CHRISTIA f TY TODAY - ~ ~ --~======i'~~j~======~~--­.~ A PRESBYTERIAN JOURNAL DEVOTED TO 5T A TING, DEFENDING III AND FURTHERING THE GOSPEL IN THE MODERN WORLD III SAMUEL G. CRAIG, Editor H. McALLISTER GRIFFITHS, Managing Editor Published monthly by THE PRESBYTERIAN AND MID-AUGUST,1931 $1.00 A YEAR EVERYWHERE REFORMED PUBLISHING CO., Entered as second ..la .. malter Mal' 1 " 1931, at Vol. 2 No.4 the Post Office at Philadelphia, Pa., under the 501 Witherspoon Bldg., Phila., Pa. Act 01 March 3, 1879. The Cosmic Significance of Christ

N a previous issue (September, 1930), that He sustains to men as teacher, friend, all things consist" (Colossians I:15-1 7') • I under the title "CHRIST and Chris­ example, saviour, master, and such like, It is not enough, then, that we think tianity," we pointed out the place that but at the same time they clearly teach of CHRIST as the Saviour of the world CHRIST occupies in the religion that He that He occupies a position in the universe and as the LORD and Life of humanity. founded-a place so central -that CHRIST as a whole that is nothing short of central. We gladly admit that those who see in Himself is Christianity to such an extent JOHN and PAUL spoke not only for them­ Him their Saviour as well as their LORD that apart from Him there is and can be selves but for all the writers of the New and King have laid hold on that which is no such thing as Christianity in any Testament when with JESUS in mind they most vital ·for them; and yet it is by no proper sense of the word. wrote: "In the beginning was the .Word, means a matter of indifference whether It is evident, however, that we cannot and the Word was with GOD, and the men see in Him at the same time-as did see in CHRIST a proper object of religious Word was GOD. All things were made JOHN and PAuIr-the creator, sustainer, worship-in harmony with the New Tes­ through Him and without Him was not and goal of the universe as a whole. tament and the great historic creeds­ anything made that was made" (John I: There are various considerations that without seeing in Him one who sustains 1-3) ; "Who is the image of the invisible indicate the importance of our keeping relations to the universe as a whole as GOD, the first born of all creation; for in in mind the place that JESUS CHRIST well as to mankind. If we saw in JESUS Him were all things created, in the heavens occupies in the universe as a whole. The simply the first Christian-so that to be a and upon the earth, things visible and following may be mentioned: Christian is to believe like JESUS rather invisible, whether thrones or dominions 1. Unless we see in JESUS one whose than in or on JEsus-there would be no or principalities or powers; all things have rank in the scale of being places Him by occasion for our thinking of Him in been created through Him and unto Him; the side of GOD, and so one whose place cosmical terms. It is otherwise, however, and He is before all things, and in Him in the universe is such a place as GOD when we see in Him an object of worship. occupies, we cannot believe in the incar­ Unless JESUS occupies a position in the nation as taught in the New Testament; universe as a whole that warrants our because the thought most essential to such calling him GOD, we can worship Him only IN THIS ISSUE: an incarnation is the thought that GOD at the cost of rendering to a creature what Some Supernatural Marks in the Old himself in the person of His Son assumed belongs only to the Creator. This means Testament...... 4 the flesh of our humanity, and "so was E. Van Dousen that what we regard as the Christian atti­ and continueth to be GOD and man, in two tude toward JESUS is rooted in the convic­ Notes on Biblical Exposition...... 6 distinct nature.s, and one person, forever." tion that He not only occupies the central J. G. Machen 2. Hack of the conviction that JESUS place in Christianity but a central place in Authority in Religion...... 8 is Saviour of men and their rightful LORD the universe as a whole. Wm. Bittle Well~ and King, in the New Testament meaning What has just been said might seem to Books of Religious Significance...... 11 of these terms, lies, expressed or unex­ imply that the place that CHRIST occupies pressed, the thought of the relations He in the universe as a whole is a truth we Questions and Answers ...... 13 sustains to the universe as a whole. Deny infer from what the Scriptures teach Letters to the Editor ...... 14 these wider relations and only those who rather than a truth explicitly taught in Current Views and Voices...... 16 fail to think their convictions through the Scriptures. No such implication is would be able to see in Him their Saviour intended. It is true, of course, that most Ministerial Changes ...... 18 and LORD-for time and eternity. Only frequent mention is made of the relations News of the Church...... 19 one who sustains such relations to the 2 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931

universe as f1 whole, as according to the it is grafter1. :;-ahuE' 'mel grac8, ordinary better that we neglect this world and its New Testament JESUS sustains, could be knowledge amI l'eyeald Knowledge, are activities than that we neglect JESUS and our Saviour and Lmm in the full rich not to be conceived as independent still His gospel. If- we had to choose between sense in which He is set forth as such in less as antagonistic entities. '1'hey are being mere secularists, mere worldlings, the New Testament. related vitally and organically; and and being monks and nuns, it would be that because JESUS is the source and 3. The place that JESUS occupies in the the part of wisdom to take our stand with head both of the kingdom of nature and universe is the presupposition of Chris­ the latter. "For the things which are seen the kingdom of grace. It follows that tianity's claim to be the final religion. are temporal; but the things which are not there can be no real contradiction be­ Unless we see in JESUS one whose position seen are eternal." But we are under no tween science and faith, i. e., between­ in the universe makes Him a proper object necessity of making such a choice. This what may be learned from the study of religious worship, it is readily conceiv­ world is not evil in itself. JESUS Himself of nature and what may be learned from able that as MOSES and the prophets have created it. Moreover, His prayer for His the Scriptures. There may, of course, be been surpassed, so JESUS will be surpassed; disciples was not that they be taken out of a real contradiction between certain inter­ and hence that Christianity is only pos­ the world but that they be kept from the pretations of nature and certain inter­ sessed of a temporary significance. Such evil in the world. Still further the object pretations of the Scriptures; but in view a notion, however, is inconceivable if He of CHRIST'S saving work was not simply of the fact that JESUS is ultimately the be really a proper object of worship; for individual sinners, it was humanity itself author of both, it is obvious that when in that case the universe contains nothing together with the world humanity in­ both are rightly interpreted there can be higher than He, so that the religion that habits. He came to save the world itself no real contradiction between them. centers in Him is necessarily the final and and His task will not have been fully done Those who are aware that JESUS is Crear absolute religion. This thought is com­ until "the creation itself shall be delivered tor as well as Saviour will not be in con­ mon to the writers of the New Testament. from the bondage of corruption." With stant fear lest discoveries in science will It is in the Epistle to the Hebrews, how­ all its sin, "the earth is the LonD's and disprove the contents of Christian faith. ever, that it finds fullest expression. Its the fulness thereof." Hence our watch­ They may be fearful lest men through author argues that Christianity is the word as Christians should not be separa­ wrong interpretations of nature be led to final religion because of the superiority of tion from the world but only from what reject the Christian faith, or vice versct, JESUS not only to all who had preceded is evil in the world. We are indeed pil­ but they are certain that ultimately it will Him but to all who might come after grims in this world, but pilgrims with be clear to all that there is no real contra­ Him. If JESUS were but a creature it many tasks to perform ere we leave it. diction between true science and true were conceivable that the religion He Moreover we should remember that this faith. Doubtless there is a contradiction, established should be superseded by world belongs to our I~ORD and Saviour for instance, between Naturalism in all its another and more perfect religion; but and that it is our privilege' to enjoy its forms and Christian faith, but that finds since He is "the effulgence of GOD'S glory blessings with thanksgiving. "For all and the very image of His substance, the its explanation in the fact that N atural­ things are yours; whether PAUL, 01' ApOL­ one also who made the worlc1s and who ism is grounded in a wrong 01' at least LOS, 01' CEPHAS, or the world, or life, or upholds all things by the word of His inadequate interpretation of nature, not death, or things present, or things to power" we may be sure that such a sup­ in the fact that there is a contradiction come; all are yours; and ye are CHRIST'S position will never become a reality. between nature rightly interpreted and the and CHIIJST is GOD'S." teachings of CHRIST and His apostles. 4. Unless we keep in mind the cosmic 6. Finally, it is important that we significance of JESUS it is almost certain 5. A perception of the place that JESUS think of JESUS in cosmical terms that we that we will misconceive the relation be­ occupies in the universe as a whole pro­ may be assured that our confidence in tween nature and grace, science and faith, motes a right attitude toward this world Him is not misplaced. If He were some ordinary knowledge and revealed knowl­ and its activities. If we think of Jesus lesser person it is conceivable that His edge. To realize that CHRIST is creator exclusively as related to mankind the words should fail of realization; but being and sustainer and goal of the universe as tendency will be strong within us to sup­ what He is we may be altogether sure well as the saviour of mankind is to pose that He came into the world to save that He will fulfill His promises and that realize that these things have a common sinners out of the world and that He is it will happen to us as individuals and as source, and, hence, that they are related indifferent to the fate of the world itself. a race even as He said. It was because organically rather than mechanically. III that case it is more or less inevitable PAUL thought of JESUS in cosmical terms This means that grace has not been added that he lived his life in the persuasion to nature or revealed knowledge to orcli­ that we will underestimate the earthly nary knowledge as house is added to house spheres of art and science, literature and that nothing could separate him from in the building of a city; rather that politics, domestic and social economy, the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST grace has been added to nature and re­ and that we will sympathize with those JESUS, and that at its close enabled him vealed knowledge to ordinary knowledge who say that "to be converted and then to say "I am persuaded that He is able as the scion from the good olive tree is go forth to convert others" is practically to keep that which I have committed added to the wild olive tree into which the whole of Christian duty. It is indeed unto Him against thatday/' , August, 1931 CHRISTIANtTY TODAY 3

of this passage-remarkable even for PAUL erosity in support of (or labor in behalf Christian Thought and Life: -if we point out that it stresses three of of) religious movements or organizations, Its past, its present and its the outstanding charactel'istics of the will lead it to look with approval on one Christian religion, to wit-Christianity is whose way of life is a way that it defines future (1) an historical religion, (2) an ethical as a way of sin and iniquity. While OR the grace of GOD hath appeared, religion, (3) an optimistic religion. Christianity teaches no one has ever been saved, or ever will be saved, on the ground 'b1"inging salvation to all men, in­ There is a need today, such as did not F of what he is or what he has done, yet this si1"ucting us, to the intent th{d, denying exist when Dr. PLUM:iIBible for religion. It cherishes hig'h hopes and ex­ must be lived; and there are things in moral and religious instruction remains pectations for the future. It believes that store for us in the future, which must be the same whether or no its alleged facts the days to come are going to be better looked for. Thus the three great virtues actually occurred. We as sinners, how­ than any that have. been. This optimism of faith, charity and hope are inculcated. ,ever, need something more than moral and is grounded in the living and reigning Two Epiphanies or appearances of JESUS religious instruction. We need a living CHRIST and finds its culmination in the CHRIST in this world are stated as the two Saviour who actually made atonement for belief that CHRIST is to return in glory to great limits of the Christian dispensation. our sins. Unless the facts recorded con­ complete the work inaugurated in the There is the Epiphany of grace, when the cerning CHRIST in the New Testament days of His flesh. This is the great event CHRIST appeared in humility, bringing actually happened we have no such that awaits us in the future. It will be as salvation and instruction to all men; and Saviour. Our hope for time and eternity truly an historical event as was His com­ there is the Epiphany of glory, when He is grounded in the conviction that JESUS ing nearly two thousand years ago. The will appear again in power, that He may CHRIST actually "gave himself for us that doctrine of the second coming is not a claim as His own possession the people He might redeem us from all iniquity." secondary Christian belief. It is not only whom He hath redeemed; and between While the occasion for stressing the basic to Christian thought but determina­ these two is the Christian life, with its fact that Christianity is an ethical re­ tive of the Christian outlook. Adequate 'blessed hope,' the hope of the LORD's re­ ligion is not the same as the occasion for Christianity exists only where it is given turn in glory to complete the kingdom stressing the fact that it is an historical full and open recognition. To speak of a which His first Advent began." religion, there is constant need of empha­ pessimistic Christian is little short of a One hesitates to add comments to Dr. sizing this fact. Whatever else Chris­ contradiction in terms. How can one be PLUMMER'S striking,.and illuminating tianity may be, it is an ethical movement pessimistic while "looking for the blessed paragraph. It may seriVe however to bring and no orthodoxy of thought, no punctili­ hope and the appearing of the great GOD out more fully the worth and significance ous observance of religious rites, no gen- and our Saviour JESUS OHRIST?" CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931

