacked. Often, when people really think through these issues, they start to see the problems themselves.

Share Your Own Journey

If you’ve ever believed something that turned out to be wrong, sharing that story can help others feel less defensive about their own errors. It shows that we all make mistakes and that changing our minds when we learn better is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

You might share something like: “You know, I used to believe [insert your own past error]. I was so sure I was right! But then someone patiently showed me from Scripture why that wasn’t correct. It was hard to admit I’d been wrong, but I’m so grateful they cared enough to help me understand the truth.”

Pastoral Approaches That Really Work

If you’re a pastor or church leader dealing with Dake’s influence in your congregation, you face unique challenges. You need to correct false teaching while maintaining church unity, and you need to do it in a way that doesn’t drive people away. Here are proven approaches that work.

The Teaching Series Approach

Instead of directly attacking the Dake Bible from the pulpit, consider preaching a positive series on the nature of God, the Trinity, or how to interpret the Bible. Present the truth so clearly and compellingly that error becomes obvious by comparison.

For example, you might preach a six-week series on “Who Is God?” Cover topics like:

• Week 1: God is Spirit – Understanding John 4:24
• Week 2: God is Everywhere – The Comfort of Omnipresence
• Week 3: God Knows Everything – The Security of Omniscience
• Week 4: God Never Changes – The Reliability of Immutability
• Week 5: One God, Three Persons – Understanding the Trinity
• Week 6: How Great Is Our God – Worship and Response

As you teach what the Bible actually says about God, those using the Dake Bible will start to notice that his notes contradict what Scripture teaches. You’re not attacking anyone’s Bible; you’re just teaching truth. This approach takes longer but tends to be more effective and less divisive.

The Educational Class Approach

Offer a special class on “How to Choose and Use a Study Bible” or “Understanding Bible Study Tools.” In this class, teach people how to evaluate study notes, how to recognize good scholarship, and how to spot problematic interpretations. Use examples from various study Bibles, including but not exclusively the Dake Bible.

Teach practical skills like:

• How to distinguish between the biblical text and commentary
• How to check if interpretations align with historic Christian faith
• How to recognize when someone is reading their own ideas into the text
• How to compare different study Bibles on the same passage
• Warning signs of problematic study notes

This empowers people to evaluate for themselves rather than just taking your word for it. When they apply these skills to the Dake Bible, they’ll discover the problems on their own.

The One-on-One Approach

Sometimes the best approach is personal discipleship. Identify key leaders or teachers in your church who use the Dake Bible and meet with them individually. In a private, non-threatening setting, you can have deeper conversations about theological issues.

Start by saying something like: “I’ve noticed you use the Dake Bible in your teaching. I appreciate your dedication to studying God’s Word. I do have some concerns about some of the notes in that particular study Bible. Would you be willing to look at a few passages together and discuss them?”

Then work through specific examples, showing how Dake’s notes contradict clear biblical teaching. Focus on the most serious errors first – his teaching about God having a body, his tritheism, his racial views. Use lots of Scripture and be patient with questions and objections.

The Resource Replacement Approach

If you’re going to ask people to stop using the Dake Bible, you need to offer them something better. Have quality study Bibles ready to recommend or even give away. Some good options include:

• The ESV Study Bible – Solid scholarship with helpful notes
• The NIV Study Bible – Accessible and well-researched
• The MacArthur Study Bible – Conservative and thorough
• The CSB Study Bible – Good balance of scholarship and readability
• The Reformation Study Bible – Strong on doctrine

Consider having your church buy study Bibles in bulk to offer at a discount or give to those who can’t afford them. It’s much easier for someone to give up their Dake Bible when they have something better to replace it with.

Small Group Study Strategies

Small groups provide an excellent environment for addressing these issues because they allow for discussion, questions, and personal interaction. Here are strategies for using small groups to help those influenced by Dake’s teachings.

