Your Generous Invitation"

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Your Generous Invitation Jttl rde- irre ve8 ;. If our rnd ..YOUR )nq' GENEROUS INVITATION": qur- PRECEDING THE te. IIVENTS APPBARANCE OF JOHN F. KENNEDY I]EF'ORE THE GREATER HOUSTON ASSO (lox's M INISTERIAL CIATION Ilrief IIY I)1.]ANE A. KEMPER John Fitzgerald Kennedy, nearly [ve}ty. years after his death, r.mains the most la""iifi"Ult'Roman Catholic in the history of the ii.it"J St"ter. Thro"gho"t his political career, from his first election to iir" C""gr".r ir-fgf,O ut the age.of twer-rty-nine, u1t1l^!h9-solemn ;,,;"i";;"* ttr.i g"ipped the.nltion in November of 1963, Kennedv ;;. il";" t" fti" LilrlJ*p""ding constitu-ency as a communicant in ifr" Cfr*.h of Ro-e. As a and later senator from Massa- "orrgr"J"man exceeding fifty r:husetts, a state *itf, a Roman Catholic population jn.fact, p"r"""I,'rris faith *"" rt"raly a liability. His-religion was, a significant ,r.ui-o, hi" ,onriing againit tttu Eisenhower tide in 1952 ,,-,iJ"".""ting Episcopalian nepu[tican.Henry Cabot Lodge. - --a was' however, a no*"" CitftoUc runninf"wisdom for national_office matter. Co""L"Uo"al held that anti-Catholic different -preju-and dice in all sections of the country, but paticularlv i-n the south in the N,iiJ W";t, ',"o"fa *ore than over-balance Catholic bloc voting Nortt uuri and industrial centers in the Great Lakes r94on: Th^e.defeat ;f ;h;;b"", c"iri"u", N.* York Governor Al Smith in 1928 bv the *""t"r", Proiurt""1, HLrbert Hoover was confirmation of the thesis' In 1959 u"a iijoo traditional political thinking conceloins the i"fl""""" of t.tigio"t preferencu o.t voting behavior would be first ;h;ll;&;a [rr"n shattered. while there were significan-t events along the way,""a .".ft as Fletcher Knebel's interview of Senator Kennedy ii L6ok in March of 1959, and the.candidate's victory over ii;#iH""ipt^ui"iie r"v i" tii"-b.r"o"iuti" pri*?ry in Protestant West Virgi- v""r l.ier, ii *.r the appearance before the clergy of Houston on ;i;;"i"l ;";;i;g s"pt"*u"r rz, igoo, that defused issues emanating from ivi;. K;;;"iy,""r raittr for the remainder of the campaign. PAGE 289 ['ALL 198,1 l.'ALL 1gtiI PAGE 290 The Houston meeting is perceived today as an event of signal rrl'one man - the Rev. Herbert Meza. In June of 1g60, some three importance in presidential history.To David Halberstam it is an exam- nronths before the September 12 meetin g,Meza, in his capacity as vice ple of Kennedy's skill in maniqulating e_v_ents f-or the new medium of prcsident and program chairman of the ministerial group, proposed ielevision, an occasion in which a lion (Kennedy) was thrown to the thrrt both the Republican and Democratic nominees for presldentbf the Christians (the Houston clergy).1 Theodore H. Whitehas written about t Inited States be invited to appear before the Associaiion in the fall. the "nonevent" of the 1960 presidential campaign; the expected hap- lixccpt for the eminence of the personalities involved, the programs pening that somehow does not happen: xuggested by Rev. Mr. Meza represented a standard practice bf the llouston clerical body. At previous meetings the clergyman had heard reporter is to rrttd interrogated members of the Houston board of education, represen- The most difficult problem for any police Sherlock Holmes to tttives of the department, hopefuls for the office of mayor of report what Conan Doyle caused llouston, and, on one occasion, of the "curious incident" a Roman Catholic candidate fbr the deicribe as the importance United States Senate. This senatorial aspirant, bark. What does not happelis, Henry B. Gonzales, of the dog that did not rlrokc .rt the invitation of his friend, Herbert more significant than what does. The Meza. His appearance, sometimes, rrct'<rrding to Meza, caused some stir among several members that did not happen in 1960 was an orgy of the largest thing Ars.r:iation who were not kindly disposed to liberal, Democratic, of prejudice.2 l{ornan Catholic politicians. Herbert Meza was well aware in the month of June that Richard M. The reason for the "nonevent," in White's view, is the address to year Nixon and John F. Kennedy were the probable standard bearers for the Houston ministers, Kennedy's best speech of the election and tlrr:ir respective parties. His personal 'House Divided' speech and own sentiments, as a Democrat, an effort that "ranks with Lincoln's w('r(] with Kennedy. The adverse criticism resulting Gold' as one of the