Some Supernatural Marks in the . Old Testament By E. Van Deusen

HE absolute uniqueness of the of the one sole, personal God of the eye, the Lord hath made even both of T Hebrew and Christian Scriptures Hebrew revelation. them" (Prov. 20 :12); "The Spirit of forbids their classification with any other (B) God as "a Spirit, infinite, eternal, God hath made me, and the breath of the writings. The Bible is in a class by it­ unchangeable in His being, wisdom, Almighty hath given me life" ( Job 33:4). self and cannot be treated merely like power, holiness, justice, goodness and This idea was unknown apart from the other books. Nor can its clearly unique truth" is asserted throughout the Old Bible; the conception is not in the cos­ character and content be accounted for Testament; "The Lord God, merciful and mogany of any nation untouched by the by any simply naturalistic explanation. gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in Hebrew influence. Nothing short of supernatural interven­ goodness and truth" (Exod. 34 :6) ; "The (B) Man's Duties to God: Obviously, tion can logically account for the more high and holy One who inhabiteth eter­ whatever "nature" might show as to the than just human ideas and history which nity, whose name is Holy" (Isaiah 57 :15). existence, power, goodness and wisdom of it records; anything less would be an at­ No other mortal writing, uninfluenced by God, it cannot disclose the mind and will tempt to explain an effect by an inade­ the Bible, even approaches these lofty and of God as to man's moral and spiritual quate cause. Every effect must have not uplifting conceptions of the Deity. life; this, if known, must perforce be only a cause but an adequate cause. The (C) God as men's loving Lord seeking "revealed" to him. The relationships be­ ignoring of this fact has caused unmeas­ His creatures love in return is a matter tween God and men, as expressed in the ured error. This unique supernatural of revelation, and unknown apart from Old Testament, involve duties of man to "watermark" is seen in the Old, as well the Scriptures of both Old and New God that are quite unknown outside of as. in the New, Testament. Of its many Testaments. In Jeremiah 31:3 He says the Bible's teaching; e. g., Love-"Thou evidences in the former, brief considera­ "I have loved thee with an everlasting shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine tion is here given to three-(a) the con­ love; therefore with loving kindness have heart,and with all thy soul, and with all ception of God, (b) the teachings regard­ I drawn thee." Again, "I was found of thy might" (Deut. 6 :5) ; Thanksgiving­ ing man, and ( c ) Old Testament Ethics. them that sought me not-All day long "Sing unto the Lord-give thanks at the The Book itself is the best witness as to I have stretched forth my hands unto a remembrance of His holiness" (Ps. its own supernatural character. disobedient and gainsaying people." . This 30 :4) ; J oy~"Glory ye in His holy name; First-Its Conceptions of God: The divine wooing merits recognition and let the heart of them rejoice that seek Old Testament is unique in its lofty con­ gratitude: "0 give thanks unto the Lord, the Lord" (I Chron. 16:10). ceptions of God. for He is good, for His mercy endureth (C) Man's Destiny: The Old Testa­ (A) Monotheism permeates these entire forever" (Psalms 106 :1) ; "Oh that men ment-though speaking less fully than Scriptures, although they were produced would praise the Lord for His goodness, the New, after the teaching of Him who amid otherwise universal polytheism and and for His wonderful works to the chil­ "brought life and immortality to light idolatry-including that of Semitic peo­ dren of men" (Psalms 107:8). That through the gospel"-yet answers with ples also, except Israel. They proclaim God is seeking men, that "We love Him assurance the age-old question "If a man throughout "The Lord, He is God; there because He first loveu us" is another of die shall he live again?", indicating in the unique conceptions of the Hebrew is none else beside Him" (Deut. 4 :35). general yet clear terms something of the This monotheism is the more impressive and the Christian Scriptures. conditions and circumstances of that fu­ when one notes that polytheism and Second-Its Teachings regarding Man: ture existence. "Thou shalt guide me demonism were never cast off by any The Old Testament's witness as to man with Thy counsel, and afterward receive people through its own inherent effort and is also unique. me to glory" (Ps. 73 :24) ; "I will behold apart from the distinctive spiritual teach­ (A) Man's Origin: Speaking in a Thy face in righteousness; I shall be ings of the Jewish and Christian Scrip­ straightforward, concise, matter-of-fact satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness" tures. Even the monotheistic conceptions way, with restraint yet assurance, these (Ps. 17 :15); "I will ransom them from of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, though Scriptures ascribe the origin of man-and the power of the grave; I will redeem real, were practically undivorced from of his earthly home, with its furnishings them from death" (Hosea 13 :14); "I the prevalent polytheism, were in essence -to an intelligent, willing, beneficent, know that my Redeemer liveth, and that measurably impersonal, and were im­ personal Creator-God. "I have made He shall stand at the latter day upon the potent to bring either the philosophers or the earth, and created man upon it" (Is. earth; and though after my skin worms the people to any effective apprehension 45 :12) ; "The hearing ear and the seeing destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 5 see God; whom I shall see for myself, Testament morality; e. g., the Mosaic and mine eyes shall behold" (Job 19 :25- This paper is published in the interest law, while recognizing the c~mmon prac­ 27) ; or again, "Many of them that sleep of a cause. Obviously it can serve tice of Slavery, yet humanized and greatly in the dust of the earth shall awake, some that cause only as it is known and modified it, until at length it practically read. If you are in sympathy with its to everlasting life, and some to shame and aims, and have found it helpful, please ceased. Here again is another mark of a everlasting contempt. And they that be tell others about it. more than human origin. wise shall shine as the brightness of the (3) H~tmanity in war. In war, Israel firmament; and they that turn many to was enjoined "When the host goeth forth plied to men as they are, and Old Testa­ righteousness as the stars forever and against thine enemies, then keep thee fro~ ment ethics were very practical in their ever" (Daniel 12 :2-3). every wicked thing" (Deut. 23 :9)-and application to human conditions. God­ this in an age of cruelty, rapine and li­ Third-Its Ethics: Compared with and men-use the best instruments at cense; amid base, sensual, idolatrous and other nations of antiquity, the socio­ hand, and their imperfections are no re­ spiritually debased peoples, Israel was ethical standards ·of Israel were of such flection on the plan or method; a pupil's commanded regarding the spoils of war, superiority as to indicate their super­ faults are not those of the teacher. Men "-in any-wise keep yourselves from the natural source. are not forced, because of high ethical accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves Some spirituality is prerequisite to any standards, to do right. The Mosaic law accursed when ye take of the accursed real and effective morality; and through­ was a pedagogue to lead men in time to thing" (Joshua 6 :18) . As to war prison­ out Israel's history-sometimes well-nigh the higher spiritual sanctions of the ers, the Syrian king's advisers said eclipsed by their backslidings-were a Messiah. "Behold now, we have heard that the consciousness of Sin and of accountability (3) Admonition is not approval: Ad­ kings of the house of Israel are merciful to a personal and holy God. To under­ monition fills a large place in the Old kings" (I Kgs. 20 :31); and again, the stand Old Testament ethics, three facts Testament record; it provides concrete king of Israel "prepared great provision must be remembered: cases of warnings, as well as of examples for them (his war prisoners) ; and when (1) That Old Testament history is the to follow. Much teaching in the Old they had eaten and drunk, he sent them expression of a divine redemptive purpose Testament is by "the case method." Be­ away, and they went to their master" working to a certain end. Purpose and cause the Scriptures record unrighteous (II Kgs. 6:23). objective permeate and shape Old Testa­ deeds, does not imply their approval; they ment history, which is the record of the are rather moral beacons marking the ( 4) Revenge and Oppression were for­ bidden. "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear outworking of God's redemptive aim­ s~oals of sin. ~ 0 lesson is more in­ against man's disobedience. His plan in­ sistently taught in the Old Testament any grudge against thy people" (Levit. volved-(a) physical and (b) moral than that-save for God's gracious inter­ 19:18); "Rejoice not when thine enemy preservation of a representative race vention-the harvest will be as the sow­ falleth, and let not thine heart be glad through which would come at length the ing. when he stumbleth" (Prov. 24:17); world's divine Redeemer; it was to be a With these three guiding thoughts in "Thou shalt not oppress an hired serv­ spiritual leaven in earth's lump of in­ mind for interpreting the ethical aspects ant" (Deut. 24 :14); "Oppress not the iquity; only as the momentous issues of of Old Testament history, we can but widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, eternal life or eternal death are appre­ note a few points of uniqueness and su­ nor the poor; and let none of you imagine ciated, will one see how all-important was periority: evil against his brother in your heart" the preservation of this lineage, amid ( 1) Gratitude and Love the ground of (Zech.7:10). conditions that ever threatened its destruc­ ethical obedience. One mark of super­ (5) Generous spirit toward strangers. tion. The immediate aim was the moral natural-(vs. evolutionary) -origin is Strangers were also provided for: and spiritual training of a family-race­ that-unlike pagan religions-Judaism "Judge righteously between every man­ to reveal God and His will to men, and did not try to strengthen its ethical ap­ and the stranger that is with him" (Deut. man and his sins to himself; the ultimate peal by use of the solemn sanctions of the 1 :16); "Thou shalt neither vex a aim was the reconciliation and redemption future life. Ethical obedience was de­ stranger, nor oppress him" (Exod. of men. And the final welfare of man­ sired to be the expression of gratitude to 22 :21); "-neither shalt thou gather kind was and is superior to any temporal a loving Lord who led Israel out of a land every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt and seeming private pleasure or profit; of bondage into "a land flowing with milk leave them for the poor and stranger" this principle is recognized daily in the and honey." While recognizing the peril (Lev. 19 :10); etc. legal right of "eminent domain." and penalty of sin, yet love rather than In brief, the Old Testament evinces its (2) Old Testament Ethical Laws were selfish fear was the desired motive for uniqueness and supernatural source in adapted to the spiritual capacities of sin­ keeping the moral law. varied ways, as in the otherwise logically ful men; they seized upon the best to (2) Old Testament mor~lity progres­ inexplicable unity of its writings, in its reach the better. There is a subjective, sive, not static. In contrast with the exclusively lofty conceptions of God, in as well as an objective, side to ethics; static nature of pagan moralities, the its teachings on such high and vital men are not automatoms, but self-deter­ pedagogic purpose and method of revela­ 'themes as man's origin, duties and des­ mining beings. Moral law must be ap- tion produced a progressiveness in Old tiny, or in its superior ethical standards. 6 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931 Notes on Biblical Exposition By J. Gresham Machen/ 0.0./ Litt.D. Professor of New Testament in Westminster Theological Seminary VIII. THE CALL OF GOD

"For ye have heard of my manner of Pharisee, it is natural, when he speaks mere invitation; it is, rather, a call which life formerly in Judaism, that excessively of the traditions of his fathers, for us to brings its answer with it; it is what the I persecuted the Ohurch of God and laid think especially, though perhaps not ex­ Shorter Catechism calls "effectual call­ it waste, and advanced in Judaism be­ clusively, of the Pharisaic additions to the ing." That sovereign call of God came yond many contemporaries in my race, written Law. to Saul of Tarsus when he sa")Y the Lord being more exceedingly zealous for the "Such," Paul says in effect, "was my Jesus on the road to Damascus and be­ traditions of my fathers. But when He life before my conversion. Far from came instead of a persecutor a servant who set me apart from my mother's womb coming nearer to Christ, I was if any­ and an apostle. and called me through His grace was thing moving farther away. I was an pleased to reveal His Son in me in order active persecutor of the Church of God; The Revelation of God's Son that I might preach Him among the Gen­ I was as far as possible from becoming a But if the call refers to the conversion, tiles, immediately I conferred not with disciple of those from whom the Judaizers what is referred to by the revelation of flesh and blood, nor did I go up to J eru­ say that I received my gospel." God's Son which is mentioned next, as salem to those who were apostles before Then came the conversion. It was not the third of the things which God did me, but I went away into Arabia and according to Paul what it is according to in the case of the Apostle. At first sight, again I returned to Damascus." (Gal. it might seem to be something subsequent 1 :13-17, in a literal translation.) modern naturalistic historians, the result of a psychological process; but it was to the call and hence something subse­ utterly sudden, and was brought about quent to the conversion. Paul says: The Conversion by a sovereign act of God. ''When He "When He who (1) set me apart and T has been shown in the last number who set me apart," says the Apostle, (2) called me (at the conversion) was I of CHRISTIANITY TODAY that Gal. "from the very beginning of my life­ pleased (3) to reveal His Son in me that 1 :12 enunciates the thesis which is to be from my mother's womb-and called me I might preach Him among the Gen­ proved in the first main division of the through His grace was pleased to reveal tiles ..." At first sight, it might seem Epistle. "I received the gospel," Paul His Son in me that I might preach Him as though three successive acts were here says in effect, "not by instruction from among the 'Gentiles . .." Three acts mentioned: (1) the setting apart, (2) men but by direct revelation from Jesus of God are here mentioned. In the first the call, (3) the revelation of God's Son. Christ." place, God set Paul apart from his Thus the revelation of God's Son in Paul would not be identical with the conver­ The first proof of this assertion is found mother's womb. Although Paul did not sion but would be some later event in the in Paul's life before his conversion: cer­ know it, God had really, from the very Apostle's life. tainly he was not then coming under the beginning of his life, designated him for influence of the original apostles, but was the special work of preaching the gospel There are, however, other indications an active persecutor. "Ye have heard," to the Gentiles. In the second place, God which tend to show that this view is in­ Paul says, "of my ma=er of life formerly carried out that plan, which He had had correct and that it is really the event on in Judaism, that excessively I persecuted for him from the begi=ing, by calling the Damascus road which is referred to the Church of God and laid it waste, and him through His grace. There is no here as it is referred toby the "call" advanced in Judaism beyond many con­ doubt whatever but that this divine call which has just been mentioned. The temporaries in my race, being more ex­ is to be regarded as having taken place trouble with regarding the revelation of ceedingly zealous (than those contempo­ definitely and specifically at the conver­ God's Son as an event distinct from the raries -were) for the traditions of my sion. The word "call" in such connec­ conversion is that it seems to be treated as the turning-point in Paul's life, the fathers." tions does not refer to the plan of God from all eternity; and it does not refer event with reference to which all subse­ We learn sOp1ething more about those to the general divine ordering of a man's quent events in the experience of the traditions from Phil 3 :5, where Paul him­ life in the e;mcution of that plan: but it Apostle are to be dated. Paul tells what self, in one of the Epistles that are uni­ refers to the majestic divine act by which did not happen immediately after this versally accepted as genuine by modern at a definite moment of time the divine event, then he tells us what happened criticism, says that he was "as touching purpose becomes effective in those who three years after it, etc. But surely the the law a Pharisee." Since he was a are saved. Such a "call" is more than a event which is treated in this way as the August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 7 turning-point in Paul's life can only be Paul himself in one of his universally Revelation to Paul or to. Others? the conversion. accepted Epistles says that he actually saw This difficulty, when taken with the Christ, so that the revelation at that time At any rate, it would seem clear that difficulty already mentioned, that the reve­ was an outward and not merely an inward if the revelation of God's Son is not the lationof God's Son seems, at first sight event. In I Cor. 9:1 Paul says, (plainly conversion it must at least be placed very at least, to be presented as subsequent to with reference to the conversion) : "Have soon after the conversion and in close the call and not identical with it, made I not seen Jesus our Lord?"; and in I connection with it. We might think, for it not altogether surprising that so able Cor. 15:8 he says that Christ "appeared" example, of possible revelations within the a scholar as Bishop Lightfoot adopted an to him the verb "appeared," which is here three days of blindness which the Book interpretation totally distinct from those 'used, being the passive voice of the verb of Acts mentions as having followed im­ that we have so far considered. Light­ mediately upon the event on the road to "to see," which is used in the other pas­ foot held that the revelation here referred sao-e so that "appeared" in Greek is the Damascus. " , . to is not at all a revelation either to Paul same as "was seen." Moreover, Paul eVI- But is it really necessary, from the or within Paul's soul, but a revelation dently regarded his meeting with Jesus through Paul to others. The wonderful . form of the sentence, to regard the reve­ on the Damascus road as being entirely change in Paul's life, since it was wrought lation of God's Son as being subsequent different from such an experience as that to the "call"? That does not seem to be by the grace of Christ, was a revelation of which he describes in II Cor. 12 :1-4. Christ to all who might behold it. On by any means perfectly clear. Paul first That does not mean that this latter ex­ designates ~od by means of the two out­ this interpretation, the use of the preposi­ perience did not possess high value; it tion "in" in the phrase "in me" would be standing things which He had done for does not mean that it was a mere illusion. similar to that in verse 21 when Paul him in his life taken as a whole up to the But Paul speaks of it with the utmost says, "They glorified God in me." ~'When time of the writing of the Epistle; he reserve and with the utmost reluctance. God was pleased," Paul would be I!lade by designates God as the One who had. set He was caught up into the third heaven, him apart and had called him. When he this interpretation to say, "to reveal His he says, but whether in the body or out of Son in me by the revelation of His Son's tells what the One so designated had done the body he does not know, and the words to fit him particularly to be a preacher to power in my whole life ..." An objec­ that he heard were unspeakable. Indeed, tion to this view is usually found in the the Gentiles. It is perhaps not necessary he even hesitates to use the pronoun "I" to reflect upon the question what the tem­ fact that the passage seems to put the in speaking about that experience; he ven­ revelation of God's Son in Paul as some­ poral relation is between' this third act tures only to say, with regard to the re­ of God and the other two acts. Paul may thing prior to the proclamation of God'~ cipient of it: "I knew a man in Christ Son by Paul to the Gentiles-something me~n simply to say: "When the One who above fourteen years ago . .." When he which had that proclamation as its pur­ can be designated as the One. who set me speaks about his ~eeting with Christ on pose-whereas if Lightfoot's interpreta­ apart and called me was pleased (w:hether the Damascus road, on the other hand, tion is correct the revelation of God's Son before or after or simultaneously WIth the there is none of this reserve. Far from in Paul would seem rather to be identical calling) to reveal His Son in me that I having to be forced to speak about that with that proclamation of God's Son or mio-ht proclaim Him among the Gen- meeting, as about the strange experience e . continuously contemporary with it. This tiles . .." In that case, the revelatIOn described in II Cor. 12 :1-4, he made it objection is perhaps not quite decisive, of God's Son in Paul might be regarded basic in all his preaching; he presented and the interpretation against which it is as having taken place on the road to it publicly to his converts (or, as it is Damascus and as being, like the call, raised is at least not beyond the bounds perhaps more accurate to say, to those of possibility. identical with the conversion. who by the presentation of it became con­ verts) "among the first things" (I Cor. However, the commoner view, that the Paul's Meeting with Christ on the 15 :3). Evidently he regarded it as a revelation of God's Son in Paul does refer Damascus Road plain matter of fact, attested by the senses to the Damascus event or to something It must be admitted, indeed, that like any other event. It was not merely immediately subsequent to that event and another difficulty seems to arise against an inner experience, according to Paul, closely connected with it, and that it does this identification. If the revelation of but a happening in the external world. refer to a revelation that had Paul as its God's Son here spoken of was a revela­ If that be so about Paul's meeting with recipient, is also not impossible. Why tion in Paul, it seems at first sight to be Christ on the Damascus road, how can it may not Paul be referring here to ~n designated as an inner, rather than as an be that event that is referred to in our inner aspect of what he designates else­ external, revelation. But if so, how can passage when Paul says that God revealed where as an external event? If the con­ it be identified with that meeting of Paul Christ in him? Paul plainly regarded version was wrought by a revelation of with Christ which is described in the ninth the event on the Damascus road as an ex­ God's Son to Paul, does that exclude the and twenty-second and twenty-sixth chap­ ternal event, whereas in our passage the fact that it was also a revelation of God's ters of the Book of Acts? In that meet­ revelation of God's Son is designated as Son in Paul? ing, not only the Book of Acts (which is a revelation in him and not as a revelation A special reason for the use of the under fire in modern criticism) but also to him. preposition "in" here is perhaps to be 8 C H RI S T I A NIT Y TO DAY August, 1931 found in the lJarallelism with the imme­ But if there are many things in' the gerous by-paths; it will save us from the diately following phrase, "among the Bible that are plain, there are some things sad waste of time into which some devout Gentiles." In that latter phrase we have that are obscure, and it is important not people fall. to use the preposition-"among" in Eng­ to be too cocksure in our views about those Let us not be ashamed, therefore, to lish. But in Greek it is exactly the same things. Sound and cautious exegesis will say sometimes with reference to the inter­ preposition as the preposition "in" which demolish many a sermon, but it is salu­ pretation of the Bible : "We do not know." occurs i:q the phrase "in me." Quite pos­ tary in the end;' and few things are more But on the other hand, let us never rest sibly the parallelism is intentional. "God needed than sound and cautious exegesis complacently in that ignorance, but let us revealed His Son in me," Paul says, "that is needed today. Contact with the really l strive rather by diligent study and by ear­