The Book Study Approach

Choose a good book on the nature of God or the Trinity and study it together as a group. Don’t choose a book that specifically attacks Dake – choose one that positively presents biblical truth. Some good options:

• The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer – Beautiful, accessible teaching on God’s attributes
• Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves – Makes the Trinity understandable and precious
• None Like Him by Jen Wilkin – Clear teaching on how God is different from us
• The Forgotten Trinity by James White – Thorough but readable defense of biblical Trinity

As you study these books together, the contrast with Dake’s teaching will become obvious. Group members can discuss their questions and concerns in a safe environment. The group setting also provides accountability and encouragement for those changing their views.

The Scripture Study Approach

Instead of studying a book, study key Scripture passages that contradict Dake’s errors. But don’t mention Dake at first – just study what the Bible actually says. For example:

Study John 4:24 – “God is spirit”
Spend a whole session on this verse. What does it mean that God is spirit? Look at the context – Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman about worship. Why does God being spirit matter for worship? How does this relate to God being everywhere, not limited to one mountain or temple?

Study Deuteronomy 6:4 – “The Lord is one”
Explore what this meant to Israel and what it means for us. Look at how Jesus quoted this as the greatest commandment. Discuss the difference between one God in three persons versus three separate Gods.

Study passages about God’s omnipresence
Look at Psalm 139:7-10, Jeremiah 23:24, Acts 17:27-28. How could God be everywhere if He had a physical body? What comfort do we get from God’s omnipresence?

Let Scripture itself do the work of correcting error. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and it will accomplish its purpose.

The Comparison Approach

Bring different study Bibles to your small group and compare their notes on key passages. Look at what the ESV Study Bible says about Genesis 1:26 compared to what the Dake Bible says. Compare their notes on John 4:24 or Deuteronomy 6:4. This helps people see that Dake’s interpretations are not standard or accepted – they’re unique to him and contradict what most biblical scholars understand.

Make it a group exercise: “Let’s see how different study Bibles explain this verse.” Read the notes from three or four different study Bibles. Usually, Dake’s notes will be obviously different from all the others. This helps people realize that his interpretations are outside the mainstream of Christian understanding.

The Question Box Approach

Create a question box where group members can anonymously submit questions about theology, the Bible, or things they’ve read in their study Bibles. This allows people using the Dake Bible to ask about his teachings without revealing themselves or feeling embarrassed.

When you get questions based on Dake’s errors (and you will), answer them biblically without necessarily mentioning Dake by name. For example, if someone asks, “Does God have a body?” you can thoroughly answer from Scripture without saying, “This question probably comes from the Dake Bible.”

Recommended Replacement Resources

When someone realizes the problems with the Dake Bible, they need good resources to replace it. Here are recommendations for various needs and levels of biblical understanding.

Study Bibles for Different Needs

For New Believers:

• The Life Application Study Bible – Focuses on practical application
• The Student Study Bible – Written at an accessible level
• The Jesus Bible – Shows how all Scripture points to Christ

For Those Wanting Deep Study:

• The NET Bible – Extensive translator notes explaining decisions
• The Archaeological Study Bible – Rich historical background
• The Biblical Theology Study Bible – Traces themes through Scripture

For Those from Pentecostal/Charismatic Backgrounds:

• The Fire Bible – Pentecostal perspective without Dake’s errors
• The Spirit-Filled Life Bible – Charismatic-friendly but theologically sound
• The MEV Bible – Modern English Version favored by many Pentecostals

For Those Wanting Strong Doctrine:

• The Reformation Study Bible – Reformed perspective
• The Lutheran Study Bible – Lutheran perspective
• The Orthodox Study Bible – Eastern Orthodox perspective

Commentary Recommendations

Sometimes people need more than study Bible notes. Here are accessible commentary series:

• The Bible Speaks Today series – Readable, application-focused
• The Tyndale Commentary series – Balanced, scholarly but accessible
• Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” series – Practical, easy to understand
• The MacArthur Commentary series – Verse-by-verse exposition
• The Christ-Centered Exposition series – Shows how each book points to Jesus

