In a devastating incident, the son and two grandsons of the late Peter Sturges Ruckman, a figure known for his controversial stance as a Pensacola pastor, have died in an apparent murder-suicide in northern Illinois.
Authorities have identified the deceased as 58-year-old Peter S. Ruckman, son of Peter Sturges Ruckman, alongside his two sons, 12-year-old John Ruckman and 14-year-old Christopher Ruckman. All three died from gunshot wounds, according to the Winnebago County coroner.
Peter Sturges Ruckman, the father, was a long-time and internationally recognized pastor of Pensacola Bible Baptist Church. He passed away at 94 last year, leaving behind a legacy marked by both devoted followers and staunch critics. He founded the Pensacola Bible Institute in the 1960s and remained a controversial figure throughout his career due to his hard-line theological views.
Sheriff’s deputies in Winnebago County were dispatched to Peter S. Ruckman’s residence near Rockford, Illinois, on Saturday morning. The grim discovery was made after his ex-wife raised concerns about being unable to reach him. Upon arrival, law enforcement found the two young boys deceased in separate bedrooms, and Peter S. Ruckman in a third bedroom.
Local news source, the Rockford Register Star, reported that Peter S. Ruckman was a respected political science professor at Rock Valley College and also taught at Northern Illinois University. His sons, John and Christopher, were students at Rockford Christian schools.
Peter Sturges Ruckman, who died in Pensacola on April 21, 2016, was well-known for his uncompromising sermons. He famously described himself as a “junkyard dog” appointed by God to defend his interpretation of the Bible against detractors.
A central tenet of Peter Sturges Ruckman’s theology was his belief in the King James Version of the Bible as “advanced revelation,” surpassing the original Greek texts in clarity and divine insight. While he trained numerous preachers at his institute, his teachings also drew significant criticism. The website Ruckmanism.org was established to specifically “warn about the dangers of Ruckmanism,” reflecting the ongoing debate surrounding his theological contributions and their interpretation of the King James Bible. The site questions the validity and impact of Peter Ruckman’s sermons and broader preaching ministry.
This tragic event adds a somber chapter to the family history of a figure who remains a point of intense discussion within religious circles, particularly those interested in interpretations of the King James Version and the legacy of Pensacola Bible Baptist Church.