I might preach Him in the Gentiles J ' God great exegetical tradition of the Christian nest and prayerful meditation to learn revealed Him in the little sphere of my Church will preserve us from' many more and more of what God has said to life that I might proclaim Him in the vagaries; it will keep 11S from many dan- us in His Word. large sphere of the Gentile world." The Value and the Limitations • of Exegesis Authority In Religion Thus three interpretations are possible in this difficult passage. By the revela­ By William Bittle Wells tion of God's Son in Paul, Paul may be "Beware lest any man spoil you through the equal or the superior of the great referring (1) to his meeting with Christ philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradi­ Apostle Paul, whose writings, in incon­ at his conversion, (2) to a revelation tions oj men, after the rudiments of the gruous self-defense and with a strange in­ closely following upon the conversion, or world, and not after Ohrist." (001. 2:8.) consistency, they must and do disclaim. (3) to the revelation of Christ to the HE religious world today is character­ This incoherent state of mind and con­ world which was found in the wonderful T ized by an ominous confusion. It is to sequent condition in the church generally change which Christ wrought in Paul's be found not only in all the various reli­ take on unusual significance because they life. gious groups, but equally in the individual. are so wide-spread. We can account for it, possibly, on the ground that, to some extent Which of these three interpretations is Much of it, if not all, can be attributed to the fact that there is no agreement as to at least, society is intellectually disinte­ correct ? We confess that we do not know, what is the final source of authority in grating. The explanation of this condition though we lean rather strongly to the first. religion. is to be found in the fact that we are living in a purely scientific age.. LogiC, therefore, That confessi?n of our ignorance may be When the chief priests demanded of is at a low ebb. As proof of this, the church­ painful, but at least it is honest. Jesus, "By what. authority doest thou these man today accepts and seemingly believes things?" they struck the key-note in all In making the confession, we are par­ in things that are diametrically opposed.• religion. Take away external authority, ticularly desirous of not being misunder­ An excellent example of this is found in which is the foundation stone upon which the statement by a prominent preacher, who stood. We are not falling in the slightest the whole structure of any religion rests, says: into the current agnosticism about the and we have only a shell left, devoid of any "In religion as in all fields of thought semblance of Vitality. interpretation of the Bible; we are not and endeavor, the final authority is the acquiescing at all in the current impres­ In spite of this self-evident truth, the re­ experience of the individual in his sion that the Bible can with equal pro­ jection of accepted authority in religion is search for truth.... This point of priety be made to support (1) Chris­ being advocated by many who have in the view is not so startling, after all, be­ past, at least, been called "Christians." Of tianity and (2) a non-doctrinal religion cause an external authority has just as course, those who hold to "the faith which much authority as we individually are which is almost the diametrical opposite was once for all delivered unto the saints" disposed to give to it.... That is to of Christianity. We are by no means find in the Scriptures the only and final say, the final appeal is within and not acquiescing in the notion that everything source of authority. Strange as it may without." . seem, however, the great majority of men in the Bible may be "interpreted" to mean and women have not been really concerned This statement might well be passed by its exact opposite, and that there is no about this subject, and have been willing to were it not for the fact that it emanates disputing about interpretations any more leave it to others for settlement. Unfortu­ from one who is supposed to be a Christian, than there is disputing about tastes. 'On nately, however, while assuming this mis­ and who, accordingly, is supposed to accept the belief, held by civilized and uncivilized the contrary, we believe that in the great taken attitude, they are being misled by pseUdo-science, which, although being dis­ peoples alike, that there is some kind of a body of its teaching the Bible is as plain claimed by the real scientist, has yet God-an ultimate authority, apart from, as day, and that no honest man who really fastened its false and terrible tentacles independent of, and infinitely transcending attends to it can reasonably be in doubt upon the weak in faith. the individual consciousness-who rules as to what it means. It is perfectly clear, This condition is being fostered by those over all. Thus we have the anomalous and moreover, that the real issue in the teachers of the Gospel who have forsworn contradictory situation wherein one rejects Church of the present day concerns not their original faith, and broken their the authority of the Scriptures to which he is ostenSibly devoting his life, and which the question what the Bible means but the sacred vows to preach the true Word of God. Yet, like blind leaders of the blind, he is paid to support and expound; and who, question whether, meaning what it plainly these apostate Ministers are seeking to be in making an appeal for individual author­ does, the Bible is true or false. prophets in their own right, and pose as ity in religion, must, of necessity, displant August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 9

God from that role, without which there is entirely upon the individual and his cir­ We have all about us examples of this in and can be no God. cumscribed relations to special conditions science, and the true scientist now hesitates Yet, befuddled as he is, the churchman or to the world at large. Experience itself to quote any experiences as a final author­ today, apparently without a thought, and has shown that the reaction of individuals ity, knowing that all theories today are in certainly without a protest, accepts a state­ to the same experience varies in accordance a state of fiux. ment that can be shown to be without with their experience. So we are compelled Modern philosophy, as expounded by foundation either in fact or in experience. to 'ask, What experience? How much of Hume and Kant, agrees on this point. an experience? When did the combined ex­ Indeed, that very experience which we are Alfred Weber sums it up as follows: periences take place? What was the state told is the final source of authority has "Since experience always furnishes of mind when the experiences happened? taught even the youth that there is no only a limited number of cases, it can­ Who can vouch for the fact that they were finality about experience; that there are not yield necessity and universality. real experiences and not hallucinations? great variations in it; and that there is an Hence a judgment a posteriori, i.e., one What previous experience did the persons authority outside of, and greater than, based solely upon experience, cannot have? How old are theY? Where have they himself. constitute scientific knowledge. In lived all their lives? What do they really order to be necessary, or scientific, a The experience of the youth has taught know? him that if he disobeys he will be punished, judgment must rest on a rational basis; it must be rooted in reason. as well as just as he will be burnt if he sticks his My own very limited experience does not in observation; it must be a judgment hand into the fire. But the source of tell me that there is any life after death. authority is not in his experience in con­ I have never died, and I have never seen a priori." nection with the punishment, but in the anybody who did .die and who came back. Accordingly, the experience alone of the parents in whom is invested authority. If Is my experience, then, final and authorita­ individual in his search for truth could not he sticks his hand into the fire that does tive? If it is, then I am certainly in a bad produce a scientific or dependable judgment not mean that his act or his experience is way. But most assuredly my experience is because it could not rest upon a rational the fire, itself. It only develops the fact not final, conclusive or authoritative. It is basis. Certainly, then, it could not be that the fire is there/just as authority is there valueless. My experience also tells me that authoritative. But we must not lose sight whether he gets burnt or not. But if he there is no such thing as the new planet, of the fact that we are conSidering two never gets burnt, never has any experiences Pluto, which I read about in the papers. distinct things: experience and authority. alone these lines, could he say, logically, that Others say that they have seen it. Now you They are not the same. And, as we have there is therefore no fire! That because he ask me not to go by my own experience, and seen, neither is authority derived from has never experienced it, therefore there is to believe what others tell me. But I can­ experience. not do that if "the final source of authority no such thing as tuberculosis; that because The danger that besets this generation is in all fields of thought and endeavor is in he has never seen a dynamo, and has never exactly along these lines. Experience and the experience of the individual in his experienced its results, that therefore there authority are being confused, and youth is search for truth." Therefore, we are forced is no such thing as electricity! To admit being taught the vicious doctrine that youth to the conclusion that one's experience may this, we would have to concede that facts itself, or what is worse still, the experience be wholly an error. outside of individual experience do not of the youth, is the final source of authoritY.. exist. But even such concession upon our "Let us ask," says Julian Andrieu, "What As a result of such teachings, a young part will not in the least alter the fact of we mean by an error? With Spinoza we woman in San Francisco recently killed her fire or authority or other things that exist would say that erroneous ideas consist in mother because the mother protested regardless of individual experience. And the fancies and opinions which the senses against the daughter going out night after if youth has not learned the significant suggest to the mind in a confused, imper­ night. With overweening egoism the lesson that authoritY has more authority fect, and ill-ordered manner. To this sort daughter said: "Yes, I killed mother. I than youth is disposed to accord to it, then of knowledge Spinoza gives the name of would not let her dictate to me." certainly the home is a complete failure. vague experience. This vague experience Take away authority from the parents, is further complicated by the employment It is true that experience might, and, as and let it be in the experience of the youth, of signs which fiatter the fancy and of which a matter of fact, often does testify of author­ and eventually we shall have chaos in our we form ideas like those which the objects ity. But it does not necessarily do so. This national life. But the parents, even in the themselves presented at first to our imagina­ is so because the testimony of experience is home, are not the final source of authority. tion." very often false. It could not, therefore, If they are notoriously remiss in their be authoritative in itself, nor, purely as an Descartes tells us that he was obliged to duties, the State steps in, takes the child experience, could it be dependable. confess that life is full of delusions; that away from them, and places it under the For example, I may say that my experl­ testimony may be false or mistaken; that care of the ·State. The parents may, and ence tells me that, beyond peradventure of reason lands us in endless fallacies; and often do, protest. They must learn, how­ a doubt, you cannot hear a man in Portland, that the evidences of the very senses may be ever, that there is, in turn, an authority Oregon, who speaks in New York City. I misunderstood. outside pf, and greater than, themselves, to which they are amenable: the welfare of tell you that I can "shout my head off," so If these things be true, what reliance, if society as a whole. to speak, and I cannot be heard by a man any, can we place upon our experience as a a mile away, whereas you say you can hear source of authority? In the light of experi­ We assent to the fact that the State, a man speak who is three thousand miles ence itself as attested to by the general politically speaking, is the final authority. away. If my experience is the final source experience of mankind, the best that we can Assent, however, does not Indicate the of authority, my conclusion is that you are say is that experience is sometimes a guide source of authority, but simply the recogni­ greatly deceived because What you say is to, or a testimony of, authority. But that tion or consciousness of ·authority. The entirely outside my experience. But you the experience of the individual could not Anarchist does not assent. Therefore, shall reply that I am the one who is deceived, be­ be authoritative in any final or definitive we say that there is no authority for him? cause I judge from a very limited experi­ sens.e is fully demonstrated by the acknowl­ The authority exists regardless of his assent.. ence which is wholly untrue to facts. edged fact that the experience of today will The State exists de facto. Accordingly, Hence we mayor may not discover be totally at variance with what experience it is the "community" or what we call authority through experience. It depends will say in the future. "society" that has created authority; that 10 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931

has invested itself with it. The individual gressive truth. But a fixed, unchangeable, moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter; has not done it. In every age society has everlasting and complete truth, as certain 1: 20, 2l.) overridden the individual in this respect; as the stars in heaven-absolutely absolute. Paul in 2 Timothy 3: 16, emphasizes this has disregarded the assent or the consent The individual of necessity craves, same origin of the Scriptures: "All scrip­ of the individual. searches for, and depends upon this ultimate ture is given by inspiration of God, and is Why do we have laws? It is because the truth. He seeks an authority higher than profitable for doctrine; for reproof, for cor· individual is not the final source of author­ himself. He knows, if he knows anything rection, for instruction in righteousness." ity as a matter of fact or in his experience. at all, that, compared to the outward forces And that there might not be any misunder­ It is because society found out that the of authority that must and do exist, his own standing as to Paul's authority for what he individual cannot be' depended upon either experience is meagre, mean, futile, insignifi­ . says, he states in I Corinthians, 14: 37, "If to think or act aright. cant, and pusillanimous. He knows that if any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the But even with laws, there comes a differ­ he looks to himself or his experience as the things I write unto you are the command· ence of opinion as to what they mean, and final source of authority he cannot find God, ments of the Lord." we have judges, created by "society" to in­ but must find himself in God's place. There­ terpret the law, and to punish the individual fore, the experience of the individual in his This claim as to the peculiar character whose experience goes contrary to the good search for truth could not be authoritative of the Scriptures was emphasized by Isaiah: of the many. Thus the United States in religion because it would not be a judg­ "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; Supreme Court is the final authority in ment "roqted in reason." but the word of our God shall stand for· America. ever." And the Psalmist, in praise and This must, indeed, be the case because worship of Almighty God, in that unique· The racketeer of today, however, con­ the human. race has come into existence ness of spirit which has ever been un· with an inherent idea that there is, there siders that he, and not the State, is the final matched, sang with a JOY and knowledge source of authority. He defies the laws. He must be some force,: some power, some that could come from God alone: "Thy word is, in short, the living exponent of the argu­ authority higher than itself. Who will, is true from the beginning, and everyone ment that the individual in his experience who can, deny this in the face of the fact of thy righteous judgments endureth for­ is the final source of authority. Witness that every race under the sun, from the dim ever." (Ps. 119 :160.) the horrible examples in Chicago. Under beginnings of time, no matter how ignorant But it remained for Jesus Christ, "The the theory of individual authority the or savage, has reached out, groping, for that same yesterday, today and forever," ''Who racketeer is right, and society in its higher power, that final authority. The is gone into heaven, and is now on the right attempts to defend itself absolutely wrong. ancient Egyptian, the Babylonian, the Fiji hand of God; angels and authorities and The racketeer is just as sincere as the snake Islanders, every civilized and uncivilized powers being made subject unto Him" is when it bites you: get out of the way or race in the world,-all have produced undy­ (I Peter; 21·22), to give the final touch as suffer the consequences. ing testimony to this fact. All peoples, all nations, have had some kind of a God­ to the status of the Holy SCl'iptures. The upshot of the matter is that the capac­ whether it be the "God of Abraham, Isaac, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, ity of individuals to seek truth varies. One and Jacob," the "Great Spirit" of the Ameri­ saying, All power is given unto -me in is a moron. Another, a philosopher. Another, can Indian, or a God of sticks and stones. heaven and earth" (Matt. 28:18). With all an Anarchist. Another, a pseudo-scientist. But there always has been, and, so long as power, all authority and all knowledge, the Another, a crank, and so on. In short, we the human race endures, there· always will Son of God gave utterance to that sure, have all sorts and conditions of men. Con­ ringing, certified testi?nony (John 10:25) sequently, we have all sorts and conditions be, some kind of a God to which this "dust" can turn. which is, and which must be, the ultimate of capacity to see the truth. from God, Himself: Therefore, it is not only futile, but it is There is no common denominator except an assault upon our intelligence, to assert human nature, and nobody has yet pre­ that the individual in his experience is the "The Scripture Cannot Be Broken" tended to understand that fully. Take all final authority. If such, indeed, be the case, It was this. complete knowledge, through this confusion in opinion. in beliefs, in then life as the world has lived it, and all divine insight, that led Jesus to give that ideals, in desires, in governments, in reli­ other testimony which settles for eternity gion, in science, in everything under the of humanity's premonitions and desires. are this question as to the final authority in sun, and where do we arrive with such a delusions and snares. But even granting religion. When it came to the final and statement that the experience of the indi­ this to be a fact, that does not alter the complete test as to such authority, and the vidual in his search for the truth is the established and unalterable fact that human­ has does .great testing time likewise for Jesus, Him­ final authority? ity reached out, and reach out, for an authority higher than itself. The facts self, Jesus did not refer to God nor to His If this were the truth, no authority what­ must forever remain, and they must and own power and authority. He did not .do ever would be possible. Life would come do establish beyond cavil that the final so because God had given man a final source to a standstill. In fact, society has been source of authority according to humanity of authority, and for Jesus to refer to God able to make progress only because the indi­ itself, and not according to individual opin­ the Fatherr, apart from His revelations, vidual is not the final authority. Even in ion, which at best could have no standing would have meant that Jesus had put aside matters of state the individual cannot be in this instance, is to be found outside the the authority that the Father had given not trusted, and we have seen in our own day inclividual and in a higher and supernatural only to man, but to Jesus, Himself, as well. the last of the authoritative kings on earth. power. There was, then, one source of authority Therefore, if we are guided by facts and The world, it is true, has advanced for Jesus in religion, and only one. In all not by fancies, we must inevitably come to greatly along certain lines. But in endow­ the circumstances there could have been the conclusion that the individual, either as ing this progress, God did not leave Himself only one. That is, Jesus Christ, as .the Son a matter of fact or in his experience, can­ without a witness on the matter of trans­ of God, knew within Himself, in keeping not be the final authority in anything. And, cendent importance to humanity. That with His wisdom and omniscience, that the ) last of all, in religion. witness is the Holy Scriptures. It is. the Holy Scriptures are the sole source of Why? Because either we are, or we al'e authority from God, Himself, "For the authority in religion. And He could not be not. Accordingly, there must be absolute prophecy came not in old time by the will false to the truth. truth. Not a changeable truth. Not a pro- of man: but holy men spake as they were (Concluded on page 15) August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 11 Books of Religious Significance