Online Resources

Many people today prefer online resources. Here are trustworthy websites:

• BibleGateway.com – Multiple translations, basic study tools
• BlueLetterBible.org – Free commentaries and language tools
• Biblia.com – Good study tools from Logos/Faithlife
• DesiringGod.org – Solid articles and resources
• Ligonier.org – Teaching resources on doctrine and theology
• BibleProject.com – Excellent videos explaining biblical books and themes

Dealing with Specific Dake Errors

When helping someone influenced by Dake, you’ll need to address specific false teachings. Here’s how to handle the major errors with gentleness and biblical clarity.

Correcting the “God Has a Body” Error

This is one of Dake’s most serious errors. He writes extensively about God having a physical body with “shape, image, likeness, bodily parts such as, back parts, heart, hands and fingers, mouth, lips, tongue, feet, eyes, hair, head, face, arms, loins” (Dake Bible, note on Genesis 1:26).

Biblical Response:

Start with Jesus’ clear words in John 4:24: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Ask them: “If God has a physical body, why did Jesus say God is spirit? Can something be both spirit and physical?”

Then look at passages about God’s omnipresence:

• Psalm 139:7-10 – Where can I go from your Spirit?
• Jeremiah 23:24 – Do I not fill heaven and earth?
• Acts 17:27-28 – In him we live and move and have our being

Ask: “How could God fill heaven and earth if He has a body that can only be in one place?”

Explain anthropomorphism – when the Bible describes God in human terms to help us understand Him. Just like when the Bible talks about being hidden “under God’s wings” (Psalm 91:4), it doesn’t mean God is a bird. These are pictures to help us understand God’s actions and character.

Dake actually admits in his own writing that his view limits God: “God is NOT omnipresent in body but in Spirit through the Holy Spirit” (Dake Bible, note on Jeremiah 23:24). Help them see that Dake is actually making God smaller and more limited than the Bible teaches.

Correcting the Trinity Error

Dake teaches that there are three separate Gods, not one God in three persons. He writes: “The doctrine of the Trinity is simply stated as one in unity, not in number. There are three separate and distinct persons, each having His own personal spirit body, personal soul, and personal spirit” (Dake Bible, note on Deuteronomy 6:4).

Biblical Response:

Start with the foundational truth of Scripture – there is only one God:

• Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one”
• Isaiah 43:10 – “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me”
• Isaiah 44:6 – “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god”
• 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God”

Then show that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each called God:

• The Father is God (1 Corinthians 8:6)
• The Son is God (John 1:1, John 20:28)
• The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4)

The biblical teaching is that there is one God who exists in three persons – not three Gods working together. This is a mystery we can’t fully understand, but it’s what Scripture teaches. Dake’s view is actually polytheism (belief in multiple gods), which the Bible strongly condemns.

Correcting the Racial Segregation Error

One of Dake’s most offensive teachings is his “30 Reasons for Segregation of Races,” where he argues that God wants racial segregation. This is not just theologically wrong; it’s morally evil.

Biblical Response:

Show that all humans are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and come from one blood (Acts 17:26). In Christ, racial distinctions don’t divide us:

• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
• Ephesians 2:14 – Christ “has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility”
• Revelation 7:9 – Heaven will have people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages”

The gospel breaks down racial barriers, it doesn’t build them up. Any teaching that promotes racial segregation is contrary to the gospel and should be completely rejected.

Correcting the Gap Theory

Dake teaches that there was a gap of millions of years between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, during which a pre-Adamic race lived on earth, Lucifer ruled from Eden, and God destroyed everything in a flood.

Biblical Response:

Show that this theory has no biblical support and contradicts clear Scripture:

• Exodus 20:11 says God made everything in six days, not that He remade it
• Romans 5:12 says death entered through Adam’s sin – there couldn’t have been death before Adam
• The Hebrew grammar of Genesis 1:2 doesn’t support a gap
• Jesus said humans were created “from the beginning” (Mark 10:6), not billions of years later

The Gap Theory is an attempt to fit millions of years into the Bible, but it creates more problems than it solves and isn’t supported by the text itself.