gre_at speeches of American from Henry Gon- Bryan's 'Cross of z,rrles'speech, however, corrvinced him that an invitation poiitical campaigns a moment when politics reach up and touch extended only - to the Bostonian would be interpreted by the clergy of Houston as a history."3 rrrrrnifestation of his own biases. Accordingly, Mezaproposed Houston Ministerial Association is an organrzation that both The Greater ttttminees be invited to address the Greater Houston Ministerial Associ- not unlike similar groups of clergy that convene in cities across Amer- rrtion. one thousand Protestant ministers serv- ica. In 1960, of the more than A month later, after the major parties had less than fifty broke bread with adjourned their conven- ing in the Houston area, somewhat tions, invitations were sentto both presidential aspirants. pastors luncheon meetings of the Association. The Republi- their fellow at monthly ('nns responded promptly in the affirmative Richard Nixon would Protestant, as Catholic and Jewish clerics never The body was entirely xgleak to the clergy of Houston. From the Democrats,- however, there e*pressed interest in the group. At the same time, however, the Associa- wus no reply. representative of the city's Protestant clergy as south- tion was hardly It would be difficult to envision a more unlikely candidate pro- to unite with interfaith_organizations.In to ern Baptist ministers refused nrote a meeting encouraging a fair exchange of ideas center where southern Baptist churches occupied on the religibus a metiopolitan itrsue than Herbert Meza,thg assogiate pastor of the Bellaire Presbyte- eleven columns of listings in the telephone directory, no ecclesiastical rian Church of Houston. While thought of as representative while the Baptists Meza was born and reared a Roman group could be oatholic in a Spanish-speaking family in Tampa, Florida, he became, remained outside. ut the age of eighteen, a Protestant convert and joined the Presbyterian 1960, however, all of this was to change. More On September 12, r:hurch. After serving in the Marine Corps including rabbis, Roman Catholic priests, in World War II, Meza than six hundred clergymen, enrolled at Davidson College in North Carolina. Following graduation, and southern Baptist preachers would assemble somewhat self- he attended Unjon Theological Ballroom of the Rice Hotel in downtown Seminary of Richmond, Virginia, consciously in the Crystal where he earned the Bachelor of Divinity degree. junior senator from Massachusetts express his Upon ordination Houston to hear the Meza served as a missionary for four years in Spain one emotional issue of the 1960 presidential and Portugal. views on the number Because he was a Protestant missionary he experienced difficulty campaign. entering the Iberian Peninsula. Once there, he was expelled from poi- John Fitzgerald Kennedy's appearance before the Greater Hous- tugal on two occasions for proselytiang activity. came primarily through the efforts ton Ministerial Association about Meza disclaims partisan considerations in initiating Kennedy's speech to the Houston ministers. The Rev. pastor rl)avid Halberstam, The Powers That Be (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1979), pp. 325'326. George Reck, of Zion Luthern Church and president of the Greater Houston Ministerial r'l'heodrrrc II. White, In Search of History (New York: Harper & Row, 19?8), pp.485-486. PAGE 291 FALL 1981 rALL 1981 PAGE 292 a political independent who voted for Association in 1960, agrees. Reck, hopes presidential gives full credit to Meza for of Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, he had faced the issue squarely Richard Nixon in the election, and had given frank ..Th; original ideas of having the candidates address the cl_ergy. and candid answers to all sincere questions. the -city's ove.rriding question and the only questionis were neutral," he says, "I wish we could have had Nixon." whether Senator Kennedy "We believes in the sepa_ration invitation to the Kennedy campaign party to address of chur_ch and state," argued the campaigi The actual rnana€rer. "He's said unequivocably was tendered by the Harris County Democratic that he does." Two southern go.t the Houston clergy nors, Luther H. Hodges "r- The cochairmen for the Democrats in the county in 1960 of North Carolina and J. Lindsey Almoid, Jr. organization. o['Virginia agteed with Robert Kennedy were Woodrow Seals and John H. Crooker, Jr. Mr. Seals was contacted that religion