Book Notes ular standpoint of the Christian Reformed a series begun by the late James Hastings, Church, there is food in it for all. It sells is -being continued by the Rev. Edward UMMER is usually considered the time for seventy-five cents.... The Rev. Norman Hastings, -M.A. The present volume takes S of year for relaxation in reading. Ser­ B. Harrison, D.D., Presbyterian Pastor, up two epistles of Paul-that to the Philip­ mons, or books of obviously sermonic con­ Bible Teacher and Evangelist, has sent forth -pians and that to the Colossians. It is tent are appropriate for this season. Radiant another of his rich stUdies in the New brilliantly edited, and contains much that Religion, by the Rev. A. Z. Conrad, D.D., Testament books. This one is entitled His will be of interest and use to those prepar­ well known as the eloquent and evangelical Very Own, and is a verse by verse quiet, ing sermons and addresses. In a book of Minister of the Park Street Congregational reverent study of Paul's Epistle to the this nature, so made up of extracts and Church in Boston, is based upon what the Ephesians. It is devotional but not shallow, quotations from hundreds of writers, it is author terms Christ's favorite salutation: and should be an exceptional aid in bringing manifestly impossible to say that everything -"Be of good cheer!" The object of the dis­ out the riches of the great epistle which will be acceptable to the conservative Chris­ courses contained here is to add to the joy portrays the Church as the fulness of tian. But there is a great -deal of first-class, of living, to make men and women mor'e Christ. The volume is publiShed by the useful material in the book. At the end of heroic in facing the troubles, burdens and Bible Institute Colportage Association, Chi­ the volume is an index of commentaries, problems of daily life. They admirably ful­ cago, and sells for $1.00 net.... The Rev. sermons and other works on these epistles, fil their purpose. The volume is published A. H. Finn is known throughout the Eng­ which is a valuable feature. The book may­ by Harper and Brothers, New York and is lish-speaking world for his writings in de­ be ordered from Blessing Book Stores, Inc., listed at $1.50 .... The Rev. William Car­ fense of the Bible. He has now prqduced a Agents for America, Chicago. The volumes ter, D.D., the gifted Minister of the Throop small but mighty volume concerning The are priced at $3.50 net. Ave. Presbyterian Church, of Brooklyn, is Author of the Pentateuch. The work is not H. MeA. G. the author of The Other Side of the Door, a technical or difficult. Its' simplicity and selection of sermons from among those conciseness, however, do not mean that it preached in his Church and given a world­ is merely a handbook of other men's argu­ THE CLEANSING OF LIFE by Daniel wide distribution through the Brooklyn ments in popular form. It is original, Russell. W?1t. B. Eerdmans Publishing Daily Eagle. Having been requested to vigorous and well reasoned, just the kind Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pp. 185. bring these sermons together in one volume, of book that will help intelligent laymen to $1.50. he has done so. The result is a book of deal with talkative doubters. It is pub­ strong, popular discourses. The work is lished by The Bible League, 45 Doughty HE author of this book is the pastor published by the Fleming H. Revell Co., Street, Bedford Row, W.C. 1, London, Eng­ T of the Rutgers Presbyterian Church of New York, and is priced at $1.50 .•.. land. It is priced at two shillings (about New York City. The volume deals with the Christ and His Men is the title of a book fifty cents) .... What it Means to be a problem of the purification or sanctification that has, from all reports, created a near­ Christia". is the title of an interesting and of life in an eminently sane and helpful _sensation among students and young people helpful book by the Rev. Charles O'Neale manner. It represents a type of book of in Scandinavia and central Europe. It was Martindale, a Minister of the Southern which there are altogether too few and we written by the late Pastor Olfert Ricard in Presbyterian Church. It is a brief but wish for it a wide reading. While suited to the Danish language and has gone through copious encyclopedia of the Christian life. the needs of all, irrespective of age, it will twelve editions in that tongue. It is t~ans­ It can be ordered- from the Author at Morgan be found particularly profitable to those not lated by the Rev. Harold C. Jensen of the City, Louisiana. The cloth edition is $1.35 yet far advanced in the Christian life. It United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church and the art paper eighty cents.... The merits a place in every Sunday School li­ in America. The present reviewer cannot venerable and scholarly Professor John brary; also a place in every Y.M.C.A. and read Danish, but he can testify that the Alfred Faulkner, who occupies the chair of Y.W.C.A. library where the letter "c" English translation is both gripping and Church History in Drew Theological stands for the word "Christian" in anything beautiful. This interpretive study of Christ Seminary, has written an arresting work like the New Testament meaning of that and His disciples will haunt the mind of entitled Burning Questions in Historic word. whoever reads it for many a day and night. Christianity. While what Dr. Faulkner This book consists of ten chapters, nine It is published by the Augsburg Publishing writes is from the standpoint of the con­ of which deal with the problem in a piece­ house, which may be addressed care of the servative Methodist, and while some of the meal fashion and one of which stresses the Rev. H. C. Jensen, Dannebrog, Nebraska. material included will especially absorb unity of the life that stands so greatly in ... Those who are seeking for good Chris­ those who are the ecclesiastical and spirit­ need of cleansing. Chapters on the cleans­ tion fiction will be pleased to know that the ual heirs of the Wesleys, yet what he writes ing the Imagination, Memory, Conscience, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., of Grand ShOllld instruct and edify Christians of all Will, Motives, Affections, Mind, Attitudes, Rapids, Michigan, has just published a story denominations. Such s1).bjects as Did Courage, are followed by one on the Cleansed Life. The range and scope of the book are by Bertha B. Moore, entitled The Rock of apostolic Christianity and the ancient thus indicated. Decision. It ii> a fine tale for "grown ups," Church borrow from the "mystery reli­ Dr. Russell in his "Foreword" modestly but is especially the kind that will be likely gions"?; Were the early Christians Pre­ says: "The distinction of this small book, if to have a profound effect upon teen-age boys millennialists?; Is the historical foundation it has any, lies in the fact that it makes and girls. It can be recommended without of the Papacy sound?; and Was Wesley a no attempt to be more wise than the Scrip­ reserve. The price is $1.50 ...• If Thou Premillennialist? are sure-to arouse interest tures. This will commend it to those who Shalt Confess, also published by Eerdmans, and discussion if possibly not agreement love the old ways. Perhaps it will com­ is a little but worth-while book by Jan upon all points. It is a distinctly worth­ mend it also to some who, trying strange Karel Van Baalen, intended for young people while book. It may be secured from the paths, find themselves in the fog, with the who are considering their relation to Christ Abingdon Press, New York, and is priced at water brooks dried up and the going rough." and His Church. Written from the partic- $2.50 ...• The Speaker's Bible, which -was But while he adheres to the old ways to such 12 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August[ 1931

an extent that he can write, "The way to it means peace; it means the fulfillment of (he is, we believe, a Seventh Day Adventist) the cleansing of life is Christ's way. There our destiny. Without it we are fatherless -but we have been greatly impressed by is no new way. It is two thousand years in time and homeless in eternity. With it his arguments and if they are refutable we old. But it remains the one sure way to we enter into our heritage as sons of God. would like to see them refuted. A reply make the angel dominate the beast within And if sons, then heirs, heirs of God and to Mr. Price from the side of the "orthodox" our hearts," it is not to be supposed that joint heirs with Christ, with power and pur­ geologists is, it seems to us, long overdue. Dr. Russell writes in ignorance or indiffer­ pose and divinity, both now and in the life Mr. Price maintains that the "orthodox" ence to the new ways that are so widely to come, as our inalienable legacy." geologists are guilty of circular reasoning, commended. While nowhere obtruding his This is not a "high brow" book. The arguing as the occasion demands that the knowledge of psychology or philosophy or ordinary reader will not need to consult fossils determine the age of the rocks or criticism within his pages, it is clear that his dictionary in order to understand it. the rocks the age of the fossils. More par­ he is no stranger to their claims' and con­ But it deals in an interesting and intelligent ticularly he argues that no sound conclu­ clusions. as well as helpful way with a matter of uni­ sions can be drawn as to the age of a fossil versal human concern. from the rock in which it is found, or vice This is by no means a theological book "Purification before the great God versa, because of the order of sequence in (in the ordinary meaning of the word) but "Is greater than life and is stronger which the rocks are actually found. Ac­ a sound theology underlies it and pulses than death; cording to Price the rocks have not been de­ through all its pages. It recognizes that "Is the hope of the wise and the prize posited in anything like an invariable there is need of expiation as well as of of the saint." order, the "older" rocks sometimes being cleanSing of the soul and nothing is more S. G. C. above the "younger," in fact are found in commendable about the book than the stress all sorts of relations over large areas. "The it places on the great thought expressed by fossils do not occur in any definite order, . John when he wrote, "The blood of Jesus THE GEOLOGICAL-AGES HOAX: A Plea as has been alleged; hence it is nonsense Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." for Logic in Theoretical Geology by to attach any time-value to any particular Dr. Russell does not balk at the thought of George McOready Price. Fleming H. fossil or set of fossils." In accounting for a supernatural deliverance from sin and Revell 00. Pp. 126. $1.25. the fossils he attaches large significance to death and hell and realizes that central to the story of the Flood as recorded in that supernatural deliveran~e is the death HE object or this little book is to make clear to the general reader that there is Genesis. While he does not maintain that that Christ died upon the Cross. "If at T the Flood accounts for' all the fossil deposits first," he writes, "we balk at the clear no warrant for the notion that the age of yet he does maintain that a great world teaching that. we must be born again, we rock formations can be determined by the catastrophe of that sort is supported by shall come back to it when once we have fossils they contain. It is Mr. Price's con­ scientific evidence and offers the best ex­ thought ourselves through to final conclu­ tention that the view commonly held by planation of the facts that cal! most loudly sions. We shall find that our unguided geologists that the time when certain rocks for explanation. speculations have led us nowhere. We shal! were deposited can be learned from the The reader will find this an interesting come back to the Gospel of Christ crucified, nature of the fossils they contain-and con­ book whatever the extent of his agreement unto Jews a stumbling block, unto the versely that the time when certain plants with its author's conclusions. Whatever Greeks foolishness, unto the natural man a and animals lived can be learned from the may be thought of Mr. Price as a geologist hopeless riddle, but unto them which be­ nature of the rocks in which th~ir fossil, it must be confessed that he possesses in a lieve, both Jews and Greeks and modern remains are found-rests upon pretended rare degree the gift of popular exposition. men, the power of God and the wisdom of knowledge to such a degree that it "must S. G. C. God." b_e looked upon as a hoax, a practical joke on a confiding public." In concluding he writes: "Many clergy­ If Mr. Price is right in this contention­ THE AOTS OF THE APOSTLES by Frank men and more laymen have abandoned, or a contention that he has set forth more fully E. Allen. The Ohristopher Publishing have never believed, the view of Atonement in previous books, particularly in his volume 00., Boston. 827 pages. $3.50. here set forth. It is not a view which is of some 700 pages entitled The New Geology in popular favor. But it is discarded only -important consequences follow. In that UR examination of this book leads us at the cost of throwing overboard the clear case one of the main supports of the theory O to think that it is a volume of great teaching of the New Testament. And the of evolution is removed; and most of what worth. It is an effort-and a very success­ fact that it is not in popular favor proves has been written about the alleged geological ful one-to set forth the doctrines and nothing as to its truth. Though it is not "ages" through which this earth has passed lessons of the one book that contains an emphasized today, it will be tomorrow. must be classed as fiction rather than his­ authentic history of the first generation of Time's revenges are time's reversals. Men tory. the Christian Church while keeping the ma­ will grow weary of the endless reiteration It is no doubt true that the name of Price chinery of' exegesis in the background. that Christianity is merely a 'way of life.' is anathema in "orthodox" geological circles. While it has back of it the labor of the Their hearts will tell them, first of all, that The thing of importance, however, is not scholar it is fitted to meet the need of the it is a redemption-or it is nothing. Chris­ his standing in geological society: but the general reader as well as Ministers and tian thought will turn again with new joy validity of the arguments he adduces teachers. The arrangement of the material and enthusiasm to its central verity. It against the time value of the fossils. De­ is admirably adapted to the requirements will demand from its leaders and inter­ nunciation is hardly an adequate substitute of Bible students. Outlines 'precede and preters the essential meaning of Calvary for evidence, but it would seem that as yet questions follow each chaPte~. Dr. Leander without glosses or reservations. It will de­ "orthodox" geologists have made no other S. Keyser writes an appreciative Foreword mand a Christ lifted on a Cross, the glory reply to Price. If an answer to Price, re­ in which he praises its style as well as its of a world's sale hope gathering around that futing his contention is not soon forthcom­ contents. In concluding, Dr. Keyser states head sublime.... All have need of His ing from "orthodox" geologists, the im­ that "for practical purposes it is the best sacrifice, for all are sinners. All may have pression will become general not only that expository and applicatory treatment of the ,access to it, for whosoever will may come. they are unable to refute his arguments, Acts with which I am acquainted." We All should most certainly avail themselves but that they are aware of that inability. share Dr. Keyser's estimate of the volume of it, for the acceptance of God's great plan We hold no brief for Mr. Price-possibly he and take pleasure in commending it to the for the cleanSing of life means forgiveness; is as poor a geologist as he is a theologian attention of our readers. S. G. C. August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 13

more recent volume, The Virgin Birth Of Ghrist, Dr. Machen has dealt with the at­ Questions Relative to Christian tempts to derive the doctrine of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ from pagan sources. F-aith and Practice As regards the more specific representa­ tion that the opening verses of John's Gospel exhibit Greek influence in the origin Christian name. It is inconceivable, there­ Can Christians Deny the fore, that a Christian should fail to cau Him and formulation of Christianity it may be said that such plausibility as attaches to Lord still less that he should call Him ana­ Deity oJ Jesus? this representation rests largely on the thema. Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: failure to distinguish between the source Here too, however, we must be on our of the Logos doctrine itself and the phrase­ Does I Corinthians 1'2:3 imply that those guard against making intellectual capacity ology that John used to express it. The who deny the deity, the virgin birth of the condition of salvation. It is not every­ phraseology may have been derived from Jesus, - are not Christians, that' such have one that sayeth unto Christ, "Lord, Lord," either Jewish or Gentile sources, since the not the Spirit and therefore do not and who shall enter the kingdom of heaven. It term "Logos" or ''Word" was in familiar cannot say, "Jesus is Lord"? is the attitude we assume toward Christ uses in both Jewish and Gentile circles to T. D. R. rather than the words we employ to desig­ express God's manifestation of Himself in nate our conception of His person that is His relation to the world. But when we COR. 12: 3 reads as follows: "Wherefore determinative. That attitude may exist consider the sense in which the term is I I make known unto you, that no man - where the understanding is confused. This used by John it becomes obvious that he speaking in 'the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is not to say that ignorance or error is ad­ cannot have borrowed the doctrine itself is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is vantageous to salvation; but it is to say that from Philo or the phase of Greek philosophy Lord, but in the Holy Spirit." we should be on our guard against applying which Philo represents; since it is alto­ In reply to the above question, it may be this text to individuals in any mechanical gether certain that he uses the term in a well to say in the first place that we do not way. Just as it is the Holy Spirit alone sense radically different from that in which regard the denial of the virgin birth of who can enable us to say, "Jesus is Lord" it was employed by contemporary Greek Jesus and the denial of, His deity as having in the full, rich sense in which Paul em­ philosophers. It seems certain also that he exactly the same significance. Certainly ployed the phrase, so, in many cases at did not borrow it directly from contempo­ there are those who deny or at least refuse least, it is the Holy Spirit alone who is in rary Jewish speculators as these like Philo to affirm the virgin birth of Jesus who pro­ a position to say whether the attitude of used the term to express a somewhat that fess faith in His deity. We think indeed the soul toward Christ is a saving attitude. mediated between the transcendent God and that such a position is untenable, but we But where one rejects the deity of Christ, the world of space and time, whereas John would not go so far as to imply that belief with full consciousness of what that rejec­ used it in reference to one who had a dis· in the virgin birth is essential to constitute tion involves, it would be a misuse of words tinctively divine nature and exercised dis­ one a Christian. While we hold that the to call him a Christian. At a time when tinctively divine functions. Moreover it is only Jesus, through whom men may be many are being called Christians who reject obvious, since we cannot separate the pro- - saved by faith, is the Jesus who was con­ Christ as an object of faith and worship, the logue of his Gospel from the narrative that ceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the teaching of this verse, it seems to us, should follows, that the source of John's doctrine Virgin Mary, yet a knowledge of and a be­ be sympathetically but firmly proclaimed. of the "Logos" or "Word" was not specula­ lief in the manner of His birth is not abso­ tion but the historical personality and lutely indispensable to salvation. The real teaching of Jesus. Moreover Paul and the Christ is able to save and does save all author of the Epistle to the Hebrews had those who put their trust in Him even Christianity and Greek Thought already described the person, of Christ in though that trust be in many respect un­ terms that included the elements in John's intelligent_ It is 'not merely the wise who Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: doctrine (see Col. 1: 13-20 ; Phil. 2: 5·11; are called. Thoroughness of understanding Is there any basis for asserting that Heb. 1:1-4). Hence there is no need of is not a condition of salvation. Christianity has been influenced by