The Recovery Process: Helping People Heal

When someone realizes they’ve been believing false teaching, it can be devastating. They might feel angry, confused, embarrassed, or even question their entire faith. Here’s how to help them through the recovery process.

Acknowledge the Pain

Don’t minimize how hard this is. When someone discovers that their trusted study Bible has been teaching them false things about God, it’s genuinely traumatic. They might feel like they can’t trust anything anymore. Acknowledge their pain and confusion:

“I know this is really hard. You’ve trusted this Bible for years, and finding out it contains serious errors must be devastating. It’s okay to feel upset about this. I’m here to help you work through it.”

Reassure Them About Their Salvation

Many people worry that if they’ve been wrong about God’s nature, maybe they’re not really saved. Reassure them that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through perfect theology:

“Your salvation doesn’t depend on having perfect understanding of everything. It depends on trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior. You’ve been doing that, even if you misunderstood some things about God’s nature. God knows your heart, and He’s been patient with your imperfect understanding, just like He’s patient with all of us.”

Help Them Rebuild Their Theology

Don’t just tear down false beliefs – help build true ones. Work through basic Christian doctrines systematically:

• The nature of God – His attributes and character
• The Trinity – one God in three persons
• The person of Christ – fully God and fully man
• Salvation – by grace through faith
• The authority of Scripture – properly interpreted

Use a good systematic theology book written at an accessible level, like Wayne Grudem’s Bible Doctrine or Millard Erickson’s Introducing Christian Doctrine.

Address the Trust Issues

After being deceived by the Dake Bible, people often struggle to trust any teacher or resource. Help them develop healthy skepticism without becoming cynical:

“It’s good to be careful about what you believe. The Bible tells us to test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21). But don’t let this bad experience make you suspicious of everyone. There are trustworthy teachers and resources. Learn to check things against Scripture, compare multiple sources, and look for what Christians have historically believed.”

Connect Them with Community

Don’t let them go through this alone. Connect them with others who understand what they’re going through:

• Find a mature believer to mentor them
• Get them in a good Bible study group
• If possible, connect them with others who’ve come out of similar deception
• Make sure they’re in a church that teaches sound doctrine

Special Situations and Challenges

Sometimes you’ll face unique challenges when dealing with Dake’s influence. Here are some special situations and how to handle them.

When It’s a Family Member

It’s especially difficult when the person using the Dake Bible is a parent, spouse, or other close family member. You don’t want to damage the relationship, but you also can’t ignore serious theological error.

Approach with extra gentleness: Family dynamics make everything more complicated. Be even more patient and gentle than you would with others. Remember that this is a long-term relationship that matters more than winning an argument.

Pick your battles: You don’t need to correct every error immediately. Focus on the most serious issues first – like the nature of God and the Trinity. Let smaller issues go for now.

Pray consistently: Pray for wisdom in how to approach the situation and for the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to truth. Sometimes God needs to prepare someone’s heart before they’re ready to hear correction.

Consider bringing in outside help: Sometimes family members will listen to a pastor or respected friend more readily than they’ll listen to you. Don’t be proud – be willing to involve others if it will help.

When You’re Not in Leadership

What if you’re not a pastor or teacher, just a regular church member who sees the problem? You might feel like you don’t have the authority to address it.

Start with prayer: Pray for your church leadership to have wisdom and for those using the Dake Bible to come to understand the truth.

Talk to leadership privately: Approach your pastor or an elder privately and respectfully share your concerns. Provide documentation of Dake’s errors. Ask how you can help address the issue.

Be patient: Change in a church often happens slowly. Don’t expect immediate action. Trust your leaders to handle it wisely, even if their approach is different from what you would do.

