The general departures of the great Protestant churches from the Christian verities of their founding fathers are well known to us. Certain independent rationalistic congregations afford conspicuous examples. But Within the framework of the great denominations themselves, some of the most flagrant lapses are to be found. Recently we visited a large Midwestern church that was a tragic example. Housed in a beautiful and ornate edifice, though conventional in architectural form, its startling innovations were boldly set forth in a descriptive leaflet found in the pocket of every pew.
Proclaiming itself a "free church" with "no-creed," though still in the sisterhood of churches of a great denomination, in its statement of belief it nebulously defined God as "that force for good which we identify as God," and again, as "this good which is God." The Bible was described as simply "the intimate record of the quest and discovery of the Jewish people." And assent to the "teachings of Jesus" was the only mention of, and relationship to, our Savour's name.
The only hope for peace was conceived as "by greater numbers of people turning to God and attempting to live more seriously by the knowledge they had of Him and His will." As to membership and mutual relationship, the leaflet said this church provides "a place of common worship where men and women of various particular beliefs and social circles may come together in unity of spirit." This membership is free and easy. Hear it:
"A person may become a member of our church simply by making the request to the minister or signing his name to this folder. We have no creed or standardized form of belief which must be accepted. We welcome into our midst any person who finds himself in general agreement with this statement, and who expresses an interest in worshiping with us and sharing in the work of the church."
As to a common belief or unified creed, we read: "We are convinced that every individual must make his own creed and that it should be progressive, in keeping with his spiritual growth."
The purpose of this "free church" was declared to be "to translate that understanding and knowledge into positive action leading toward the brotherhood of man in the kingdom of God upon earth." After an invitation to the visitor to "identify" himself with them, this declaration is set off in a ruled box : "Believing in the expressed principles and practice of this Church, I hereby enroll myself as a Member," with lines for signature and address.
That was all there was to it. Here verily is religion made easy, simple, and broad—so broad as to constitute the road that leads to tragic deception and at last to destruction. Such is a flashlight picture of the fall of the daughters of Babylon—denying every verity of the historic faith, and repudiating a personal God, an inspired Word, a divine Saviour, an all-sufficient remedy for sin, a judgment for man, and a coming kingdom to be-inaugurated by the second advent of Christ to raise-the dead.
No wonder God is nauseated by such travesties, in the name of His church, and says today, "Come out of her, My people." We have a mission to man, a message to the sincere within the fallen churches, a gospel to give, and a task to complete. Such gross departures from the faith should spur us on in our appointed task.
L. E. F.
Place of Prophetic Symbols
For the portrayal of prophetic truth, God chose vivid action-symbols in cartooninc, to the-prophets of old the inner life story of the various nations and churches—a metallic man and a crashing stone, a succession of terror-striking beasts with wings plucked, horns rising, uprooted, or broken, a fleeing woman in white, and another in scarlet drunkenly riding a scarlet beast, and various other strange and abnormal beasts. There was life, action, progression, and climax with each.
This very method of visualization employed by-the Almighty gives the cue for the most effective exposition of these selfsame truths before mankind. That which impressed and fascinated the prophet will similarly grip the attention and hold the interest of the people in all generations. That which would portray a needed truth to the prophet-spokesman for God cannot be improved upon for relaying that truth to the world at large to the end of time. This is therefore pre-eminently the medium for us.
The more nearly the prophetic symbols of God's choosing can be portrayed before men, the more vividly these imperishable figures will linger in the minds of those who hear and see. Naturally, the more lifelike the symbol, the more vivid and lasting the impression. A well-made chart or slide is a material help. But, after all, it is a picture, and only a picture. A cutout symbol is more realistic or lifelike, and has far greater possibility for impressiveness. It stands out. It can be made to. more nearly simulate the original caricatures portrayed by God, and elements of action can be added, such as the horns, wings, and heads.
Most striking of all would be actual three-dimension replicas, in suitable material, that would stand out in all their vivid realism—reproducing as nearly as possible just what the prophet saw in - celestial vision. Made in different sizes suited to their use—for home, hall, or large auditorium—they could provide the means for a more powerful presentation of prophetic truth. They are, of course, only an aid, and should never be a substitute for the message they illustrate.
This movement is set in the framework of prophecy. It is portrayed by flying angels with a climactic message, a solemn warning, and a final appeal. As long as we have a message to give—unless we lose our way and muffle our message—we shall have the prophecies to expound with ever-increasing clarity and significance.
We have more than a message of salvation to give. We have with it an inspired message on the divine significance of the turbulent past, the true meaning of the distraught present, and light on the glorious coming day of God beyond the impending crisis. We have a message of hope for anxious, bewildered mankind. We have light on the dramatic conflict of the ages, now coming to final grips. God has set the pattern of our prophetic message in symbol. By the effective use of symbols, therefore, we are to declare and enforce it until the end of time.
L. E. F.