DOCSLIB.ORG

Liber DCCCLXXXVIII the Gospel According to St. Bernard Shaw

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Liber DCCCLXXXVIII the Gospel According to St. Bernard Shaw (aka The Gospel According to Saint Bernard Shaw). A lengthy study of Christianity, cast in the form of a reply to the Preface to Shaw's Androcles and the Lion. Originally scheduled for publication in EQ III (2); published as a duplicated typescript in 1953 by Germer, again as Crowley on Christ edited by Francis King (London: C.W. Daniel, 1974). 888 = Iesous (Greek), Jesus Liber DCCCLXXXVIII The Gospel According to St. Bernard Shaw by Aleister Crowley .... I had with me a copy of BERNARD SHAW's ANDROCLUS AND THE LION and bethought myself that I would criticize the preface. The almost unparalleled knowledge of the text of the Bible which I had acquired in early childhood was shocked by Shaw's outrageously arbitrary selection of the texts that sustained his argument. His ignorance of the Asiatic life and thought had led him into the most grotesque misapprehensions. I set out to criticize his essay, section by section; but the work grew under my hand, and in three weeks or so I had produced a formidable treatise of some 45,000 words. I had intended to confine myself to destructive criticism of my author; but as I went on, my analysis of the text of the Gospels revealed the mystery of their composition. It became clear both those who believe in the historicity of Jesus and their opponents were at fault. I could not doubt that actual incidents and genuine sayings in the life of a real man formed part of the structure. The truth was that scraps of several such men, distinct from, and incompatible with, each other, had been pitch-forked together and labelled with a single name. It was exactly the case of the students who stuck together various parts of various insects and asked their professor What kind of bug is this? Gentlemen, he replied, this is a hum-bug. In writing this book, I was much assisted by Frazer's Golden Bough, and, to a less extent, by Jung's 'Psychology of the Unconscious.' But my main assets were my intimate knowledge of the text of the Gospels, of the conditions of life and thought in the East, and the details of magical and mystical Work, and of the literary conventions which old writers employed to convey their ideas. .... I claim that my book establishes the outline of an entirely final theory of the construction of Christianity. ALEISTER CROWLEY (quotation from his Autobiography.) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. BERNARD SHAW This is an imperfect world. The greatest of human minds has its limitation. The intelligent reader will already have guessed from the foregoing that the subject of this paper is George Bernard Shaw. It cannot be doubted that England today would be hard put to it to show a bare dozen men capable in their highest flights of the kind of thought which is the breath of life to Mr. Shaw. In destructive criticism he stands practically unchallenged. But there seems to be one flaw in the emerald of his mind; one piece of bad steel in his bag of tools. He shares the almost universal infirmity of being unable to detach himself completely from the phenomena which he is observing. He loves to twist a text to suit his rope. We had an excellent example of this failing in his book on Wagner. Wagner was a socialist like Mr. Shaw himself; and Mr. Shaw felt himself bound to read the socialism into the operas. The monarchist might just as easily have claimed that Wagner was a king's favourite, and the operas mere praise of kingship. The position would be quite as easy to defend. The result of this was that Mr. Shaw found himself in a very awkward position, for the fourth drama of the Ring would not fit in. He was obliged to ask us to believe that Wagner suddenly and without reason abandoned his great and serious purpose, abandoned the whole course of his thought, and reverted to mere opera with an entire {1} lack of consecution. It is really asking us to believe that Wagner became demented, exactly as one would say of an architect who gave forty years of his life to building a cathedral, and then gave up the design and finished it off with minarets. But let us to our muttons - or rather to our lions! Criticism of Christianity by a thinker of Mr. Shaw's eminence marks an epoch in the history of religion. His preface to Androcles and the Lion is just as important as the ninety-five theses which Martin Luther nailed to the door of the church of Wittenburg. Mr. Shaw, as might be expected from so original a thinker, takes the fairest point of view. He asks us to clear our minds of everything that we have ever heard about Christianity, and to place ourselves in the position of the rude Indian whose untutored mind gains its first