could well deter- rnine the results of the election in their states. Rev. Mr. Meza, and it was he who proffered the original invita- by the In the nation'-s c_a_pital, president party in late July. The invitation specified that the on the same day, Dwight D. tion to the Kennedy l'lisenhower took the liberty of speaking for party's subject of Kennedy's address should be his religion. Nixon's invitation his nomin6e and srrid that under no circumstances would the Republicans interject the indicated no subject. issue of religion into the campaign. A Houston Ministerial Association does not meet during candidatL's faith, the prlsident The Greater Itoped, was a matter and August, and during the hot Houston that could be "laid on the shelf and forgoiten until the summer months of July rrf'ter the election but forgot about the offer extended to is over." summer the city's clergy all But the partisan politica!figures Senator Kennedy.
Recommended publications
  • As a Man Thinks by Rev
    Reverend L. J. Capobianco is an ordained Christian Minister. He previously held positions as an Assistant Director for the United Cerebral Palsy Association, pre-school teacher to minority children, ski tour guide, and is a U.S. Air Force veteran. In his mid-thirties he answered a call to enter the ministry and earned degrees from Temple University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, then served as a church pastor for over 30 years. Since his retirement he's written several books and also volunteers as a chaplain for the county sheriff's office. As A Man Thinks By Rev. Leonard J. Capobianco Hymns: Love Divine O Jesus I Have Promised Higher Ground Lord Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing ISAIAH 55:6-9 SEEK THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL UPON HIM WHILE HE IS NEAR: LET THE WICKED FORSAKE HIS WAY AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAN HIS THOUGHTS: LET HIM RETURN TO THE LORD, THAT HE MAY HAVE MERCY ON HIM, AND TO OUR GOD FOR HE WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON. FOR MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS, NEITHER ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS, SAYS THE LORD. FOR AS THE HEAVENS ARE HIGHER THAN THE EARTH, SO ARE MY WAYS HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS AND MY THOUGHTS THAN YOUR THOUGHTS.” Is this true? Are Gods ways higher than ours? If we believe that – then we’d be pretty foolish to live life differently than what the Bible teaches. I’ve never read, or seen, or heard, or known of any person on earth whose life would not have been improved if they had followed God’s thoughts and not their own.
    [Show full text]
  • The Joseph Dilemma: Spiritual Advisors and the Burden of Political Access Daniel F. Flores, Ph.D. the Fourteenth Oxford Institu
    Running Head: THE JOSEPH DILEMMA The Joseph Dilemma: Spiritual Advisors and the Burden of Political Access Daniel F. Flores, Ph.D. The Fourteenth Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies History Work Group Pembroke College, Oxon 18 August 2018 THE JOSEPH DILEMMA 2 Abstract Christian ministers have assumed the role of spiritual advisors to Presidents since the founding of the nation. In this capacity, they have provided pastoral counsel and public policy advice to the Commander in Chief. This peculiar marriage between Church and State has not been without criticism. In the present administration, some spiritual advisors compare themselves to the biblical Joseph who found favor with Pharaoh. At issue is that critics insist their privileged access to the President comes with a moral responsibility to speak truth to power. This paper does not attempt to resolve differences between spiritual advisors and their critics. Rather, it is concerned with how presidential spiritual advisors have functioned historically as religious lobbyists, chaplains, and members of focus groups in service of the Church and the White House. THE JOSEPH DILEMMA 3 The Joseph Dilemma The adage is true that it is lonely at the top. On May 26, 1899, President McKinley signed a personal note to himself that he later tucked into his letter book. “My belief embraces the Divinity of Christ and a recognition of Christianity as the mightiest factor in the world’s civilization.” This confession of faith, minimal as it was, was written not to estrange himself from Methodism, but to affirm that his personalized faith still resided in the Methodist communion (Leech, 462).