Focus on relationships: Build friendships with those using the Dake Bible. As you earn their trust, you’ll have opportunities to share truth in personal conversations.

When the Whole Church Uses It

In some churches, the Dake Bible is so entrenched that almost everyone uses it, including the leadership. This is a particularly challenging situation.

Consider whether to stay: If a church’s leadership is committed to Dake’s false teachings even after being shown the problems, you may need to find a new church. You can’t single-handedly reform a church that doesn’t want to be reformed.

If you stay, be strategic: Focus on teaching truth positively rather than constantly fighting against error. In Sunday school or small groups, teach what the Bible actually says and let truth do its work.

Document everything: If you’re going to address this with denominational leadership or others, document the false teachings being promoted. Keep copies of church materials that promote Dake’s errors.

Protect new believers: Be especially concerned about new Christians who don’t yet have discernment. Offer to disciple them personally and provide them with sound resources.

When They Won’t Listen

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, people won’t listen. They’re so committed to the Dake Bible that they refuse to consider any criticism of it.

Don’t give up hope: Just because someone won’t listen today doesn’t mean they’ll never listen. Keep praying for them and being their friend. God might use something else to open their eyes later.

Set boundaries: If discussions about the Dake Bible always lead to arguments, it’s okay to say, “Let’s not discuss this anymore. I care about our friendship too much to let this divide us.”

Plant seeds: Even if they won’t have a full discussion, you can still plant seeds of truth. Share what you’re learning from Scripture without directly attacking Dake. Truth has a way of working in people’s hearts over time.

Model good Bible study: Let them see how you study Scripture carefully, checking context, comparing translations, and looking at what the whole Bible teaches on a topic. Your example might influence them more than your words.

Creating a Culture of Biblical Discernment

The best defense against false teaching like Dake’s is a church culture that values biblical discernment. Here’s how to build that culture.

Teach How to Study the Bible

Don’t just teach what the Bible says – teach how to study it. Offer classes on:

• Basic hermeneutics (interpretation principles)
• Understanding literary genres in the Bible
• Recognizing figurative language
• The importance of context
• How to use study tools properly

When people know how to study the Bible for themselves, they’re less likely to be deceived by false teachers.

Emphasize Testing Everything

Regularly remind your congregation to test everything against Scripture, even what you teach! Create a culture where questions are welcomed and searching the Scriptures is praised. When people feel free to question and investigate, they’re less likely to blindly follow any teacher, including false ones.

Teach Church History

Understanding what Christians have historically believed helps people recognize new errors. When someone understands that the church has always believed God is spirit, they’re less likely to accept Dake’s teaching that God has a body. Teach about:

• The early church creeds
• Historic heresies and why they were rejected
• The development of essential doctrines
• How the church has dealt with false teaching throughout history

Provide Multiple Good Resources

Don’t let people depend on just one study Bible or teacher. Recommend multiple trustworthy resources and encourage people to compare them. When someone sees that four different study Bibles agree on something but Dake disagrees, it helps them recognize which interpretation is probably wrong.

Model Humility

Show that it’s okay to say “I don’t know” or “I was wrong about that.” When leaders model humility and the willingness to be corrected, it creates a culture where everyone feels safe to admit error and grow in truth.

The Long-Term Perspective

Helping people recover from false teaching takes time – often years. Here’s how to maintain the right perspective for the long journey.

Remember God’s Sovereignty

God is sovereign over everything, including people’s theological journey. He can use even their time under false teaching for good. Joseph told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). God can bring good even out of theological deception.

Many people who come out of false teaching end up with stronger faith because they’ve had to examine what they believe and why. They often become powerful advocates for truth because they know firsthand the danger of error.

Focus on the Gospel

While doctrinal accuracy is important, remember that the gospel is what saves. People can be genuine Christians even while holding some false beliefs. Keep the main thing the main thing – salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

This doesn’t mean we ignore false teaching, but it means we keep it in perspective. Someone using the Dake Bible who trusts Christ for salvation is still our brother or sister, even if they’re confused about God’s nature.