schooling in the gospels from a missionary. To this he only makes one reservation, that the reader must know something of the human imagination as applied to religion. This of course is rather like blowing a hole in the bottom of your boat before you launch it. But we will take Mr. Shaw as he stands. I feel that the moment has come for a digression, of the nature of a personal apology. No one can feel more strongly than myself, I may add more painfully, the impertinence of an entirely obscure individual like myself to enter the lists, and offer to break a lance with Galahad! My only excuse is that I have a very special qualification, namely, an intimate knowledge of the Bible so deeply rooted that it seems hardly unfair to say that it formed the whole foundation of my mind. {2} My father was a leader of the Plymouth Brethren, and from the age of four, when I learnt to read, until I went to Trinity College, Cambridge, I had practically no books but the Bible; and the few I did get were carefully selected stories adapted for the use of the pious, and so, being devoid of literary merit, left no impression upon my mind. It should be explained further that the cardinal point of the faith of the Plymouth Brethren is an absolutely literal acceptance of the text of the authorized version of the Bible. It may give some idea of the extraordinary thoroughness with which I studied the Testaments if I mention that my father had a great perception of the beauty of antithesis, and frequently preached sermons on texts containing the word but. At nine years old I went through my Bible word by word, and drew a square in ink around the word 'but' every time it occurred; as I occasionally missed one I went through it again and again, until I was sure that I had made no omission. I was not very robust in health. I could not take the ordinary enjoyment in games. There was this further restriction that it might corrupt my morals to play with any others than the sons of Brethren, who were as difficult to find as pure and beautiful things usually are! Reading was therefore my principal resource, and I was thrown back again and again upon the Bible. My verbal memory is excellent, and I can still find almost any text that may be quoted to me in a few minutes search. This of course was aided by special training. The Plymouth Brethren, if the whirl of their lives should for some reason slacken slightly for a moment, would indulge in the wild dissipation of Bible searching. Competitions {3} were run by magazines, which gave lists of obscure texts, and the sportsman had to find them as best he might. It was of course a foul stroke to employ a Concordance, and even the use of a reference Bible was not considered quite playing the game. In this sportsman-like attitude I yet abide. In preparing this essay I have had no book whatever but the Bible itself - without reference columns (I procured later a 'Golden Bough' [The Golden Bough, by J.G. Frazer] etc., when I found quotation exigent). It is trusted that this excuse may be deemed sufficient in this matter. The main axis of this paper will be a demonstration of the errors of omission and commission in Mr. Shaw's actual reading of his text. Other criticisms will be offered upon other points of the brilliant essay under discussion, but the edge of the axe, which it is proposed to lay to the root of Mr. Shaw's tree, is proof that he has entirely misread the Bible, that he has picked out texts to suit his purpose, and ignored those which contradict him; and that he has done this (no doubt unwittingly) in order to prove that the whole essence of the teaching of Jesus is no more or less than the epitome of the political propaganda of the distinguished essayist. Owing to the extraordinary reverence with which the name of Jesus has been fortified, that name has always been the ace of trumps in the hand of the theologian. It has always been the aim of every religious reformer to prove that Jesus Christ was on his side. The opinion of Jesus Christ on any matter was the decision of the Supreme Court. Every heretic based his ultimate argument on some saying of the prophet of Nazareth. {4} Mr. Shaw therefore, in spite of his brilliant, original manner of thought, has really done what every one else has done from Arius to Renan.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Rev. Falwell, Rev. Sun Myung Moon And