    [Show full text]
  • Zpsl!Ujnft!Cftu!Tfmmfs!Mjtu
    Uif!Ofx!Zpsl!Ujnft!Cftu!Tfmmfs!Mjtu This January 22 , 1956 Last Weeks Week Fiction Week On List 1 ANDERSONVILLE, by MacKinlay Kantor. (Cleveland: World Publishing.) 1 12 2 MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR, by Herman Wouk. (Doubleday and Company, Inc.) 2 19 3 TEN NORTH FREDERICK, by John O'Hara. (Random House.) 5 7 4 CASH McCALL, by Cameron Hawley. (Houghton and Mifflin.) 4 9 5 AUNTIE MAME, by Patrick Dennis. (Vanguard Press.) 3 45 6 THE TONTINE, by Thomas B. Costain. (Doubleday.) 6 16 THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT, by Sloan Wilson. (Simon and 7 7 26 Schuster.) 8 AN EPISODE OF SPARROWS, by Rumer Godden. (Viking Press.) 8 6 9 BOON ISLAND, by Kenneth Roberts. (Doubleday and Company.) -- 1 10 ISLAND IN THE SUN, by Alec Waugh. (Farrar Straus and Giroux.) -- 1 11 THE DEER PARK, by Norman Mailer. (G.P. Putnam's Sons.) 11 13 12 A CHARMED LIFE, by Mary McCarthy. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.) 9 9 13 TENDER VICTORY, by Taylor Caldwell. (McGraw-Hill.) -- 1 14 SOMETHING OF VALUE, by Robert Ruark. (Doubleday and Co.) 12 38 15 NO TIME FOR SERGEANTS, by Mac Hyman. (Random House, Inc.) 13 61 16 THE PROPHET, by Sholem Asch. (G.P. Putmam's Sons.) 16 6 Hawes Publications www.hawes.com Uif!Ofx!Zpsl!Ujnft!Cftu!Tfmmfs!Mjtu This January 22 , 1956 Last Weeks Week Non-Fiction Week On List 1 GIFT FROM THE SEA, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. (Pantheon Books.) 1 44 2 INSIDE AFRICA, by John Gunther. (Harper and Brothers.) 2 16 3 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, by Walter Lord.
    [Show full text]
  • THE POWER of POSITIVE THINKING BROTHER NORMAN VINCENT PEALE MAY 31, 1898 – DECEMBER 24, 1993 the Fall Season Is Here, and Wint
    THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING BROTHER NORMAN VINCENT PEALE MAY 31, 1898 – DECEMBER 24, 1993 The Fall season is here, and winter with its arctic blasts of snow and cold will soon be upon us. As the landscape becomes harsh and barren, and the temperatures plummet, it is easy forget the bounteous harvests that the Fall had just brought and that the glory and beauty of Spring are just a few months away. Similarly, in our personal lives, we often become mired down in the problems that confront us daily; our lives seem to lose meaning, purpose, and focus, as a cold blanket of discontent with our lives and surroundings settles miserably down upon us. Members in our lodges face similar problems in trying to deal with the twin problems of membership and overcoming the apathy within the lodge. All too often, when wrapped in the bitter grasp of despondency, we give up and ignore signs of change around us which signal the return of better times. In so doing we fail to take steps which would hasten the onset of renewed growth and prosperity or, even worse, allow opportunity to wither and die because we give up hope or no longer care. We miss the lesson of the seasons and lie buried in a perpetual winter of despair. Some men, however refuse to succumb to the pressures and problems of everyday life, never losing sight of the spring that awaits those who refuse to fail. One of these special men was Dr. and Brother Norman Vincent Peale who touched millions of people during his lifetime with his message that when people seek the assistance of God and utilize the power gained by thinking positively and accepting responsibility for their lives and actions, failure can be turned into success and despondency into happiness.