Celebrate Small Victories

Don’t wait for complete transformation to celebrate. Celebrate small steps in the right direction:

• When someone starts questioning Dake’s notes
• When they’re willing to look at other resources
• When they admit one area of error
• When they start studying Scripture more carefully
• When they ask good questions

Each small step is movement toward truth and should be encouraged.

Trust the Holy Spirit

Ultimately, it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to guide people into all truth (John 16:13). We’re just instruments. Do your part faithfully – share truth, answer questions, provide resources, pray consistently – but trust the Holy Spirit to do the heart work.

Sometimes we want to see immediate results, but God often works slowly and quietly. A seed planted today might not bear fruit for years. Trust God’s timing and God’s methods.

Protecting the Next Generation

One of our most important responsibilities is protecting young believers from false teaching. Here’s how to help the next generation avoid Dake’s errors.

Start Early with Good Theology

Don’t wait until children are teenagers to teach them good theology. Start early with age-appropriate teaching about God’s nature:

• God is spirit, not like us with a body
• God is everywhere, not stuck in one place
• There’s only one God, not three
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all the one God
• God loves all people of every color and nation

Use children’s catechisms, good children’s Bibles, and solid Sunday school curriculum that teaches orthodox doctrine.

Teach Critical Thinking Skills

Help young people learn to think critically about what they read and hear. Teach them to ask questions like:

• Does this match what the whole Bible teaches?
• Is this person taking verses out of context?
• What have Christians historically believed about this?
• Does this make God smaller or less glorious?
• Is this adding to what Scripture actually says?

These skills will protect them not just from Dake but from all false teaching.

Provide Good Youth Resources

Make sure your youth have access to solid, engaging resources appropriate for their age:

• The Case for Christ for Students by Lee Strobel
• The Big Picture Story Bible for younger kids
• The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
• Youth devotionals from trusted authors
• Good youth study Bibles without doctrinal errors

Address Their Questions

Young people often have tough questions about God and the Bible. Don’t dismiss these questions or give simplistic answers. Take them seriously and help them find biblical answers. If you don’t know the answer, research it together. This teaches them how to find truth and shows that their questions matter.

Connect Them with Good Teachers

Make sure the people teaching your youth are doctrinally sound. One teacher using the Dake Bible in youth group can influence dozens of young people. Screen your teachers, provide them with training, and give them good curriculum to use.

When to Get Help

Sometimes the situation is beyond what you can handle alone. Here’s when and how to get help.

When to Involve Church Leadership

Involve your pastor or elders when:

• Someone is teaching Dake’s errors in the church
• The problem is affecting multiple people
• Someone in leadership is using the Dake Bible
• Your own efforts haven’t been successful
• The situation is causing division in the church

Approach leadership respectfully with documentation of the problems and a humble attitude. Remember, they may not be aware of the issues with the Dake Bible.

When to Seek Denominational Help

If your church is part of a denomination, you may need to involve denominational leadership when:

• The local church leadership is committed to Dake’s errors
• The problem is widespread in your region
• You need official resources or statements about the issue
• The situation requires authority beyond the local church

Many denominations have theological committees that can provide guidance on these issues.

When to Consult Theological Experts

Sometimes you need input from theological experts who understand the specific issues with Dake’s teaching. Consider contacting:

• Seminary professors who specialize in systematic theology
• Apologetics ministries that deal with aberrant Christian teaching
• Respected authors who have written on the doctrines Dake distorts
• Pastors who have successfully dealt with Dake’s influence in their churches

These experts can provide resources, advice, and sometimes direct help in addressing the situation.