    Rev. Falwell, Rev. Sun Myung Moon and The Love of Money In this teaching we will be looking at the ‘fruit' of some of the most prominent ‘Christian' figures in America. This list will include: The late Rev. Jerry Falwell, Timothy La Haye 'Left Behind', Gary Bauer, Bill Bright, Paul Crouch, Dr. James Dobson, Rev. Billy Graham, Dr. D. James Kennedy, Beverly La Haye, Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson, Rev. James Robison, Phyllis Schlafly, George Bush Sr. and Jr., Dr. Robert Schuller I and II Jerry Falwell. Jesus said by their fruits “ye shall know them”, which is in reference to the fruit of a true Christian as opposed to a pseudo Christian tare. We will be looking at the undeniable documented financial links of the people listed above cult leader Rev. Sun Myung Moon of the Unification Church of Korea. Unbelievably Rev. Moon was actually crowned Messiah and Savior of Earth on March 23, 2004 at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington D.C, where scores of Christian leaders as well as several U.S. Senators and Representatives met for this very blasphemous occasion. Southern Baptist leaders were on hand, as were Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) President Paul Crouch, Reverend Jerry Falwell, Rev. Robert Schuller, Kenneth Copeland, Pat Boone and many others. Moon claims Jesus failed on his mission to earth but Moon has not. This is one of the largest smoking guns and flagrant moves ever made and condoned by main stream Christian figures and politicians. This information is based on highly referenced, factual evidence. To hear go to: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=52007215646 Reverend Moon was crowned Messiah and Savior of Earth in Washington, D.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Studying the Bible
    STUDYING THE BIBLE Prepared by the Reverend Brent Anderson WHAT IS THE BIBLE? The word “Bible” is derived from a plural Greek word, into covenant relation with the God of justice and ta biblia, “the little scrolls” or “the books”. While steadfast love and to bring God’s way and blessings to many think of the Bible as a single book, it is actually a the nations. The New Testament is considerably short- collection of books—a collection of many diverse er than the Old Testament. It consists of twenty-seven writings from our ancestors in the faith who tell the books written entirely in Greek. It records the life, story of God and God’s love. Like an ancestral scrap- work and significance of Jesus Christ (including the book, the Bible is the witness of God’s people of God’s practical and ethical implications of following him) and commitment to Israel—and through Israel to the it describes the spread of the early Christian church as world—and God’s decisive activity on behalf of the well as a vision of God’s ultimate desires for God’s world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus people and creation. Christ. It is a book that gathers the testimonies and THE PURPOSE OF BIBLE STUDY confessions of the ancient Israelites and early Chris- Our goal in studying the Bible is not primarily to learn tians regarding the nature and will of God—revealing information—to learn the history or story of God’s who God is and what God is like.
    [Show full text]
  • Every Book in the Bible, Either Directly Or Indirectly, Tells You ___It Was
    Every book in the Bible, either directly or indirectly, tells you _________ it was written. Today’s text in Galatians does just that as we will see the very reason for the letter. It is important to note that within the ranks of Christianity these four verses are softened up in ______________ Bibles by mistranslations and rewording, or by simply avoiding these scriptures completely. It seems better in this lukewarm age to side- step this hard issue and let it go unchecked rather than hitting it head on and allowing its truth to convict hearts and transform lives. This morning as we are working through the passage remember your ____________ friends and family who may have been given a false hope in religion, and as a result, will face the consequences in the future. For certain, as the Bible states, there will come a time to answer for their rejection of the gospel and to face ____________________ from the Lord Jesus Christ himself. THE PEOPLE’S PROBLEM – GALATIANS 1:6-9 1. False gospel – Galatians 1:6-7a a. The exasperation – verse 6 - The churches’ desertion of God – verse 6a - The churches’ desertion of the ______________ of Christ – verse 6b b. The determination – verse 7a - There is _______ other gospel The plain and simple _________________ – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures… He was buried… He rose again the third day according to the scriptures The response we must have when hearing the gospel – Romans 10:9-10, 13 Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation Believe in in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead…for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness Call upon the name of the Lord to be _______________ (talk to God in prayer and receive Christ as your personal sin-bearer, asking God to save you) Any other message is false and a clear departure from the plain and simple truth.