    [Show full text]
  • Reflections on John F. Kennedy's Speech to the Houston Ministerial Association Michael W
    Notre Dame Law Review Volume 86 | Issue 4 Article 4 7-1-2011 Is There Still a Catholic Question in America - Reflections on John F. Kennedy's Speech to the Houston Ministerial Association Michael W. McConnell Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndlr Recommended Citation Michael W. McConnell, Is There Still a Catholic Question in America - Reflections on John F. Kennedy's Speech to the Houston Ministerial Association, 86 Notre Dame L. Rev. 1635 (2011). Available at: http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndlr/vol86/iss4/4 This Essay is brought to you for free and open access by NDLScholarship. It has been accepted for inclusion in Notre Dame Law Review by an authorized administrator of NDLScholarship. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ESSAY IS THERE STILL A "CATHOLIC QUESTION" IN AMERICA? REFLECTIONS ON JOHN F. KENNEDY'S SPEECH TO THE HOUSTON MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION* Michael W. McConnellt [Blecause I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues in this campaign have been obscured- perhaps deliberately, in some quarters less responsible than this. So it is apparently necessary for me to state once again-not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me-but what kind of America I believe in. John F. Kennedy, September 12, 19601 Fifty years ago, SenatorJohn F. Kennedy, a Democrat from Massa- chusetts and a lifelong Roman Catholic, accepted an invitation from © 2011 Michael W. McConnell. Individuals and nonprofit institutions may reproduce and distribute copies of this Article in any format, at or below cost, for educational purposes, so long as each copy identifies the authors, provides a citation to the Notre Dame Law Review, and includes this provision and copyright notice.
    [Show full text]
  • Download JANUARY 1958.Pdf
    1958 Federal Bureau of Invcsti~ation . ~ JANUAHY United States Deparunent of Justice Vol. 27 J" Edgar Hoover, ,:Director ~ J " FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Restricted to the Use of Law Enforcement Officials JANUARY 1958 Vol. 27, No. I CONTENTS Page Statement 01 Director J. Edgar Hoover. I Addre s of Director Hoover before the FBI National Academy in Wa hington, D. c., on November 4, 1957 . .. 2 The FBI Law En- forcement Bulletin FBI National Academy: is issued monthly FBI National Academy Graduates Sixtieth Class 5 to law­enforcement National Academy Graduates Attend Training Session 10 agencies through- Feature Article: out the United Some Practical Factors in Arson Investigations, by 1. Morri Best, States. Much of Special Agent, The National Board of Fire Underwriter, Knoxville, the data appearing Tenn. .. II herein is of such a nature that its cir- Communication! and Record!: culation should be Machine Records Guide Personnel Placement System, by Alexander Aldrich, Secretary of the Department, New York City P(/lice Depart- Jimited to Jaw­en- ment ....... .. _ . .. 14 forcement officers; therefore, material Police PeTIJonalitie!: contained in this William P. Rogers Is Appointed ew Attorney General . .. 17 Bulletin may not Technique! : be reprinted with- Techniques and Aspects of Extortion Problem . .. 18 out prior authori- zation by the Identification: Federal Bureau of Questionable Pattern . back cover Investigation. Other Topic!: Courtesies and Service Promote Public Relations, by Chief of Police T. E. McClung, La Grange, Ga., Police Department . .. 22 Special Automobiles for Transporting Prisoners . 25 Police Brochure Attracts Public Interest, by John R. Moore, Assistant Chief of Police, Waukesha, Wis., Police Department .