To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: SIR: I have· too long delayed writing a Letters to the ,Editor note expressive of my appreciation of your [The letters printed here expres's the convictions of the writers, and publication in these splendid work as Editor of CHRISTIANITY columns does nor necessarily imply either approval or disapproval on'the part of the TODAY. I find no publication to compare Editors. If correspondents do not wish their names printed, they will please so request, with your paper. In fact it seems to be the but all are dsked kindly to sign their names as an evidence of good fdith. We do not only Presbyterian paper with the conviction print letters that come to us anonymously.] and courage to advocate orthodox Presby­ terianism; and capable of presenting the To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: we are personally sinners and that we need cause of true Presbyterianism in a schol­ SIR: The Calvinistic belief is logical for a Saviour and that Christ is Son of God and arly way. I am sure that you (and perhaps it naturally follows from the complete idea Saviour. others) have made tremendous personal of God. A God who has full control of man We need the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifices in your labors to establish CHRIS­ and his destinies, who can inspire His serv­ blood before we become converted. We TIANITY TODAY. May our Heavenly Father ants to write detailed prophecies, who can need it after we become converted, for we bless and reward your efforts and give you jnterfere with the natural order of events are not then as good as we ought to be. the joy of seeing your unselfish labors by supernatural events, by miracles, is the "But we are all as an unclean thing, and crowned with success. God of Calvinism. A lesser God would not all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." I do not attempt to commend any partic­ do in Calvinism or Augustianism. (Is. 64:6.) "For I know that in me (that is, ular article or feature of your paper, for I in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for' It is also satisfactory. It unlocks many read and enjoy all. CHRISTIANITY TODAY to will is present with me; but how to per­ passages of Scripture and gives a deeper contains each month rich treasures of in­ form that which is good I find not." (Rom. insight into the Bible. Our professor in formation and inspiration. 7:18.) history said that one thing about Calvinism Very sincerely yours, was true: "It does not appeal to people A' miSinterpretation of Calvinism results C. A. STONE. who do not think." in spiritual pride. Chicago, Ill. WILLIAM F. BISSELL. The Calvinistic belief has been the -main Saxton's River, Vermont. nerve of Christianity and of evangelism. Augustus Toplady, a Calvinist, wrote the To the EditOl' of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: immortal hymn, "Rock of Ages," John To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: SIR: In writing this, letter I feel some­ Wesley was a great evangelist. They had what in the position of Elihu in Job 32:6-9, SIR: I can with the utmost sincerity add considerable controversy. Toplady once I am abashed because of my youth but I my tribute of hearty appreciation of your called' John Wesleyan old fox. However, must speak because "there is a spirit in paper, which I have taken from the first both did much good. But John Wesley had man" whatever his age or attainments. number. When it comes I usually sit down associated with him his brother Charles and Not long ago I read in CHRISTIANITY TODAY and read most of it through. It is not a Whitfield. Whitfield was a Calvinist. Some the letter by Robert Williams and the ex­ family paper. ,It has nothing for the of the hymns of Charles Wesley are Cal­ cellent replies by yourself and Mr. Schrader children; and many grown-ups would find vinistic in implication. and although approving your stand in gen­ that its contents require too much thinking. eral, there is one point at which I beg to Nevertheless, Bible truth is sometimes But that very feature makes it welcome, as differ with you. You say, "If the time ever perverted. There is one danger in the Cal­ it gives more of such mental pabulum than comes when the Confession of Faith (though vinistic belief, that is, we may think that the other papers find room for. remaining as it is), is so much 'more hon­ God has chosen us for our superior worth Dr. Machen's way of teaching is admir­ and righteousness. There is the danger of ored in the breach than in the observance' able, because he makes his points as clear that it is obvious that it does not express spiritual pride. Israelites thought that they as daylight. He evidently agrees with were the chosen race. The Jewish religion the convictions by which the Church lives, Horace: I?revis esse laboro, obscurus fio; we believe that those who are truly devoted produced Christianity. A miSinterpretation and hence he fully elaborates his points. of it also produced Pharisaism which re­ to the Bible and the Gospel it contains will I have just read with close attention and sulted in the present Jewish belief, or un­ be in duty bound to separate themselves with deep gratitude Dr. MacLennan's belief in Christ. from the Presbyterian Church." If that is address at the second commencement of not the situation which now confronts the We cannot put the cart before the horse. Westminster Seminary. One thing in it I people who stand for historic Christianity We ought not to make the result the cause wish he had changed, and that is the wrong and has confronted them for several years or the cause the result. We are righteous in translation of Khpuypa in I Cor. 1: 21. Paul past, I am laboring under a delusion; and most respects because God has chosen us did not say that "preaching" was foolish' I scan the array from the vantage ground rather than God has chosen us because we ness, but the thing preached, the proclama­ of barely five-and-twenty years when one's are righteous. Righteousness is the result tion, the message. Of course it was. Just eyes are undimmed by prejudice, when see­ of God's favor rather than its cause. Paul think of telling the Romans in their pride ing, one believes. The ship called Presby­ guards against this error. He tells us that of power, and the Greeks in their pride of terianism is,sinking and the voices that say "by the works of the law shall no flesh be intellect, that their only way of salvation "stick to the ship" are false voices out of justified." "For by grace are ye saved was to put their trust in a Jew who had the storm. The true command is, "Man the through faith; and that not of yourselves: been crucified between two robbers after Lifeboats and leave the proud derelict to it is the gift of God." (Eph. 2: 8.) being handed over to the Roman governor her fate, we must pull for shore." I feel Not all of the Israelites belonged to the by his own people! Could anything well sure that all right-minded young people Israel of faith. Many of them were wicked seem more foolish? But because that fool­ who have been brought up in Presbyterian and unrighteous. Some of Israel's kings; ish message has behind it infinite power and homes would be glad to see a separation, nearly all of them. in fact; and many of infinite wisdom, its heralds have seen it youth demands clear cut issues. Separation Judah's kings were really bad men. They "lift empires from their hinges." would necessitate that we. leave the prop­ were uncircumcised in heart. Sincerely yours, erties of the Church to the enemy. I am Let us not pride ourselves then in being ADDISON HOGUE. not unmindful of this fact but have not all born into Christian families, but admit that Washington, D. C. the faithful minorities of the past been un- August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 15

der a like necessity? Better be in a clear and. authority of the Holy Scriptures, and later thinking. Paul would have had radi­ position and hold simple Gospel meetings, said unto him: "Get behind me, Satan, for cally to revise his whole system of thought for the purpose of hearing an inspired mes­ it is written thou shalt worship the Lord before he could have given up the hope of sage and singing the hymns of Zion, in a thy God." our Lord's return. This belief was not a barn· or lodge hall, than dwell longer under Now there comes at this point possibly mere appendage 'to his system, something a cloud and hold services in a building of the most significant thing that could happen that could be lopped off without serious beautiful architecture and of majestic pro­ from a worldly standpoint with reference to loss; rather it entered into the very sub­ portions. What we need is freedom from authority in religion. The Devil knew, of stance of ihat system to such an extent that the shackles that "bind and hold us still course" that Jesus was right in quoting the its excision would have thrown it into dis­ to earth," and a new Church putting the accepted authority from God. So Satan order and confusion. A Paulinism in which emphasis on the things of the spirit. God took Jesus to Jerusalem, and placed Him the thought of our Lord's return is regarded haste the day when a witness shall spring upon a pinnacle of the temple. Now, he says, as a delusion would be like a house without up in every large community in the form "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself a roof, like an arch without a key-stone. If of a Church composed of those who know down from hence, for it is written He shall Paul was deluded in his belief as to Christ's and love the Word of God and are willing give his angels charge over thee." return we may be certain that it was a delu­ to be separated to clarify their testimony. sion he cherished to the end of his days. Verily, the powers of the lower world There can be no revival until there is sep­ believe God and tremble. (James 2:19.) aration, there is no union between Christ The charge that Paul had a delusion and Belial. And Satan, though reluctantly forced to do about Christ's return is usually based, in Yours sincerely, so, is compelled to quote the Scriptures, the first instance, as the allegation that he and thus acknowledge the authority that taught that Christ would return during his SAMUEL H. STUART. God has given man. Beuchel, Kentucky. own lifetime. But while there are passages Jesus, once again, turned to the Word of which indicate that he cherished the hope God, saying, "It is written thou shalt not that such might be the case, there are none in which he taught that such would be the To the Editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: tempt the Lord, thy God." "IT IS WRITTEN": case. In this respect he never claimed to be SIR: I must send you a line to congratu­ wise above his Lord: "But of that day and late you on your report of the General This is the great dictum of God, through hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of Assembly and your remarks on "organic Jesus Christ, that must thunder down the 'heaven, neither the Son, but the Father union,"-and other problems before the ages, spreading dismay among the ranks only." But while the charge is usuallY based Church. There is an old Scottish phrase of those who are compromising with the in the first instance on the allegation that some "fine feedin' " in it. The paper grows world in its efforts, led by that same Satan Paul taught that Christ ,would appear dur­ better all the time. Kindest regards from who failed with Jesus, to discredit the ing his own lifetime, it is usually based in us all. authority of the Holy Scriptures, and to the second instance on the more' general Yours sincerely, place puny man in the awful place of God's allegation that Paul was deluded in think­ JOHN STEWART, M.D. throne. ing that there is ever to be a return of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Christ. Suffice it to say in this connection that the question whether Paul was deluded in thinking there is ever going to be a sec­ ond coming of Christ is essentially one with Authority in Religion Questions and the question whether Paul was deluded in (Concluded) thinking that Christianity was from God and as such the one true religion. If Chris­ The question came up at the beginning Answers tianity is a true religion we may be certain of Jesus' ministry. Then, as today, Satan (Concluded) that Jesus Christ is going to return, "in tried to side-track this fundamental point, like manner" as, He ascended; but if Chris­ well knowing that if he can get men and Was Paul Wrong About tianity is a faise religion there is no war­ Ministers (!) quibbling and compromising Chrises Return? rant for supposing that the future contains on this great question, he has won a far­ any such event as -His return. In view of reaching victory. Edl,tor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY: the place that the second coming occupies The testing time came. So Satan took Did Paul have a clelusion about the return in Christianity every bit of evidence that Jesus into the wilderness, after He had of Christ? Is there any truth in the state­ may be advanced in proof of its truthful­ hungered for forty days, to tempt Him, and, ment that Pa~ll realized his mistake in his ness may also be advanced in support of if possible, to break Him. Satan said: "If later days and no longer entertained the the belief that Christ is actually to return thou be the Son of God, command this stone hope of the Lord's return? to this earth. In a word the truthfulness that it be made bread." (Luke 4-Matt. C. C. of Christianity carries with it the notion 4-Mark 1:2.) Jesus answered him, saying, that there is full warrant for cherishing "IT IS WRITTEN that man shall not live N our judgment both of these questions the "blessed hope." by bread alone, but by every word of God." I should be answered with an emphatic negative. We do not believe there is any Here we have it! The final source of warrant for the notion that Paul believed· authority: "It is wrUten." For this we differently about this matter during the H, if I could praise Him! Yea, I would have the word of that same Jesus who said later years of his ministry than he did at its not rest content with a heart submis­ that "The Scripture cannot be broken." O beginning. It is true, of course, that the sive and dying of love for Him. And, how­ But the Devil was not content with this doctrine of the second coming occupies a beit I never win personally in at heaven's single test. He took Jesus, therefore, into relatively larger place in the earlier than in gates, oh, would to God I could sent in my a high mountain, and showed Him the the later epistles of Paul; but that finds its praises to my incomparable Well-beloved, kingdoms of the world in a moment of explanation in the misunderstandings that or cast my love-songs of that matchless Lord time. Satan said: "All this power will I had arisen in regard to it, and which de­ Jesus over the walls, that they might light give thee * • • if thou wilt worship me." manded his attention, not in the fact that in His lap, before men and angels!"­ Again Jesus.had recourse tei'the testimony it occupied a less important place in his Samuel Ruthe1·/ord. 16 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931

III. This is the preacher's crisis here in Scot­ Current Views and Voices land. We afe all deep in it, even those of us who may have not an inkling that we are • in the crisis. We do our work as faithfully THE WORD OF GOD TO SCOTLAND as we can. We knock our sermons together By the Rev. John McConnachie, M.A. week by week with more or less skill in joinery. But we do not-at least the most [This article, which appeared originally as a leading editorial in the "British Weekly", of us-feel that we have a Word of God to has deservedly attracted wide attention. It is perhaps less of a plea for a return to historic deliver which has taken hold of us like an Christianity, however, than appears at ~rst sight as its author, if we mistake not, writes armed man, a verbum alienum, the Word of under a Barthian conception of the Word of God according to which at the most the Another, and a greater than ourselves, Bible contains the Word of God rather than is the Word of God. Be this as it may the article gives expression to a message that the Church in America as well as the Church Whose thoughts are not our thoughts, in Scotland will do well to give heed.-Ed.] Whose ways are not our ways. The Word of God for Scotland to-day, ITH the advancing weeks there is a criticism, psychologism, relativism, ration­ therefore, if it is to be the Word of any For­ Wgrowing doubt in Scotland whether alism, has deeply infected us and under­ ward or Godward Movement, must be a the Forward Movement which is being mined our sense of absolute values, so that Word of Repentance. It must ever be so, organised among us is on right lines. In we can no longer speak with authority of a for the Church as a Church of Sinners, a Committee and Presbytery the question is Word of God. Many of us have succumbed Church of the Mercy of God> lives by re­ being asked, ''What is this Forward Move­ to modernism. We have capitulated to the pentance. I do not mean a narrow, in­ ment?" The literature issued so far has spirit of our time. We cower before the trospective, hair-shirt repentance, but a dealt in generalities and has not gripped. modern mind and struggle to come to terms metanoia-a change of mind, a movement of It has said much about the tasks and oppor­ with it in our thought and language. We the Spirit to think things through again, to tunities of the Church, but little of the know that the modern mind does not like think more deeply, to think in God. Church's inward sores and needs_ such words as sin, repentance, fear of God, It musr give us preachers a fresh view of I. wrath of God, humility, or even justification ourselves, not as prophets or as priests, but There is a strange absence of any sense by faith; and we avoid them, or provide as ministri verbi-servants of the Word. that the Church is in a crisis-an hour of pale substitutes.. We know that the modern. We must shed our self-importance. For we judgment. Her authority is challenged, and mind does not like the "offence of the have nothing of our own to give, we cannot by manY repudiated. Her deliverances on Cross," and we smooth off its jagged edges. hope by any zeal or cleverness of our own such questions as Sunday observance or We are aware that the modern mind does to bring men nearer to God. All our zeal gambling are taken as so much stage not take to the idea of a particular histori­ for reviving the Church or. engineering a thunder or professionalism. The crowds cal revelation and a unique Incarnation, and Forward Movement is worthless in itself. pass her doors. They do not hear a Word we fiatter men by telling them they are all God only can make His Word effective, and of God from her, but only some poor human sons of God. In place of the somewhat He will do it when we let His Word be His words. Yet the people are not altogether exacting doctrine of the Cross we preach a Word, and do not want to make it our own. careless. They are certainly not happy. mild and comforting idealism, mixing a We must die to live. We must take upon They may not have any religious questions, little mysticism with morality, or a little our lips again the old words of the Re­ bnt the question of questions, the question morality with mysticism. We pick and formers-sin, repentance, justification by of their own sinful existence, presses upon choose from the Bible, "decoding," as Dr. faith. The starting point of the Reforma­ them. They live and know that they must Fosdick has taught us to do, the eternal tion was the collapse of all ecclesiastical die. They live in strain and contradiction meaning from the temporal setting, con­ security face to face with the reality of sin. and dispeace. The quest after a Word of structing our own code 'key, of course, and How a sinful man can find a gracious God. God is again appearing, and not among imposing our modernist meaning on the And from there all Re-formation of the religious people only, bnt in profane Word of God .. The Bible does not judge us, Chnrch, all forward moving must start thought. The doctrine of relativity has we judge the Bible. Much of our preaching again. The Reformation is not completed. drawn its last consequences, and yet the is Pelagian or semi-Pelagian. In Reforma­ Through repentance also we must gain a feeling perSists that behind the viSible world tion days, when the Word of God was fresh view of the Church. "We have had a there is an invisible Being. Has He a Word listened to, the preacher's message might great Union, we are a great Church, with in answer to the question of man's exist­ be summed up thus: "Christ has done every­ great tasks; let us have a Forward Move­ ence, or is He for ever silent? We see the thing for you. To Him alone be the glory." ment" is the motive at the back of this Much if not most of the preaching to-day people turning aside from their spiritual­ present Movement in Scotland. It is not a ism, and occultism, and theosophy un­ might be summed np in the sentence, defect in a Church to seek to make itself satisfied. "Christ has done something for you. It is visible, and let its Word be heard, so long II. up to you to do the rest." Man is no longer as it is a Word of God. But it has. its The only answer to this question is a a lost sinner whom Christ has saved. He dangers. If there is any earth-born desire Word of God, a Word out of the Homeland is a very good fellow who with the help of in this Movement to glorify the Church as to the Prodigal Son. Why cannot the God and of the preacher can be distinctly a thing in itself, to have it recognised as an Church give to the people the one answer improved. The Kingdom of God is no longer earthly or national magnitude, it will most which they need, this Word of God? what it was to our fathers, a Kingdom of surely fail. The Church of Christ by its Because we preachers are also in the God, which is to come to us, and which has very nature is a Church under the Cross, crisis. We do not have this Word ourselves. come nigh in Christ: it is something which the Church of a Crucified Christ. It can have The world is sick because it has no Church we are to create, and build, and spread at no human importance, no human goals. It which Knows what the world does not home and abroad by our human efforts, and cannot claim worth, or infiuence, material know, and which stands over it with the share in the glory ourselves. Every man his or spiritual power in itself or for itself, but Eternal Word of Another on its lips. And own saviour! The world at last to save only in view of the service of Christ. The the Church is sick becanse we preachers are itself! Not a word in which the world is Church, like the Christian, must die to live. sick. The spirit of our time, its empiricism, inclined to' show much interest! It must be nothing in order to be great. It August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 17 has no authority save that of Christ. "The The Orthodoxy of Tomorrow Apart from the feeble half-heartedness Church cannot squint," says Karl Barth, of the last sentence, the whole idea of "with one eye on God and with the other on Editorial in "The King's Business" commending Christianity purely on grounds some human necessities or lofty goals." HE oft-repeated saying that "the heresy of material prudence is altogether obnoxious, T of today is. the orthodoxy of tomorrow" and helps to lend support to the views of IV. is pleasing to the heretics; but, unfortu­ • those who attack Christian people on the The Word of God for Scotland must be, nately for them, it is not true. A falsehood ground that an association is often made secondly, a Word at Obedience. No note never becomes truth; wrong is never right. between religion and worldly considerations. needs to be so firmly struck in the Church If there is no such thing as truth that is Whether or not it could be shown that, in to-day as the note of obedience, that as God absolute, final, and fixed, then divine revela­ practice, the righteous man prospers, the has saved us He has established a claim tion is ruled out and human reason is left only worthwhile Christian is he who is pre­ upon us. His Word is a Word of Au'thority, to lts unaided speculations and dreams. In­ pared to iose all, if need be, for the sake of and it demands obedience. We have been stead of moving onward to become estab­ the faith he professes. In the present gen­ so frightened to offend, so concerned for the lished or commonly accepted dogmas, the eration, probably, America is more prone liberty of the Christian man, that we have heretical philosophies of men always travel than we are in this country to lay emphasis left out one-half of the teaching of the re­ in circles. The heresies of Celsus in the upon the desirability of "getting on;" and, formers. Justification implies sanctification, second century are, in the twentieth century, moreover, the passion for advertisement has the obedience of sanctification. "A Chris­ not truths but the same heresies, even unfortunately persuaded large numbers that tian man is the free lord of all and subject though the modernist clothes them in some­ everything, even righteousness, can be to none," said Luther. But he followed this what different language. What the liberal achieved by publicity. This fallacious per­ up by saying, "A Christian man is the most calls "the modern mind" is no different from suasion wilI certainly be cured by the wit­ dutiful servant of all and subject to every­ the skeptical attitude of unbelievers in for­ ness of experience, though, meanwhile, the one." We have understood and put into mer centuries. No; heresy is heresy always, United States may come to be affiicted in practice the first half; we have stilI to and orthodoxy ever remains orthodoxy. part by a mood of smug self-satisfied re­ understand and put into practice the second Philosophy and science shift their ground ligiosity which is the worst possible sub­ half. That is the uncompleted part of the frequently, but the firm foundations of stitute for the true Christian belief that de­ Reformation which the Church of to,day Christianity stand unchanged. mands self-sacrifice. must carry out. God claims our obedience Bishop Candler, in the Essentialist, con­ as Creator, in the ordinances of nature in tradicts the idea that heresy becomes ortho­ which we ha':-e been born, as sons amd doxy in the following language: The Theatre in the Church daughters, fathers and mothers, masters This favorite dogma of heretical men By LA MARECHALE and servants. There is a wide field here for proceeds on the erroneous idea that re­ (Catherine Booth-Clibborn) the exercise of a Christian obedience which vealed truth is of a changeful nature like From the "Christian Fundamentalist" would constitute a true Forward Movement mutable systems of science and the in Scotland, where obedience and discipline fickle speculations of philosophy. But N recent years the acting of Bible scenes, are rapidly becoming unknown words. God about the truths of a divine revelation I not only in the world but in the Church, claims our obedience, also, as Reconciler. there is a certain finality that in the is becoming very popular. Many earnest He has justified us as sinners, and He nature of the case cannot belong to any Christian workers are much perplexed re­ claims us as His possession. The claim is of the conclusions of unaided human garding the righteousness of such acting. laid on us in our baptism and covers our reason ... All church history contra­ Let us examine the matter which touches whole Christian life. A Christian does not dicts the cant which declares that "the so intimately' the Kingdom of God and its exist except as he finds himself in relations heresy of today is the orthodoxy of to­ sacred interests. Here are a few of these that demand obedience. He is always for morrow" . . . In all the forms of heresy dramas: another; never for himself. Yet the Chris­ there is nothing to give it permanent tian life is not a task, and the Church's acceptance by devout men of well­ "The Ten Oommandments" life is not and ought not to be a task, but a balanced minds. Our present day ration­ "The Queen of Sheba" demonstration to the praise and glory of alists, sometimes miscalled "modern­ "The Sin of David and Bathsheba" God. ists," are in this state of "unstable "Mary Magdalene" The Word of God for Scotland must be, equilibrium." They agree not among "The King of Kings" further, a Word of Hope, the Word of a themselves, and often one of them re­ "The Prodigal Son" coming God-a God Who is always coming. verses all his teachings within the brief In every play someone must impersonate space of ten years. sin, or the fruit of sin. Can any Christian V. take pleasure in watching someone acting In the literature of our Forward Move­ sin, making sin attractive and fascinating­ ment we hear much of "the greatness of the "Self-S~tisfied Religiosity" sin which cost the very Blood of the Son Church's task"; but we catch no note of a Editorial in "The Ohristian" of God who "died to 'redeem us from all coming God, no sense that the Ohurch is iniqUity?" ..•• ever standing on the brink, not of death, AN English journal quotes from a United Oh! let us not forget that it is only as we but of life. The note of Hope is straitgely 1"\.. States paper an announcement which continually humble and dedicate ourselves absent. If we are to have a true Forward suggests the harm that can be done to the before God in secret prayer that we dare Movement-that is, a Movement in which Christian cause by ill-advised publicity. A stand between the living and, the dead as God comes forward to meet us-we must body of religious people in Springfield, His ministers and draw on Dlvine resources. hear less of the Church's "tasks"-the Massachusetts, inserted the following adver­ God has chosen one way to convert sinners Church of Christ is not a jaded Sisyphus, tisement in the local Press:- -the "foolishness of preaching." (1 Cor. working out its own salvation-and more The young man in business-whether 1:21.) That is one thing that the world, of the magnalia Dei-the wonderful works office, shop or factory-owes it to him­ with all its art, cleverness, and cunning of God. More living in the promises; more self and his future to go to church regu­ devices cannot counterfeit-preaching the "looking for and hasting unto 'the coming larly. Success and a certain amount of Gospel in the power an!): inspiration of the of the day of God." religion seem to go hand in hand. Holy Spirit. Has your preaching failed? 18 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931