    [Show full text]
  • The Apostolicity of the Church
    THE APOSTOLICITY OF THE CHURCH Study Document of the Lutheran–Roman Catholic Commission on Unity The Lutheran World Federation Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity Lutheran University Press Minneapolis, Minnesota The Apostolicity of the Church Study Document of the Lutheran–Roman Catholic Commission on Unity Copyright 2006 Lutheran University Press, The Lutheran World Federation, and The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in articles or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission. Published by Lutheran University Press under the auspices of: The Lutheran World Federation 150, rte de Ferney, PO Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity 00120 Vatican City, Vatican Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity The apostolicity of the church : study document of the Lutheran-Roman Catho- lic Commission on Unity [of] The Lutheran World Federation [and] Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN-13: 978-1-932688-22-1 ISBN-10: 1-932688-22-6 (perfect bound : alk. Paper) 1. Church—Apostolicity—History of doctrines—20th century. 2. Interdenomi- national cooperation. 3. Lutheran Church—Relations—Catholic Church. 4. Catho- lic Church—Relations—Lutheran Church. 5. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Com- mission on Unity. I. Title. BV601.2.L88 2006 262’.72—dc22 2006048678 Lutheran University Press, PO Box 390759, Minneapolis, MN 55439 Manufactured in the United States of America 2 CONTENTS Introduction ........................................................................................... 7 Part 1 The Apostolicity of the Church – New Testament Foundations 1.1 Introduction.
    [Show full text]
  • Another Christ–Another Gospel What Charismatic Leaders Are Teaching
    Another Christ–Another Gospel What charismatic leaders are teaching —————— It is my desire that the reader of these lines be delivered from an error of eternal proportions. I am aware that some will misunderstand my motives and will be offended at what I say. My motivation is a heart of love–love for truth and love for the souls that are sadly deceived. If I remain silent, I become an accomplice to the crime. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto ANOTHER GOSPEL: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6-7). Today teachers bearing the name “Christian” abound on every hand. But this is not necessarily a cause for rejoicing. Much of the New Testament was written to warn us of false teachings and false teachers. No student of the Bible should be surprised to learn that counterfeits to the genuine gospel continue to this day. Satan will name the Name of Christ if it helps to accomplish his evil purpose. He used (or rather abused) Scripture to tempt even Christ! This angel of darkness continues to transform himself into an angel of light (2Cor. 11:14) Our community is home to one of the worst delusions imaginable. One of our local “prophets” has perpetuated a false gospel of a false Christ and has taught it to multitudes around the world. It is a clever scheme which appeals to many who are ignorant of the truth.
    [Show full text]
  • Christadelphian Facts Concerning Christendom
    CHRISTADELPHIAN FACTS CONCERNING CHRISTENDOM BEING A COMPENDIUM OF FACTS AND COUNSEL REGARDING THE OPPOSITION OF THE CHRISTADELPHIANS TO THE DOGMAS OF PAPAL AND PROTESTANT CHRISTENDOM AND THE NEED OF SEPARATENESS THEREFROM BY Dr. JOHN THOMAS, ROBERT ROBERTS, AND OTHER WELL-KNOWN CHRISTADELPHIANS COMPILED BY FRANK G. JANNAWAY Author of "Palestine and the Pi>xcers", " ChrisiadelpJiian Answers", " Christudelphian Treasury", "WitJi-out the Camp", &c. "I would not give a penny for your hearty love of Truth if it is not accompanied with a hearty hatred of the enemies of the God of Truth ". (See Psaun cxxxix. 21, 23.) A REPRODUCTION OF AN ORIGINAL EDITION BY 4011 BOLIVIA 1 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77092 INTRODUCTION THIS work is the outcome of the unforeseen demand for its predecessors, "Christadelphian Ansivers" and "Christa- delphian Treasury", both of which ran "out of print" within a few days of publication. It was, therefore, decided to meet a widespread request by compiling from those works Facts bearing upon the perilous times in which we live—Facts from the pens of Dr. John Thomas, Brother Robert Roberts, and other well- known Christadelphians, who are determined that the Brotherhood shall be kept outside the pale of the Apostasy —for, as one brother puts it " We are living in perilous times—perilous not only for the world, but for the ecclesias ". OUT concern, however, is for the ecclesias, whose perils are so great that all far-seeing brethren realise that the Work of the Truth is in real danger. The narrow way of the Bible is being departed from; that way which was re- discovered by Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Christadelphianism
    A GLANCE AT THE HISTORY AND MYSTERY OF Christadelphianism: BY DAVID KING, EDITOR OF THE "ECCLESIASTICAL OBSERVER." The arrival of Dr. Thomas in this country, for the third time, A.D. 1869, led to the publication of a pamphlet, corrective of his misrepresentations, then publicly made and entitled, "A Glance at the History and Mystery of Thomasism." Its re-publication having been frequently called for, during the several years it has been out of print, its general contents, with additions, will be found in these pages. _______ Birmingham: "ECCLESIASTICAL OBSERVER" OFFICE. __ 1881. __ PRICE TWO PENCE. Retyped 1996 by R.M. Payne Prepared for use on the internet by John McCourt, church of Christ, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Re-formatted and made available through www.GravelHillchurchofChrist.com (2013) "Christadelphian" THE term Christadelphian, like the faith of those who adopt it, was constructed by John Thomas, M.D. Consequently, before the latter part of his life none was ever called by that name. It was appropriate that he abandoned the old name Christian, which had been honored by the apostles and borne by saints and martyrs along the centuries. By inventing another name, which neither prophet nor apostle ever heard, he left the God-honored designation for those entitled to it. It was late in his life that he originated this new name. Before that his followers were generally known as Thomasites; and properly so, because, though not accepted by them, thus was expressed their relation to him, as no one ever embraced his doctrines who did not, either directly or indirectly, obtain them from him.