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Foundations in the Changing World of Philanthropy: a Houston Perspective
    THE ROLE OF FOUNDATIONS IN THE CHANGING WORLD OF PHILANTHROPY: A HOUSTON PERSPECTIVE RONNIE HAGERTY A DISSERTATION Submitted to the Ph.D. in Leadership & Change Program of Antioch University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy January, 2012 This is to certify that the dissertation entitled: THE ROLE OF FOUNDATIONS IN THE CHANGING WORLD OF PHILANTHROPY: A HOUSTON PERSPECTIVE prepared by Ronnie Hagerty is approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership & Change. Approved by: Mitchell Kusy, Ph.D., Chair date Dr. Lize Booysen, Ph.D., Committee Member date Laurien Alexandre, Ph.D., Committee Member date Sandie Taylor, Ph.D., External Reader date Copyright 2012 Ronnie Hagerty All rights reserved Acknowledgements I am deeply grateful to the Houston foundation leaders who welcomed me into their world. It was a privilege to tap into their expertise and to learn from their experience. Their commitment to the community continues the rich philanthropic tradition that has long defined Houston. These dedicated practitioners change lives every day. I want to thank my committee for their wise counsel throughout this unexpectedly long and often disorienting dissertation journey. Special thanks to my chair, Dr. Mitchell Kusy, who responded rapidly to every inquiry with great insight, ending many missives with the level- setting “LOL.” Dr. Mitchell Kusy, Chair Dr. Lize Booysen, Committee Member Dr. Laurien Alexandre, Committee Member Dr. Sandie Taylor, External Reader Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s Have a Great Day has been my daily meditation. His words pushed me forward when I was positive I could not write another page, cite another reference, or punctuate another sentence in proper APA style.
    [Show full text]
  • Jefferson Quick, Timely Reads
    Jefferson Quick, Timely Reads Mystics for Skeptics On Trump, Mysticism, and the Power of Positive Thinking By: Reverend Charles Brock June 2020 Donald Trump doesn’t seem to be very religious in any conventional sense. Many will think that “mystic” doesn’t apply to him at all. But he does represent more than himself. He has a huge following out there, especially the evangelical wing of both Protestant and Catholic churches. Why is this? Clearly because Trump represents their views on many subjects, and they are willing to give him a pass on his sexual sins, which shows how important they think his views are parallel to their own – especially on immigration, Israel, a deep state that thwarts good people, abortion, school prayer, “rugged individualism” vs. “socialism,” and white supremacy. Many believe Trump was chosen by God. Trump is a self-proclaimed Presbyterian, which is probably the least mystical in the “presence” mysticism of all the denominations. But they are strong on the will of God. And evangelical Presbyterians bring out identification with Christ and biblical stories in their sermons as a key aspect of the faith. Trump also represents a group of more liberal Christians, not primarily evangelicals, who believe in a self-help gospel known as “the power of positive thinking,” and I want to look at that and compare Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, former minister of Trump’s Marble Collegiate Church, with Reinhold Niebuhr, the leading New York City liberal theologian during the Peale era. Neither were mystics, but they were the major players for the soul of America in their time.
    [Show full text]
  • The Inventory of the Norman Vincent Peale Collection #1282
    The Inventory of the Norman Vincent Peale Collection #1282 Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center Peale, Norman Vincent #1284 10/30/91 Preliminary Listing Section I: The Papers of Norman Vincent Peale. I. Manuscripts. A. Books by NVP, TS drafts unless noted, may include holograph notes and corrections, various drafts and unpublished materials, correspondence, printed materials, research materials, proofs., n.d. unless noted. Box 1 1. THE AMAZING RESULTS OF POSITIVE THINKING, includes various chapter drafts, galley proofs, 1959. [F. 1-13] Box 2 a. Ibid. [F. 1-10] 2. ENTHUSIASM MAKES THE DIFFERENCE, 200 p. [F. 11] Box 3 3. FAVORITE STORIES OF POSITIVE FAITH, includes approx. 3 drafts, 400 p. each. [F. 1-11] 4. HAVE A GREAT DAY, approx. 500 p. Box 4 5. THE POSTIVE POWER OF JESUS CHRIST, includes drafts from: FAITH IS THE ANSWER by NVP and Dr. Smiley Blanton; transcripts of radio addresses by NVP, 1937-1940. [F. 1-14] a. Draft with holograph corrections by Myron Boardman. b. Drafts re: YOU CAN WIN, by NVP. Box 5 c. Drafts re: chapter by Ruth Stafford Peale, Dec. 1941-1942. [F. 1] d. Various chapter drafts, excerpts from “The Art of Living,” transcripts from radio show by NVP, final drafts sent to publisher. [F. 2-8] 6. THE POSITIVE PRINCIPLE TODAY (alternate title: KEEP IT GOING), 1975. [F. 9-12] Box 6 a. Ibid. [F. 1-5] 7. POSITIVE THINKING FOR A TIME LIKE THIS; includes various proofs. [F. 6-10] 8. THE POWER OF POSTIVE THINKING, 1951; includes Boston University exhibit design. [F. 11-16] Box 7 a.