Deaths Changed Addresses A. G. Martyn, D.D .. Independence, Ia., July J. C. Gieser, 4422 Asbury Drive, Toledo, O. Ministerial Changes 9.0' Rich~rd L. Purdy, Bennet, Neb .. June 29. Resignations H. G. Stoetzer, D.D., Fairmont, W. Va., Marcus L. Bach, Fairview, Kans.; PresbytefianChufch in the U. S. A. June 9; L. D. Benner, Zion Church, Norwood, 0.; Geo. W. S. Wenrick, Los Angeles, Cal., Edward L. Mohr, Harmony Church, Zwingle, Call July 12; la. Merchant P. Bush, San Leandro, Cal. to W. McAfee Wilson, Walla Walla, Wash., Deaths Second Church, Lincoln, Neb. June. J. Hauser, Melbourne, la., June 27; James Keppel, Tiffin, 0., July 8. Calls Accepted Presbyterian Church in the U. S. ' H. R. ,Austin, Genoa, N. Y. to Fa.ir Haven, N. Y.; Calls Robert H. Blackshear, Morningside Church, s. R. Vanover, Irvington, Ky. to Stuart United Presbyterian New yorlr, N. Y. to Peekskill, N. Y.; Robinson Church, Louisville, Ky.; Call Ll8yd R. Bream, San Antonio, Tex. to Rocky W. K. Waters, Buechel, Ky. to Kansas City, Grove Church, Franklin, Pa. John G. Dick to Cedar Creek, Little York, Mo. Ill. Ura A. Brogden, Farmington, Tenn. to Calls Accepted Cherry Creek Church, Sparta, Tenn,; Calls Accepted W. H. Chamberf', Altona, Ill. to 7th Church, W. B. Doyle, to Stony Point, Tenn.; S. Boyd Johnson, Niagara Falls, Canada, to Chicago, Ill.; Cecil H. Lang, Little Brick Church, Knox­ West Charlton, N. Y.; Austin B. Dickerson to First Church, ville, Tenn. to First Church, Kilgore, Beniamino Re, Portland, Ore. to Italian Coalinga, Cal.; Tex. Church, Milwaukee, Wis. Ralph F. Doescher to First Church, Wood­ J. Lee McLean, stated supply Capon Bridge, lake, Cal.; Va.; Installations J. M. Eckard to Pleasant Plains, N. Y.; R. Helmes Showalter to Hillsville, Va.; Robert H. French, Clifton, 0., June 19; Samuel G. Frazier, Mt. Hope, Ala. to Cahutta, W. R. Smith to Bickley, W. Va.; William T. Mabon, Second Church, Spring­ Ga.; , J. E. Wayland, Supply Pastor First Church, field, 0.; J. C. E. Fry, W. Hollywood, Cal. to become Staunton, Va. to Salines Church, Mal­ T. Victor Scott, Hebron Church, Argyle, Field man for Board of Pensions; den, W. Va.; N. Y. Presbytery. L. K. Grimes, D.D., Westminster Church, Raymond G. Wickersham to Norwood Milwaukee, Wis. to North Church, N. Church, Jacksonville, Fla. Changed Addresses Tonawanda, N. Y.,; H. J. Bell, Albia, la. M. D. Hardin, Jr., Ithaca, N. Y. to Trimous­ Installations burg, N. Y.; E. Raynard Arehart, Mizpah, Bonhomme and Deaths Edward H. Jones, Gettysburg, Pa. to State Des Peres Churches, St. Louis, Mo., R. A. Jamison, D.D., Apollo, Pa., July 8; College, Pa.; July 26 and Aug. 2; Robert J. Kyle, Cedarville, 0., July 19. J. C. Kubs. to Randolph Heights, St. Paul, Bernard E. Bain, Ivanhoe and Wardens­ Minn.; ville, Va., July 26; Harry M. Markley, D.D., Bartlesville, Okla. George E. Houck, Stony Run and Beulah to Nebraska City, Neb.; Churches, Mustoe, Va.; Christian Reformed Church Rollin R. Marquis, D.D., supply to First Peter Marshall, Covington, Ga.; Church, Vincennes, Ind.; Stuart H. Salmon, Ripley, Tenn.; Calls H. C. McMican, Creston, Neb. to Fonda, la.; A. B. Williford, Windy Cove Church, Mill­ John Beebe, Madison Ave. Church, Paterson, E. W. Roberts to Bisbee, Ariz.; boro, Va., July 19. N. J. to First Church, Grand Haven, Mich.; - John P. Sinclair, Artesia, N. M. to Caldwell, Changed Addresses Kans.; R. H. Haan to Aetna, Mich.; Charles Wagner, Athens, Wis. to Wales, Ia. W. S. Smith, Route 1, Allisona, Tenn. J. T. Holwerda, as Home Missionary, Ham· Resignations shire, Tex.; . Installations John F. Schuurmann, Calvin Seminary to J. R. Williams, East Point, Ga. Leigh R. Barrett, stated supply Hoberg and Lincoln Center, La.; Ozark Prarie, Mo.; E. J. Tanis to LaGrove Ave. Church, Grand Deaths Rapids, Mich. (declines). G. L. Boyd, Corry, Pa. J. B. Branch, McCormick, S. C. E. B. Cary, First Church, Lebanon, Ore., Calls Accepted July 22; H. A. Larsen, Hamburg, la., July 15; Reformed Church in the U. S. Joseph Van de Kieft, Aetna Mich. to Dut­ Charles R. Lawrence, Benton Str'eet Church, ton, Mich. Ottumwa, Ia., June 21; Call W. V. McAdoo, Bethel Church, Peoria, Ill., G. Zenk, Ebenezer Church, Shafter, Cal. to July 12; Hope Church, Lodi, Cal. Presbyterian Church in' Canada Aaron G. Miller, First Church, Lakeview, Ore.; Calls Accepted Calls A. Theodore Smith, First Church, Klamath John E. Gieser, First Church, Youngstown, H. R. Williams, ,Mt. Brydges (Presbytery of Falls, Ore.; O. to First Church, Toledo, 0.; London) to CenterVille and Millbrook A. T. Thayer, King's Ferry, N. Y. Albert Harward, Trinity Church, Kans.; (Presbytery of Peterborough). ' ;T. Lerch, Jr. to Trinity Church, Mercers­ Changed Addresses burg, Pa.; Inductions D. B. King, 1407 Ninth St., Wichita Falls, William O. Miller, First Church, TaIp.ms, Ill. J. D. MacKenzie, Avonmore, Ontario, July Tex.; to Grace Church, Sharpsville, Pa.; 31' E. E. Loft, Harriman, Tenn.; B. E. Reemsnyder to Grace Church, Fort H. R. Pickup, Renfrew, Ontario, Aug. 5. F. L. Provan, 300 S. 4th Ave., Anamosa, Ia. Wayne, Ind.; C. Duane Wickard, Warren, Pa. S. V. Rohrbaugh, Payne, O. to Mohican Church, Londonville, O. Reformed Church in America Resignations Ordinations Richard Archer, Great Bend, Kans.; John P. Kochner, Lakewood, O. Calls S. W. Brister, P'eople's Church, Denver, H. Bellman, Grand Haven, Mich. to Hope Colo.; , Installations Church, Los Angeles, Cal. J. L. Howie, D.D., Clinton, Mo.; Bend A. Behrens, Salem Church, Rohrers· George Hankamp, Pella, Ia. to Lynden, R. Frank Jones, 8th Ave. Church, Denver, town, Pa., July 9; Wash.; Colo.; William C. Filler, First Church, Cedar Albert Hellenga, Lucas, Mich. to Ninth Chas. B. Leeper, First Church, Otis, Colo.; Rapids, Ia.; Church, Grand Rapids, Mich. Clinton Reed, First Church, Arvada, Colo.; A. I. Kruetzmann, Salem's Church, Allemann, A. B. Shepard, First Church, Coldwater, la.; Resignations Kans. Trangott Steiner, Marvell, Ark., July 8. T. G. Vanden Bosh, Ada, Mich. August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 19 News of the Church "Contempt of Court" Sentence rights of the founders of any institution to We, the undersigned, managers and senior perpetuate fixed doctrinal standards." members of business and professional enter­ Vacated Andover was founded in the days when prises in the City of Lethbridge, Alberta, NFORMA TION given a clergyman in con­ Unitarianism was beginning to make great hereby declare: fidence in his professional capacity is inroads on Congregationalism. Wealthy I (a) The following undisputed facts: inviolate and need not be revealed even on men, true to evangelical traditions, poured the command of a court, according to the hundreds of thousands of dollars into An­ L That there now exists a world-wide Supreme Court of the State of Minnesota, dover to combat the heresy. Every possible and prolonged business depression for which on June 26 reversed the conviction of legal precaution was taken that the new which no natural or necessary cause can be given. the Rev. Emil Swenson of Minneapolis, on a institution should never be captured as Har­ charge of contempt of court. vard had been. A supposedly "air-tight" 2. That this depression is accompanied In February Mr. Swenson was called as a creedal ,statement was written into the con­ by an overproduction of most of the world's witness in a divorce suit before Judge Paul stitution, and every prospective officer and staple products. W. Guilford in Hennepin County District professor of the seminary was required to 3. That coincident with this overproduc­ Court. He was asked to repeat the substance accept it before election, and adhere strictly tion is the distress of unemployment and of a confession made by the defendant, a to its provisions after election. individual want seriously affecting millions member of his church. When he refused, For many years Andover contributed of families in all the great civilized and he was ordered by the court to testify and richly to the cause of Congregationalism in producing countries of the world. replied: "The rules of the Church forbid New England and throughout the nation. 4. That the world as a whole, and espe­ me to reveal information imparted to me She was the backbone of orthodoxy In the cially its so-called civilised nations, have confidentially and in good conscience I have home of liberalism. Then, the enemy in­ at their disposal everything needed to pro­ sidiously penetrated the Board Faculty. to refuse to answer the question." Held in a~d duce. the highest degree of prosperity ever Three times within fifty years its affairs contempt of court, he was sentenced to pay conceived by the mind of man. were in serious litigation in the courts. The a fine of $100 or serve 30 days in the county 5. That the best intellects' the world jail. He ,appealed the case. trustees tried the experiment of affiliation possesses confess their impotence either with the theological school of Harvard Uni­ The Supreme Court adjudged that a clergy­ severally or jointly to find a solution for versity, her ancient enemy, but evangelicals man has the right to refuse to divulge in­ the problem which has thus presented itself. succeeded in having the Supreme Court dis­ formation given him in confidence. The solve that relation. Since 1926 the Semi­ (b) Our belief: opinion said: "It is the duty of the court to nary has been inoperative, but the legal protect the privilege, and there is little L That the foregoing facts constitute the battle has gone on. danger of the witness, under the claim of most astounding phenomenon in the history The decision of a few weeks ago has been privilege, screening others from justice." of the world. described as a compromise. Andover is to The law protecting confessions in Minne­ 2. That this phenomenon calls for an ex­ be affiliated with Newton Theological Insti­ sota passed in 1923 says: "A clergyman or planation which divine wrath alone can tution (Baptist) in an interdenominational other Minister of any religion shall not be give. seminary. Each will maintain its own cor­ allowed, without the consent of the party 3. That it is for our sins that this dis­ poration, but co-operate in a united program. making a confession, to disclose a confession tress has been brought upon us. The court decision says that Andover's pro­ made to him in his professional character in 4. That God Almighty has allowed us to fessors must be "persons whose theological the course of discipline enjoined by the erect this, our Modern Tower of Babel, to views are in conformity with those obtain­ rules of practice of a religious body to which the end that He may show forth His power. ing among Trinitarian Congregationalists he belongs." Judge Guilford in sentencing 5. That we shall find no relief until we generally,," but that "instruction given in the pastor declared that he was not exempt confess our sins to each other and humble the seminary by such professors is not here­ ourselves before Him and ask for His for­ because the Lutheran Church does not make after to be called in question because of in­ the confession obligatory, but rather that in giveness and His wisdom. consistency with the creed or requirements the Roman Catholic Church the confession of the constitution or statutes." This amaz­ 6. That relief will come promptly and was required and circumstances were' dif­ ing declaration upon the part of a Supreme fully whenever we do humble ourselves. ferent. Court of one of our states seems to welcome, ( c) Our confession: The 1931 session of the Minnesota Legisla­ and to put the stamp of the courts approval 1. That we business and professional ture has amended the 1923 law so as to upon the hypocrisy of any who may "sub­ men, both individually and as a class, are make it clear that it applies to clergymen scribe" to the Andover standards and then of all denominations. responsible for this distress and this pun­ repudiate them in the classroom. ishment. 2. That we have not loved our neighbours Andover Finally Lost to A Call to Repentance as ourselves nor considered their distress as our distress. Evangelicalism GROUP of business men in Lethbridge, ONSERVATIVE Congregationalists A Alberta, has recently drafted an ex­ (d) Our desire: C (few in number) have lost their court traordinary declaration addressed to Canada 1. To have our respective' Governments battle to maintain the orthodoxy of old and the United States. The declaration has appoint a day of prayer and fasting. Andover Theological Seminary. According been signed by a long list of Canadian and 2. To have our respective national leaders to one observer, the recent judgment of- the American nationals doing business in that lead us to humility and prayer for grace Supreme Court of Massachusetts "is not city; other copies with other signatures are and wisdom to the end that we may find the only a body blow to the pitiful minority of in circulation. The declaration explains it­ Divine solution of our problems and relieve loyal Congregationalists, but to the legal self, and is as follows: distress the world over. 20 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931