    [Show full text]
  • A Tale of Two Teens Adventists and LSD Addiction LETTERS
    January 1999 A Tale of Two Teens Adventists and LSD Addiction LETTERS A Heaven for Real People 1999: Columns and Features Heaven will be a real, physical place with real, physi- It’s our 150th anniversary, and along with all the articles and special issues cal people we have planned, you’ll find these regular columns. Don’t miss them. inhabiting it! North American Division Samuele Edition Bacchiocchi’s Dialogues, by Sandra Doran “Heaven in 3- Cityscapes, by Royson D” (Nov. NAD James Edition) was From the Heart, by Robert very profound S. Folkenberg Sandra Doran and deep—yet World Edition Royson James Robert S. Folkenberg so simple, clear, and comprehensive. Faith Alive! by Calvin Rock His reasoning about how God will Bible Questions Answered, by Angel restore this earth to its original phys- Rodriguez ical perfection was so simple that Cutting Edge Edition even a child could understand it. Leaving the Comfort Zone, by Chris Blake The X-Change, by Allan and Deirdre Martin —Helen L. Self AnchorPoints Edition MORGANTON, NORTH CAROLINA Clifford Goldstein, by Clifford Goldstein Calvin Rock Angel On the Home Front, by Leslie Kay Rodríguez It Seems to Me, by R. Lynn Sauls Muslims and Jesus In “Let’s Help His Love Break Also, look for these special features: Through . in Bangladesh” (Global Tuesday’s Child, a full page of family Mission, Nov. NAD Edition) that worship material country is described as “an Islamic Bookmark, a review of books republic [of] some 130 million peo- Cutting Edge Conversations, fast- ple,” which it is. Then of those 130 paced interviews with interesting people million, the writer says, “Most have Cutting Edge Meditations, brief spiri- Chris Blake Allan and Deirdre never heard of Jesus.” tual insights from Adventists of all ages Martin Since in Islam, Jesus—along with Reprints of Ellen G.
    [Show full text]
  • An Examination of the Prosperity Gospel: a Plea for Return to Biblical Truth
    Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary AN EXAMINATION OF THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL: A PLEA FOR RETURN TO BIBLICAL TRUTH This Thesis Project Submitted to The faculty of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary In Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Ministry By Aaron B. Phillips Lynchburg, Virginia August 2015 Copyright © 2015 by Aaron B. Phillips All Rights Reserved i Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary Thesis Project Approval Sheet ______________________________ Dr. Charlie Davidson, Associate Professor of Chaplaincy Mentor ______________________________ Dr. David W. Hirschman Associate Prof of Religion, Reader ii ABSTRACT AN EXAMINATION OF THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL: A PLEA FOR RETURN TO BIBLICAL TRUTH Aaron B. Phillips Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary, 2015 Mentor: Dr. Charlie Davidson The prosperity gospel teaches that the Bible promises health, wealth and uncommon success to all believers. A problem surfaces when the prosperity that is promised does not materialize to all members of the congregation. In examining the validity of this teaching, extensive writings, books, articles and sermons by leading proponents, have been reviewed. Additionally, interviews with at least one hundred pastors inform this writing. The purpose of the research is to furnish contemporary, active insight to this project. The conclusion of this writer is that the prosperity gospel offers an unbalanced application of scripture, which results in a departure from a clear biblical orientation for articulating the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • Do We Teach Another Gospel?