    [Show full text]
  • George Mair's Book
    Four George Mair’s Book But in the 1990s, following in the footsteps of Peale and Schuller, the leader of the next generation of Church Growth Movement pastors emerged. That man was none other than Rick Warren.1 —George Mair, A Life With Purpose In April 2005, a new book was published about Rick Warren. It was titled A Life With Purpose: Reverend Rick Warren: The Most Inspiring Pastor of Our Time. The book was an extremely favorable presentation of Warren and the Purpose Driven movement. Author George Mair genuinely liked and respected Warren as he described the Saddleback pastor’s life and ministry. Mair’s book was carried in major bookstores around the country—including Christian bookstores. The author’s high regard for Warren was evident throughout A Life With Purpose. Early on in his book, Mair writes: I knew one thing for sure about Rick Warren: his is a fascinating story. A humble man with humble beginnings, he is changing America—and the world—“one soul at a time.”2 After hearing him preach and experiencing Saddleback Church, I understand why millions 51 52 A “Wonderful” Deception are listening to this man, and knew that the story behind the movement deserves to be told.3 His demeanor as the founder and pastor of one of the largest churches in the world reflects a man whose focus is on his mission to serve the Lord by bringing in the unchurched souls—the lost sheep—to embrace and celebrate the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.4 A Life With Purpose is filled with continuous praise for Rick Warren and his Purpose Driven ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • About Norman Vincent Peale and the Power of Positive Thinking Richard G
    Some Concerns about Norman Vincent Peale and the Power of Positive Thinking Richard G. Howe, Ph.D. I find Paul appealing and Peale appalling. Ascribed to Dr. Howard Hendricks, Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary Introduction Norman Vincent Peale is the author of the best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking.1 This book has experienced enormous popularity both within and without the Christian community for quite some time. In my speaking on issues related to the content of Peale's book, I have had more reaction to my comments and criticisms of Peale than of any other person I critique. No doubt this reaction stems, at least partially, from the fact that many of Peale's enthusiasts cannot imagine how his philosophy conflicts with anything Christian. This, together with the fact that so many have testified of the life-changing impact positive thinking has had in their own lives, makes many all the more convinced that such a philosophy and approach to life is a very good thing. I will argue that something else is going on. To me, it is regrettable how much of the Christian community considers Peale's teachings to be not only consistent with the Christian world view but a logical and desirable application of that very world view. In this brief analysis, I will summarize exactly what Peale's Positive Thinking is and why its doctrines are not consistent with an evangelical Christian view of reality. "Positive Thinking" Is Not Merely Being Optimistic Many mistakenly think that Peale's "Positive Thinking" is merely an encouragement to be optimistic in one's outlook on life.
    [Show full text]
  • Preacher's Magazine Volume 35 Number 02 Lauriston J
    Olivet Nazarene University Digital Commons @ Olivet Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene 2-1-1960 Preacher's Magazine Volume 35 Number 02 Lauriston J. Du Bois (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Du Bois, Lauriston J. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 35 Number 02" (1960). Preacher's Magazine. 336. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/336 This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FEBRUARY 1960 5 L Preacher's M u K j a z m c Volume 35 February, 1960 Number 2 CONTENTS Cover—Norman Vincent Peale (see page 6) Fire Drill in Church, Simeon Stylites ..................................................... 1 Editorial, The Congregation at Worship (II) ...................................... 2 The Preaching of Norman Vincent Peale, James McGraw ........... 6 Living Nobly, Robert W. Helfrich ............................................................ 9 Not by Bread Alone, John Hoff ................................................................ 12 Holiness the Heart of the Scripture, A. O. Hendricks ....................... 16 Gleanings from the Greek New Testament, Ralph Earle ............... 18 “And There Was a Great Calm,” E. Wayne Stahl................................ 21 Books Are People, Wise and Good, J. K enneth Grider ................. 22 Queen of the Parsonage, Ruth Vaughn ................................................. 26 Professionalism in Evangelism, Mel-Thomas Rothwell....................
    [Show full text]