3. To have our brethren throughout our encouraged them in their attitude and held tions in the Trinity. There is nothing said land join us in this declaration and its pro­ out a hope of a change in the law. Accord­ of the personality of the Holy Spirit. Any mulgation. ingly, at last Assembly (June, 1925) a Com· old-fashiolled Unitarian could subscribe to mittee was appointed to consider this very the proposed questions without any diffi· ( e) Our promise: matter-a change in the questions put at culty. Similarly, that Christ died for our To do our part heartily as unto the Lord ordinatio1J. and in the formula of subscrip­ sins is all that would be permitted about the as our respective national leaders may ap­ tion to the Confession of Faith. The report atonement. When it was moved that it do point for us to do to accomplish fully the of this Committee is now ready for the As­ read-'died a propitiatory sacrifice for our purposes for which this Declaration has sembly, and its proceedings throw a flood sins,' no seconder could be found. What is been made. of light on the revolutionary notions _of the use of a fusionless creed? Would it not This is regarded as significant of the those who are now attempting to alter our be nearly as safe to become Non-subscribing growing conviction that the nations need creed. The convener of the committee (the Presbyterians? to be brought to repentance. It is sad, how­ head of the College, Professor Paul) pre­ "On account of the frequency with which ever, to observe that this manifesto has sented a sheaf of suggestions, and the first the Virgin Birth of our Lord is being denied, no reference to Jesus Christ, no acknowl­ surprise was that the question about the some thought it wise to propose that a ques· edgment of Him as Lord of the Nations, and Word of God was shunted to third place. tion should be put at ordination on this sub­ no--recognition that He alone is the Door­ When asked why it should not occupy the ject. It was accordingly proposed that this way to God for forgiveness and reconcilia­ prominent place it had always held, his question be put to Ministers at their ordina­ tion. answe~ was that 'experience' came before tion. Five voted for introducing it, five the Scriptures. This is the Modernist posi­ against, and the chairman gave his caSting tion. But the Mohammedan has experience The Irish Evangelical Church also. Experience that does not originate vote against. Of the five for inserting the from and is not conformed to the Word of question, three were elders and two Minis­ HE Irish Evangelical Church is com­ God is both sinking and shifting sand. The ters. One Minister said to the elder who proposed the addition, 'Is this a saving T posed, for the -greater part, of men and next move was to drop the word 'infallible' women who were formerly members of the as applied to the Word of God. 'There is truth?' .•. There is no uSe in mincing Presbyterian Church in Ireland. They no external infallibility,' he affirmed. This words over this one big problem-where we seceded from the latter body because of their is the slogan of the new teaching. But man stand in relation to the Word of God. Any conviction 'that it had departed radically is as his word is, and God is as His Word. false doctrine may be introduced, and any from the teaching of the Word of God and If God be infallible so must His Word be. saving doctrine may be dropped if you its own Standards. Make the Word of God as short as you please weaken the authority of Holy Scripture. For many, years evidences of the drift -only a line, nay only a word, like the Chillingworth's famous saying still stands towards Modernism in the Irish Presby­ great word 'It is finiShed' from the Cross­ true-'The Bible, the whole Bible, and noth-' terian Church had not been lacking. In that Word of God is infallible. You must ing but the Bible is the religion of Protes­ sermons, books and pamphlets by Ministers write 'god' with a small 'g' whoSe word is tants.' " of the Church, and by the use of thoroughly not infallible. When it seemed difficult to In May, 1926, appeals were issued at inter­ Modernist text-books and tuition in the As­ score out 'infallible,' a pious phrase was vals to Irish Presbyterians, and a meeting sembly's College, the propaganda had been adroitly inserted before it, thus, 'under the of those interested in maintaining the Truth carried on. Our Lord was robbed of His guidance of the Spirit infallible.' This was summoned by Mr. Hunter. So the Pres­ true and essential deity, was pictured as lowers the Bible to the level of any other byterian Bible Standards League was one who did not understand Himself. In book. Professors' lectures are infallible in formed. The Belfast Presbytery and the Gethsemane and on Calvary He did not the same way. Professor Paul strongly ob­ College Committee (of both of which Mr. know why He was suffering. May the day jected to the expression 'Word of God' as Hunter was a member) were irate at the never come when we can hear such state­ applied to the Holy Scriptures. In the first issue of these appeals. A sub-committee of ments without anguish of spirit and without chapter of the Confession of Faith the ex­ the College Committee held an investigation protest! We may here point out that the pression is used four times (besides the on May 24th, 1926, seven students of the General Assembly later published much of simple term 'the word' twice)-'Holy Scrip­ preceding year being summoned as wit­ this revolting teaching under its authority. ture or the Word of God,'-'..• to be re­ nesses. One of the members of this sub­ The drift in the Presbyterian Church in ceived because it is the Word of God,'-'it committee (an ex-Moderator) had pro­ Ireland was further evidenced by the ap­ doth abundantly evidence itself to be the nounced himself very strongly from his own pointment at the General Assembly of 1925 Word of God,'-'that the Word of God dwell­ pulpit on Sabbath, May 23rd, 1926, on the of a committee to consider a change in the ing plentifully in all.' And in Holy Scrip­ matter with regard to which he was to sit questions put at ordination and in the for­ ture the expression occurs with great as an impartial judge the next day. Most of mula of subscription to the Westminster frequency. The whole 119th Psalm is indeed these wit~esses were kept a few minutes Confession. a glorification of the Word of God.-'Thy each, while the examination of one of their The Rev. James Hunter, M.A., opposed word have I hid in my heart that I might number lasted about 50 minutes, the reason the proposal but it was carried by a ma­ not sin against Thee.' There is no mystery being that he made (to use the words of jority vote. Mr. Hunter was a member of about the source whence the students de· the Moderator' of the General Assembly, who the committee appointed. rived their dislike for the name 'Word of presided) "very serious allegations against At that time (May, 1926), Mr. Hunter God'; it came from the atmosphere of the Professor Haire." Yet the report of this warned, "Two years ago, a letter signed by College. And we are too likely to cease sub-committee as given at the meeting of a.bout fifteen students of the Assembly's hearing from our pulpits the solemn 'Let committee on June 1st, 1926, and the report College was read before the College Com­ us hear the Word of God,' if something does of the committee as published in the daily mittee, protesting against some of the ques­ not happen soon. press, affirmed all the evidence to be in tions asked at ordination. They objected favour of the professor. to the term 'Word of God' being applied to "In the statement of the doctrine of the the Bible, and they wished to accept the Holy Trinity, which it is proposed to put The Assembly of 1926 "passed from the ConfeSSion and Catechisms only in a gen­ by way of question to Ministers at ordina­ question" of the change of the Formula, but eral way. A deputation was appointed to tion, the word 'Trinity' had objection taken left a committee on the change still in exist­ confer with them, and one of the deputation to it, as also the word 'person' of the distinc- ence to continue its labours, and took no real August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 21

steps towards remedying matters in Assem­ of an ever greater truth and beauty. And The Irish Evangelical Church remembers bly's College. if in these spheres Ot menta! acti'Tity Christ that there has been apostasy in Ireland Early in the winter of 1926-27, charges is not a final revelation, still less are our before this,-apostasy which in God's Provi· against Professor J. E. Davey of Assembly's Scriptures so." dence was succeeded by great revival. It is College were tabled before the Belfast Pres­ These charges were dealt with by the the hope of its leaders that another great bytery by Rev_ Jas. Hunter, M. A., and Presbytery at 14 sessions in February and revival will come, again sweeping away others. To sustain the charges quotations March, 1927. The stirring scenes of the unbelief and bringing back faith in God's were given from two books written by Prof. morning of the first session (Feb. 15, 1927) revelation through His infallible Word. Davey, and from his lectures to his students. left no doubt in the minds of the accusers Prof. Davey was charged with teaching what as to the light in which they and their was contrary to (1) the doctrine of Imputa­ charges were regarded by the Presbytery. The South AFrican Church tion, (2) the Divine Character of the Lord Professor Davey was acquitted on each of Stands Fast Jesus, (3) the infallible truth and divine the charges by a large majority, though be­ authority of Holy Scripture, (4) the doctrine fore the Presbytery itself it is said that he r-rHE discussion of Creed-subscription, of the Trinity, and (5) with teaching that made statements sufficient to convict him which is being constantly agitated by God is the author of sin. A portion of the clearly in any court loyal to the Word of Modernists, does not always result in mak­ third charge follows: God. At the closing session (March 29, 1927), ing it easier for unbelievers to "subscribe"· Whereas it is in accordance with the Word the Presbytery resolved by a very. large ma­ to Creeds in which they do not believe. of God that the Holy Scriptures are "im­ jority to inhibit all under its jurisdiction Here and there are Churches that resolutely mediately inspired of God," and are "of in­ from every kind of public reference to the refuse to lower their theological and ethical fallible truth and of divine authority" (West­ case, until the appeals had been heard by standards. At its recent Synod held at minster Confession), and it is a heinous the Assembly. One member of the domin­ Bloemfontein, the Dutch Reformed Church offence to hold and teach what is contrary ant party went so far as to insist that the in South Africa, agreed to add to instead of to this doctrine, we charge the Rev. Prof. matter should not be mentioned even in taking from the strictness of subscription Davey, of the Assembly's College, with teach­ public prayer. by its Ministers. By a vote of 109 to 29, it ing what is contrary to the said doctrine, The General Assembly of 1927, like the was decided that to the articles, which com­ and we specify the following facts to sustain Belfast Presbytery, met on the matter be­ pel Ministers to Sign a declaration before the charge:- hind "closed doors." It dismissed the ap­ being admitted as such, the following be That in a publication issued by him en­ peals, sustained the decisions of the Pres­ added: "J declare and confess uprightly and titled "Our Faith in God," he makes the bytery (the voting on the first charge being with a good conscience before the Lord (1) following statements on page 99: "The Old 707 to 82), and, like the Presbytery, heaped That the Bible is God's Word; (2) That the Testament idea of God as the potentate who praise upon Professor Davey and poured out Bible in all its parts is inspired by God and holds rebellious men in derision; the arbi­ its wrath on his accusers. is, therefore, in all its parts infallible; (3) trary and self-centered despot who seeks In the months that followed the meeting That the miracles of the Bible cannot be His own glory, is not the conception of God of the Assembly, there were numbers who explained by human reason and must be which Christ gave us, but something like its prayerfully considered their relationship to . accepted with childlike faith; (4) That the antithesis." On page 111 of the same book a church whose courts had so set themselves story of the creation and the fall of man he makes the statement: "I know of no way against the Lord and His Word. The de­ as contained in Genesis is infallible and in­ of accepting truly the Christian faith which termining question was, "What saith the spired; (5) That history as set forth in the does not rest upon a willingness to change Scriptures?" Very clearly did they see that Old Testament itself must be maintained against the Evolution theory of the Higher it any day for a better, if the other faith in no other course remained open to them but question could be proved really more satis­ separation from a church which, had ceased Criticism; (6) That Jesus Christ is not only factory, and more entitled to our accept­ to be a "pillar and ground of the truth." in an ethical sense holy and without sin, ance." On page 114 of the same book he AccordinglY,.in the July and August of 1927, but He is, also, intellectually without mis­ takes, untruth and deceit; (7) That the makes the statement: "Are Christ's theories Rev. James Hunter, M.A., and others de­ teaching of Jesus Christ about Moses as a of the authorship of Deuteronomy or of the mitted their positions in the Presbyterian writer of the Pentateuch, about Jonah and 110th Psalm final for us, or His views about Church in Ireland. the whale, about David as the author of astronomy, or even about angels and On September 17th, 1927, a small number Psalm 110, about the· whole Scripture is demons?" On page 116 of the same book he of those interested met. On October 15th, infallible; that Jesus is always the truth." makes the statement: "It is not the Galilean 1927, at a similar meeting it was decided to This decision comes as an encouragement Jew who is final, but something which taber­ unite together in the purpose of forming a to those who hold to the Bible as God's in­ nacled in Him and expressed itself in the new organization under the name of the fallible Word. formS of its time, both in thought and prac­ "Evangelical Church." Articles of Faith tice." On page 120 of the same book he were adopted at a meeting on 12th Nov.em­ makes the statement: "We may, perhaps, in ber, 1927. At the same time, events of some things be driven to modify or ignore perhaps even greater impartance than the Help for the Protestant Churches certain views of Christ, e.g., in His theo­ foregoing had been talring place. In October of Europe logical or scientific statements, where they and November, 1927, believers in some dis­ seem to conflict with His Spirit, or with in­ tricts began to meet in homes in their own PLAN has been devised by a number of vestigated facts. If in points we must ques­ district. Indeed most of the congregations A business men in Switzerland for the tion the words of the historic Jesus, it is began as "the church in so-and-so's house." relief of Protestant churches in Europe. only to exalt the living and eternal Son of At the first public conference, held on March Many of the Reformed Churches on the Con­ God, whose Spirit even yet leads us on into 31st, 1928, representatives from five branches tinent are still suffering from the rUin all truth, and still takes of the things of of the Church spoke of the work in their caused by the war. Appeals for direct aid Jesus and interprets them to us." On page own districts. June, 1928, saw the beginning to other countries have produced substantial 127 of the same book he makes the state­ of The Irish Evangelical, a monthly paper. sums, and might yet accomplish more; but ment: "Intellectually and resthetically Christ Now (1931) there are nine places of witness, these efforts would help a limited number is not our final revelation, though His Spirit and the beginning and the growth of the of churches, and there ta!ren end. The. is our greatest help towards the attainment work is most encouraging. Swiss bankers' plan is to lend--only to lend 22 CHRISTIANITY TODAY August, 1931