    Do We Teach AAAnotherAnother Gospel? Breaking the Chains of Legalism and ReturnReturninging to First Principles by Jay Guin Copyright 2003-2007 Jay Guin, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for non-commercial copying and distribution without profit of any kind. Do We TTTeachTeach Another Gospel? PREFACE I’ve been a member of the Churches of Christ for nearly as long as I can remember and happily remain a member today—despite the fact that I’m about to criticize the teachings of some within the Churches. There are many noble, profoundly correct and righteous ideas found within our Churches. Unfortunately, among some, they’ve been adulterated with very false, very dangerous errors. But before we consider our faults, let’s reflect briefly on what’s good and right about the Churches. 1. We have a wonderful history that, unfortunately, we often ignore. Indeed, I grew up in the Churches and attended one of our affiliated colleges and was not once taught about our history other than “We are not Campbellites!”—a term I’d never heard and didn’t understand. The fact is we are a part of the Restoration Movement founded by Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell, and his son, Alexander Campbell. These men founded two independent movements in the American frontier in the early 19 th Century. Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia (Virginia, then), Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois were key regions of early Restoration Movement activity. The movements merged around 1830 (different times in different locales) into what is generally called the Restoration Movement. As important as those men are, just as important is Walter Scott, a missionary of the Movement who proved to be a brilliant sloganeer.
    [Show full text]
  • Philosophy of the Christian Religion 200-670
    New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Cult Theology THEO6306 Tuesday 2:00-4:50 p.m. Classroom HSC 273 Fall 2020 Professor: Robert B. Stewart Office: Dodd 112, extension #3245 [email protected] Seminary Mission Statement New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College prepare servants to walk with Christ, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission. Course Description This course primarily involves the study of major new religions and cults in the United States. Attention will be given to the theological and operational characteristics of new religions and cults. The course will give special attention to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses), and various expressions of New Age spirituality. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of the semester, the student will: (1) Understand the history, leadership, doctrines, ethics, and organization of the groups studied through academic study and field observation; (2) Understand the significance of these groups for their own members, for Christians, and for the history of religion; (3) Demonstrate the ability to enable and equip class members to relate more effectively to members of these groups, for discussion and evangelistic witness; and (4) Be able to recognize the new religions which will surely come into expression in the future. Core Value Focus The core value focused upon this academic year is Mission Focus. Required Texts Profile Notebook – An Evangelical Christian Evaluation of New Religious Movements, Cults, the Occult, and Controversial Doctrines (Digital Edition), by James K. Walker and the Staff of 2 Watchman Fellowship Copyright © 1993-2020 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • T .£«; Letters
    i 2 m f "t .£«; Letters Bangalore Annual Council status quo, run-of-the-mill, busi But when they went to our pastor As an avid reader of Ministry for ness-as-usual, bureaucratic- with a request to marry them, the more than two decades, oftentimes I don©t-rock-the-boat posture? It©s up pastor told him he needed to join itched to respond to articles that to us, really, isn©t it? Claude the church before he could marry stimulated my thinking, and now is Lombart, president, Egypt Field of them. Because the pastor used the the time. In my opinion, missiolo- SDAs, Cairo, Egypt. word "unbeliever," he felt insulted. gically the most significant state He went then to his church, and ment I ever saw published in my Thank you for your remarks on received the same insult, except this favorite journal is found in John Mizoram. In 1949 we went there as time it was directed at my daughter. Fowler©s editorial "Bangalore: the first missionaries. The capital Then they went to a Lutheran Affirming the Future" (February city was a one-street village. The pastor, to please my mother-in-law, 1994). The section "The Test of street was about 100 yards long, and and they were both insulted with the Stewardship" says it all by raising at times in the night one could see a word, "unbelievers." So I suggested some pertinent questions that, if tiger or a leopard stroll across the that they elope, and they did. We dismissed, will only be to our peril.
    [Show full text]