When to Consider Leaving

As a last resort, you may need to leave a church that’s committed to false teaching. Consider leaving when:

• Leadership refuses to address serious doctrinal error after being informed
• False teaching about God’s nature is being actively promoted
• Your family’s spiritual health is being harmed
• You’ve exhausted all means of bringing reform
• The church is moving further into error rather than toward truth

Leaving should be done graciously, without causing unnecessary division. Simply state that you have doctrinal concerns and need to find a church that aligns with your biblical convictions.

Success Stories: Hope for Recovery

To encourage you in this difficult work, here are some success stories of churches and individuals who have overcome Dake’s influence.

The Church That Changed Course

Grace Assembly in Arkansas had used the Dake Bible as their primary study resource for twenty years. When a new pastor arrived and discovered the theological problems, he knew he faced a massive challenge. Instead of immediately condemning the Dake Bible, he spent a year teaching through the attributes of God, carefully explaining what Scripture actually teaches.

He then offered a special seminar on “Choosing and Using Study Bibles,” where he compared multiple study Bibles, including Dake’s. By the end of the seminar, most attendees could see for themselves that Dake’s notes contradicted mainstream Christian interpretation. The pastor offered to trade anyone’s Dake Bible for a new ESV Study Bible, no questions asked. Within six months, the Dake Bible had virtually disappeared from the congregation.

Today, Grace Assembly is known for its strong biblical teaching and doctrinal soundness. Many former Dake users have become teachers themselves, using their experience to help others avoid deception.

The Bible Study Group’s Transformation

A women’s Bible study in Florida had used the Dake Bible exclusively for eight years. When a new member joined who had theological training, she was shocked by some of the teachings she heard. Rather than confronting the group directly, she asked if they could study the book None Like Him by Jen Wilkin, which teaches about God’s attributes.

As they studied how God is infinite, incomprehensible, and self-existent, the contrast with Dake’s physical, limited god became obvious. The group leader, initially defensive, gradually began to see the problems. She spent hours comparing Dake’s notes with other resources and eventually concluded he was teaching heresy.

The group not only abandoned the Dake Bible but became passionate about sound doctrine. They now carefully evaluate all study materials and have helped other groups in their church recognize and avoid false teaching.

The Seminary Student’s Journey

Marcus grew up in a church where everyone used the Dake Bible. His parents, grandparents, and pastor all trusted it completely. When Marcus went to Bible college, his professors challenged his beliefs about God having a body and the Trinity being three separate Gods.

At first, Marcus was angry and defensive. He wrote papers trying to defend Dake’s positions. But the more he studied Scripture and church history, the more he realized Dake was wrong. The process was painful – it felt like his whole theological world was crumbling.

But Marcus’s professors were patient and kind. They helped him rebuild his theology on solid biblical foundation. Today, Marcus is a pastor himself, and he regularly helps others who have been influenced by false teaching. His experience with Dake has made him especially careful about doctrine and compassionate toward those who have been deceived.

The Family’s Journey Together

The Thompson family had used Dake Bibles for three generations. When their teenage daughter started asking questions about some of Dake’s teachings she was learning in youth group, the parents initially defended Dake. But their daughter’s questions made them start examining things more carefully.

The whole family decided to study the issue together. They read books on the Trinity, studied what the early church believed, and carefully examined Scripture. It was a six-month journey of discovery that sometimes led to heated discussions around the dinner table.

Eventually, the entire family came to see that Dake’s teachings were seriously flawed. They replaced their Dake Bibles and began attending a church with stronger doctrinal teaching. The experience, though difficult, actually brought the family closer together and strengthened their faith. They now say that discovering truth together was one of the best things that ever happened to their family.

Practical Tools and Exercises

Here are some practical tools and exercises you can use when helping someone influenced by Dake’s teachings.

The Comparison Chart Exercise

Create a chart comparing what Dake teaches with what Scripture and orthodox Christianity teach:

Topic	What Dake Teaches	What the Bible Teaches	Key Verses
God’s Nature	God has a physical body	God is spirit	John 4:24
Trinity	Three separate Gods	One God in three persons	Deuteronomy 6:4
God’s Presence	Located in heaven	Omnipresent	Psalm 139:7-10
Races	Should be segregated	All one in Christ	Galatians 3:28

This visual comparison helps people see clearly how Dake’s teaching contradicts Scripture.