-money to churches for such objects as and st. James's OhTonicle, organ of Evan­ fervour and more thankful appreciation the the repair of their buildings, and the re­ gelicals in the Church of England, imme­ true Confession of Faith which occupies so establishment of their confiscated pension diately launched a vigorous attack upon the deservedly s. prominent place in our Morn­ funds. Help in this way is fitted to restore new "creed." He said: "Dr. Major claims ing and Evening Prayer." the spirit _of _seli,reliance. As the money for this new Confession that it is 'deliber­ comes to be repaid, with interest, over a ately inclusive and omits all controversial 'period of years, still more churches will be issues' and that 'it stresses those things in "Catholic", "Roman Catholic" helped. Thus a moving cycle of benefit the Christian Faith which are of supreme will go on, and an increasing number of value.' We should prefer to say that it is or "Romanist"? churches will experience the relief afforded deliberately exclusive, and therefore highly HE Roman Church, both in America by the plan. Finally, a generation hence, controversial. This is at once apparent T and in other lands, likes to be referred there will remain no mean fund to be ap­ when it is placed and considered alongside to as "The Catholic Church." In the Angli­ plied first in repayment to such donors as the Apostles' Creed. It is wholly composed can Church Summer Assembly early this may have stipulated for return. Otherwise of passages from St. John's .writings, some month, Sir Charles Marston introduced the the fund will be devoted to the endowment of them made to stop significantly short of following resolution: of international religious objects. Out of the full sentence. Its words are true and "That whereas the word 'Catholic' means the million dollars aimed at, Switzerland beautiful, because taken from Scripture, universal and is used in this sense not only has already furnished her allotted share. So bu t, professing to be a Creed expressive of in the Creeds, but in common speech and also have Holland and Sweden. North the 'things in the Christian Faith which are in the Book of Common Prayer, its use America is making progress with her part. of supreme value: it is lamentably and, in without a distinguishing prefix as the title Great Britain and Protestant Ireland are the light of Revelation, dishonestly incom­ of any of the Communions into which the counted on for $250,000, whereof the aim is plete. Its first clause is taken from St. one Holy Catholic Apostolic Church of that Scotland shall provide something like John's Gospel, but the New Creed excludes Christ is today unhappily divided is dis­ $50,000. all mention of St. John's record of the courteous and misleading, and that the Crucifixion in which the Lamb of God was Press and Publications Board be instructed, slain to take away the sin of the world, and whenever the word is so used in matter A Modernist Creed lifted up, as Moses lifted up the serpent in supplied to the public press, to take such the wilderness, that whosoever believeth in HE attack on the Thirty-nine Articles action as may be necessary to cause a re­ Him should not perish, but have eternal quest to be made to the editor of the jour­ Tof the Church of England, in which life, and in which the Good Shepherd laid both ritualists and rationalists join forces, nal responsible that a correction be inserted down His life for the sheep. The 'supreme in his next issue." has induced some of the Modernists to de­ value' of that atoning, propitiatory, vicarious This was, after debate, amended to read velop an attack of their own on the Creeds. Sacrifice--the greatest exhibition of the Men who, while occupying high position in as follows': justice and the love of a God Who knew it "That whereas the word 'Catholic' means the Church of England, refuse to believe in to be necessary that His only-begotten, well­ universal and is used in this sense not only the Virgin Birth of our Lord, His descent beloved Son should take the sinner's place in the Creeds, but in common speech and into Hades, His bodily Resurrection and and be wounded for the sinner's transgres­ in the Book of Common Prayer, its exclusive Ascension and His Personal Return at the sion-is deliberately excluded. What would use as the title of any of the Communions Second Advent, and who have no use for the Seer of Patmos say to this exclusion of into which the one Holy Catholic Apostolic the doctrine of the Fall or of the propitia­ 'the Lamb as it had been slain: the efficacy Church of Christ is today unhappily divided tory, atoning Sacrifice of Calvary are known of Whose redeeming Blood was the very is misleading and without warrant in his­ to be naturally restive at the recital of the core of the Revelation which he received tory." Apostles' or Nicene Creed, to say nothing and recorded? It is vain and perilous to of that commonly known as the Creed of profess faith in a faithful and just forgive­ Immediately Cardinal Bourne, Romanist Primate of England, protested publicly St. Athanasius. Their unbelief has led to ness of sins if the shedding of Blood, with­ against any other than those in subjection the formulation of a new Creed which is out which there is no remission, is ignored now publicly commended, as "a simple al­ and excluded. The glory and majesty of to the Pope calling themselves Catholic. It ternative Creed," by Dr. Major, the Principal the Apostles' Creed stand out in striking was a term exclusively reserved to them. of Ripon Hall, Oxford and well-known Eng­ relief against the terrible gaps which this He even objected to the term "Roman lish Modernist, in a letter to The London new Confession presents. It is only neces­ Catholic." Times. It is as follows:- sary to compare the two to get a fresh and In the state of New Jersey, early in July, "We believe-God is spirit: and they that remarkable conviction of the comprehensive appeared also a Romanist priest in court in worship Him must worship Him .in spirit scripturalness of the former. connection with a suit involving a benevo­ and in truth. lent organization, testifying that no one but God is light: and if we walk in the Light "We learn from Dr. Major's letter that the Romanists could possibly be called "Catho­ as He is in the light, we have fellowship Creed which he proposes for adoption has lic." one with another. already been used in some quarters and has It is interesting to note that if the Roman­ God is love: and everyone that loveth been set to music. He believes that his ist claim to the word "Catholic" is conceded, is born of God and knoweth God. plea for its adoption will be supported by it is thereby admitted that Protestants are Jesus is the Son of God: and God hath 'many Evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics.' not part of the Church Universal. It was gi yen us eternal life, and this life is in His We are not disposed to doubt the accuracy immediately pointed out, following the news Son. of his estimate, but we are glad to believe of Romanist claims on both sides of the We are children of God: and He hath that the inadequacy and the dangerous ex­ seas; that the Reformers did not consider given us of His spirit. clusions of the new Confession will be themselves to have ceased being Catholics If we. confess our sins: He is faithful and rightly understood by all who rejoice in the when they became Protestants, and that, in just to forgive us our sins. true reflection of revealed Truth which is fact, they denied that the Roman body could The world pas seth away and the lust . to be found in the ancient creeus of Chris­ be properly termed a Church at all, much thereof: but he that doeth the will of God tendom. Perhaps the very suggestion of less "The Catholic Church." In the West­ abideth for ever.-Amen." the new 'alternative' will enable those who minster Standards they are referred to not The Editor of the English ChurcMnan walk in the old paths to recite with greater as "Catholics" or even "Roman Catholics," August, 1931 CHRISTIANITY TODAY 23

but as "Papists" or "Romanists." Leading Italy prohihited by lotw, --and when this is Armenian Refugees Ordered Protestants strongly maintain that in calling not done, compiains of persecution!) The Romanists "Catholics," Protestants are Pontiff also declared that when he had asked from Greece "playing the game" of Rome, which delights for specific names and evidence concerning T is reported that 30,000 Armenians, resi· to refer to itself as "The Catholic Church" those who were supposed to be undermining I dent as refugees in Greece, have now and to its adherents as "Catholics." the Italian State, "There has never been been notified by the Greek Government that any reply to Our request." He charged it can no longer accommodate them, as Mussolini with being the wolf in the fable, Greece itself must shelter one million Italy and the Vatican Still at and compared ;'Catholic Action" to the refugees from Asia Minor. The interna­ lamb. He virtually asserted that Fascism Loggerheads tional bureau for refugees, which in honour was becoming a religion in itself, teaching of Nansen bears the name of "Office Inter­ UST when it seemed that the troubles be­ disrespect to constituted authority (that of national Nansen" has entered into negotia­ J tween the government of Fascist Italy the Roman Church) and even permitting tions with the French Government looking and the Pope were about over, possibilities "others to indulge in insulting words and toward the transfer of this group of Ar­ for peace were shattered, and trouble flared actions against the person of the Father of menians to the thinly populated depart­ high again. Renewed charges and counter­ all the faithful, even to cry out 'Down with ments of France, where a special committee charges were issued by the two powers. the Pope, and death to him.' This is real for the assimilation and naturalisation of Rumors began to be heard to the effect that teaching of parricide! ..." After making Armenians in France will promote their in­ the Pope was considering renouncing the this wrothful declaration, however, the terests. The aim is to make the refugees Concordat with Italy, and resuming his Pope circumspectly hastened to say that he French citizens, especially as there seems attitude of isolation. Because of the Italian had no wish to condemn the Fascist Party to be no prospect of the recovery of the censorship, the Pope, on June 29, caused to as such, and that he had not ordered his Armenian race in a land of its own. be smuggled out of Italy on the person of a faithful followers to lea,ve it. It is gener­ young priest temporarily attached to a ally said that had the Pope attempted so party of travelling American Romanists, an to order them, he would have received a German Church Discipline "Encyclical Letter" to his faithful subjects, surprise at the insignificant number of those HE Thuringen Evangelical Church has on the subject of "Catholic Action." obeying. Toward the close of his letter, in­ imposed a fine of 200 marks (about ("Catholic Action" is the name of the or­ deed, the "Holy Father" expressed himself T $50) on the religious-socialist preacher ganization which Prime Minister Mussolini as having "very grave worries about the Kleinschmidt at Eisenberg, on the ground of Italy declared was being prepared to future"-surely rather incongruous with his that, notwithstanding the prohibition of the overthrow his government, and which he claim to be an infallible mouthpiece of God. Synod, he took an active part in political ordered disbanded in the beginning of the He closed-with the assurance that "We pray life and spoke at a great number of social­ dispute.) The Pope's letter began "We must the God of all mercies, through the inter­ democratic electoral meetings. The church needs speak to you, Venerable Brethren, cession of His Blessed Mother who so re­ regulations in Thuringen contain two sorts about events which have recently occurred cently smiled on us from the splendors of of punishment, light and heavy; of the for­ in this, Our Episcopal City of Rome, and her pluricentenary celebration, and the holy mer the most severe punishment is a fine throughout Italy, that is to say, in the very Apostles Peter and Paul, that He make us not exceeding a month's salary; of the lat­ territory of which We are Primate- .... all to see that which is proper to do and ter, suspension or deposition. It is an These occurrences are summarized in a give us all the force to put it into effect." exception that a church gathering should very few and very sad words. There has The effect of the Pope's letter was, as impose a fine upon a preacher, and this is been an attempt made to strike unto death ~xpected, a widening of the breach between the first case in the history of the Thuringen that which was and that which always will the two parties to the controversy. The church. It is reported that the deliberations be dearest to Our heart as Father and as Fascisti repeated their charges and denials on the question lasted from nine o'clock in Shepherd of Souls; and We can, We even of bad faith. At last advices the matter the morning till eleven o'clock at night. must, subjoin 'and the way in which it was was not in an acute stage, but in such a The sentence was based on the consideration done offends Us still more:" Then, in not condition that it might again become acute that the church regulations were there to a very few, but in very sad words indeed, at almost any time. be upheld and not made ridiculous. the Pope stated his case to the world. He declared that the "Catholic Action" societies Protestant Gains in Italy had abstained from any and every sort of "Movies" and the Law of political activity; there had been many acts AN SEBASTIANO is a little place in the Scotland of violence, even bloodshed; truth and jus­ S neighborhood of Rome having a popu­ tice had been violated, and the press lation of about fifteen thousand. Recently, AFTER an unusually long period of con­ muzzled; the so-called revelations of the 110 families have left the Roman Church fi sideration, Lord Mackay has given his Fascisti regarding the purposes of "Cathollc as a result of political complications. After decision in the action raised by the Lord's Action" he declared to be fabrications. 'He a short period of uncertainty they decided Day Observance Association against the charged further that there have been acts to join a Protestant church. They requested JliIagistrates of Edinburgh, with a view to of violence and irreverence amounting to the general superintendent of the Italian interdicting them from granting licenses for persecution. (The spectacle of the Pope of Methodist Church at Rome to send a the opening of Pictures Houses on the Rome complaining of persecution has preacher. A preacher was sent and after a Lord's Day. His judgment, which is set aroused amusement in the minds of many month 300 inhabitants of San Sebastiano forth in a closely reasoned exposition of who reflect upon how willing Rome has joined the Methodist Church. Shortly after­ Scots Law on the question, is to the effect been, in the past, to use "the thumbscrew wards a beginning was made with the build­ that the action was incompetent and irrel­ and the stake for the glory of the Lord." ing of a church. The movement has now evant. It was generally expected that the It has also been pointed out that while spread to the surrounding country. Rome action would fail on the ground that the Rome talks of "persecution" one of her sent a priest and seven "patel's" to the Acts bearing on Sabbath observance had chief grievances against the government is apostate village, but this did not lead to fallen into desuetude. But Lord Mackay that Mussolini has permitted freedom of re­ the desired success. The movement is still declined, with a good deal of emphasis, to ligious belief. Rome wants Protestantism in spreading. accept this plea. Desuetude, he affirmed, re- 24 CHRISTIANiTY TODAY Augustl 1931

quired for its operation a very considerable Chinese "Moral Endq;aVOi" by the Chinese Generalissimo before his period, not merely of neglect but of con­ conversion to Christianity. Whether the trary usage. The fact that no prosecutions HE ancient tendency of the Chinese to founder will now desire to have it take the had taken place in Scotland for half a cen­ T substitute ethics and moral teachings strong evangelical pOSition formerly held tury was not, he held, to be taken as proving for religion is strikingly exemplified by the by the Y. M. C. A. is a matter of speculation. that infringements of the law had been ig­ recent naws from . the former "Celestial nored; it might equally well be regarded as Empire" that under the personal direction an evidence that in all important matters of General Chiang Kai-shek there has been Modernism Charged in the community had observed the provisions developed at Nanking an organization called Lutheran Seminary for Sabbath observance. The ground on the Officers' Moral Endeavor Association, HE directors of Augustana Theological which Lord Mackay based his decision was which has been called "a Y. M. C. A. in Seminary at Rock Island, Ill., were that there is nothing in the law of Scotland disguise." T which may be construed as definitely pro· This association, composed entirely of sharply criticized from the floor at the con­ hibiting the presentation of a moving pic­ officers of the Chinese National Army, has a vention of the Augustana Lutheran Synod ture on the Lord's Day within an enclosed membership of more than 2,000, of whom 600 held at Jamestown, N. Y., last month. area, and causing no disturbance to Church are residents of Nanking. Although it is Asserting that some of the directors or Church-goers without its walls. He saw only three years old, the association has "know more about philosophy than about no reason why the Magistrates in granting grown from its original quarters of three Christ," the Rev. C. E. Holmer of Manistee, the required license might not impose con· small rooms in an old building in the Mich., attacked the action of the board in ditions which would satisfy the require· business district to the point where it now declining to issue a permanent call to Pro· ments of the statutes. They could forbid, owns a spacious three-story building on a fessor John Milton until he had taken up for example, the sale of chocolates, or lay twenty·acre site on the main boulevar(l. In studies leading to the degree of Doctor of down that no queues be permitted to stand this building are the association's offices, a Philosophy. The· resignations of Proi'essors in the streets before or during divine servo well-stocked library, a billard room, a A. T. Lundholm and Oscar Olsen were also ice. In Lord Mackay's opinion, therefore, gymnasium and locker room, and the first involved in the debate, during which the the prevention of cinema entertainments on cafeteria to be established in China. This board was accused of modernistic tendencies. the Lord's Day cannot be secured by the last was designed and is operated after the Others assailed the board and three memo existing law of Scotland; but the Acts have most up-to-date American model and is bers defended it. not fallen into desuetude. equipped to serve 1,000 people at each meal. The Rev. G. E. Brandel!, .president of the General Chiang Kai·shek has written for synod, said the board's action was prompted the members ten commandments which are by critisism from the synod and the semi­ Church of Scotland Assembly prominently displayed in the main reception nary. He appointed a committee to prepare hall and are supposed to guide the lives of resolutions dealing with the employment of HE recent Assembly of the Church of the members. They are as follows: the three professors. T Scotland was moderated by the Rev. 1. Thou shalt not covet rifles. Dr. John A. Graham, many years a Mission· 2. Thou shalt not fear to die. Death of Archbishop Soederblom ary in Kalimpong. The proceedings of the 3. Thou shalt not ostentatiously show Assembly were varied. Among its outstand· thyself. R. NATHAN SOEDERBLOM, arch· ing decisions was the appointment of a 4. Thou shalt not be proud. D bishop of the Church of Sweden, hold· committee consisting to the extent of one· 5. Thou shalt not be lazy. ing the Lutheran faith, died on July 12. third of women, to consider a petition pre­ 6. Thou shalt not commit adultery nor One of the outstanding Lutherans of the sented by a number of prominent women gamble. world, he was one of the best known leaders within the Church, asking that women be 7. Thou shalt not smoke .. in Europe in the movement to bring both ordained to the Ministry, the Ruling Elder· 8. Thou shalt not borrow money. the nations and the churches together. He ship, and the Diaconate. It was indicated 9. Thou shalt not drink wine. was the convener and guiding spirit of the at the Assembly that in the course of a few 10. Thou shalt not lie. great Stockholm conference in the year months the Church of Scotland might be 1925, at which al! the most important Prot· engaged in an "unrestricted conference" Colonel L. T. Huang is the executive estant groups of Europe and America and with representatives of the Church of Eng· officer in charge of the association and has even the Greek Catholic, Assyrian and land with reference to future relations. The handled its relief activities, which have in· Coptic churches were represented. Assembly declined to make any definite pro· cluded first aid to more than 60,000 wounded It is not unlikely that the late archbishop nouncement with regard to "whist drives" soldiers during the last two years. of Sweden was inclined to be too liberal in in churches, on the ground that the matter Colonel Huang admits that the 'plans of his views and attitudes. At one time he had been dealt with in general in the report organization and many of the activities of was professor of comparative religion. and of another committee. Another step was the association have been evolved after con· in his addresses he made statements which the decision to remit to another committee ferences with Y. M. C. A. secretaries in occasioned criticism by orthodox groups. "to inquire into the religious value of the China, but the Officers' Moral Endeavor President Knubel of the United Lutheran appointment of a Sunday for the special reo Association has no religious requirements Church of America has paid the late arch· membrance of the blessed dead, and to reo or activities. Educative and cultural bishop of Sweden this tribute: "No one port on the advisability of including such lectures are given daily and there are daily could meet Archbishop Soederblom without a day in the Church year." It was under­ classes in English, Japanese, mathematics being thrilled by his personality. Those stood that this was meant as a corrective and military science. The organization who knew him well held him in constant to the claims of spiritists, and that it might maintains two bands, one of which spe· remembrance because of his brilliant knowl­ be regarded as a kind of Protestant All cializes in Chinese and the other in foreign edge, his spiritual ideals, and his friendly Saints' Day. The Committee on Creed re­ music, and "singing meets" are held several warmth. The manifest religiousness, the vision made a somewhat hesitating report, times a week. A new building, to be com· world-wide outlook of all plans, the ready recommending that, instead of attempting pleted in October, will be used as a dormi· use of languages, the artistic wealth of his to frame a new confession, the Church tory and will house an additional 250 nature, the keen executive ability, the tire­ should prepare a brief' and popular state· members. less activity-all of these combined to pro· ment of its faith. Presumably this organization was founded duce a man of rarest type."

BENJ. r EMERY co .. PHILA