The Scripture Search Exercise

Give people a list of verses and have them read each one without looking at any notes, then answer: “What does this verse actually say?”

• John 4:24 – What is God?
• Deuteronomy 6:4 – How many Gods are there?
• Jeremiah 23:24 – Where is God?
• Acts 17:26 – What about human races?
• Isaiah 43:10 – Are there other Gods?

This helps them see what Scripture actually says without Dake’s interpretation.

The History Check Exercise

Have people research what Christians have historically believed about key doctrines. Provide them with resources like:

• The Apostles’ Creed
• The Nicene Creed
• The Athanasian Creed
• Historic confessions of faith

When they see that Christians have always believed God is spirit and that there’s only one God, it helps them recognize that Dake’s teachings are innovations, not biblical truth.

The Word Study Exercise

Take a word that Dake misinterprets and do a proper word study together:

• Look up the word in multiple Bible dictionaries
• See how it’s used throughout Scripture
• Check the context of specific uses
• Compare different translations

This teaches good Bible study methods while correcting Dake’s errors.

Final Words of Encouragement

If you’re reading this chapter because you want to help someone influenced by Dake’s teachings, I want to encourage you: this work matters. Every person you help escape from false teaching is a victory for truth. Every believer who comes to understand God correctly will worship Him more truly and serve Him more effectively.

This work is often slow and sometimes discouraging. People don’t easily give up beliefs they’ve held for years. You may face resistance, anger, and even rejection. But don’t give up. Truth is powerful, and God’s Spirit is working even when you can’t see it.

Remember that you’re not alone in this work. Around the world, faithful Christians are standing for truth and helping others escape from error. You’re part of a long line of believers who have contended for the faith throughout church history.

Keys to Success

As we conclude, here are the keys to successfully helping those influenced by Dake:

Love genuinely: People need to know you care about them, not just about being right.

Be patient: Change takes time. Don’t expect immediate results.

Stay biblical: Always ground your corrections in Scripture, not opinion.

Remain humble: You don’t know everything either. Be willing to learn and grow.

Pray persistently: This is spiritual work that requires God’s power.

Provide alternatives: Don’t just take away; give something better.

Build community: Don’t let people journey alone.

Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and rejoice in every step toward truth.

The Ultimate Goal

Remember, our ultimate goal isn’t just to get people to stop using the Dake Bible. Our goal is to help them know the true God more deeply, worship Him more fully, and serve Him more faithfully. When someone escapes from Dake’s false teaching about God having a body, they can worship God as the infinite, omnipresent Spirit He truly is. When they understand the Trinity correctly, they can marvel at the mystery of one God in three persons. When they reject Dake’s racial teachings, they can experience the beautiful unity of the body of Christ.

The apostle John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth” (3 John 4). This is our joy too – seeing believers walk in truth, free from error, grounded in sound doctrine, growing in their knowledge and love of God.

Remember: Truth in Love

As we end this chapter, remember Paul’s instruction to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth without love becomes harsh and pushes people away. Love without truth leaves people in deception. But truth spoken in love can transform hearts and minds.

You have been equipped with knowledge about Dake’s errors and strategies for addressing them. Now go forward with confidence, knowing that the God of truth is with you. Be patient, be loving, be persistent, and trust God to work in His timing and His way.

The battle against false teaching is not easy, but it’s necessary. Every person you help toward truth is worth the effort. Every believer who comes to know God correctly will impact others with that truth. The ripple effects of your faithful work will extend far beyond what you can see.

May God bless your efforts to help those influenced by false teaching. May He give you wisdom, courage, and compassion as you guide others toward truth. And may many come to know and worship the true God more fully because of your faithful service.

The truth will set them free – but only if someone cares enough to share it.

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