THE CHURCH CHALLENGED
On every hand, whether in secular or religious circles, the Christian church is being eulogized for its current prosperity. This period is characterized as a "renaissance of religion," a "great revival," an "unprecedented awakening," and by many other laudatory terms that help her to hold her head high. Just a decade ago we were made conscious of the increasing shortcomings of the nations, shortcomings that their leaders frankly admitted were causing them great concern. Then followed a turning to the church, in the hope that her spiritual arm would bring order out of chaos and furnish relief for the tragedies caused by war. So far, neither force has succeeded in righting our world, but the church has been most definitely in the spotlight, and has had to answer this challenge. Urged on by the aftermath of war, she has been aroused from her slumbering and stirred to action.
While the Christian church has functioned valiantly and has gained unusual publicity by ministering to the needs of humanity and grappling with the problems of confused youth, more recently she has become decidedly evangelistic. It is now popular indeed to belong to a church, and any active religious group will make its appeal. Although this is gratifying, it may be well to catch the reflections of men who can think straight in this turmoil of ideas. We here quote from Dr. Henry P. Van Dusen, president of Union Theological Seminary, New York City, who calls our attention to some strange paradoxes. His main thesis, however, is the educating of our future ministry.
The "revival of religion" has been, thus far, paralleled by no corresponding resurgence or recovery of morality. Despite all the heartening signs—increased church memberships and attendance and giving, religious or pseudo-religious books at the top of every list of best-sellers, an obvious upsurge of spiritual longing, even unprecedented numbers and quality of candidates for the ministry—in the larger view, the Christian church is not gaining ground; we are not even holding our own.—New Christian Advocate, November, 1956.
Again, Dr. Van Dusen refers to an article captioned "The Current Boom in Religion" by Eugene Carson Blake in a popular journal of wide circulation, in which that author also does some sound thinking. His ironic truth is expressed in these words: "'Yes, the boom is upon us. Call it what you will—a religious resurgence, a move back to God, a reawakening—it's here'" But remember that the article is subtitled "Is the Religious Boom a Spiritual Bust?" The implication of this query is:
We must equip men to guide the churches within this state of spiritual flood tide, yet be prepared to adjust, at a moment's notice if need be, to a sudden and drastic spiritual ebb and recession.
L. C. K.
ADVENTISM IN REVIEW
Admitting that as a denomina-don we have recognized that other churches, and evangelical groups in particular, have taken "another look" at us—some observations being truly Christian and others strangely distorted—let us continue to weigh other statements made by Dr. Van Dusen in the above-quoted article.
There is one other aspect of the current "renaissance of religion." It is burgeoning most powerfully beyond the territories of what we may designate respectable, conventional, ecumenical Protestantism, certainly largely outside the sanctuaries of our churches.
Then this Christian leader tactfully states that Protestants are tempted to "deride and dismiss by a term which was originally coined by critics, but which is of noble historic meaning—the Sects. Many of these groups bear in their own self-designations such titles as Adventist, Holiness, Pentecostal, or merely (with noble precedent) Church of Christ or Church of God." He advises that instead of asking, What can we find wrong? Where do they fall short? and What dangers lurk in such a religious group? Christians should remember that no group is in a position to cast stones at another. He continues in charitable mood:
The question we are called to answer is: What, positively, and specifically, has it to teach us? What omissions, distortions in our message and our work are, in its spotlight, exposed? In the first place, we must note that its faith and life are, on balance, markedly closer to those of the earliest church than are ours. Peter and Barnabas and Paul, I fear, might find themselves more at home in a Billy Graham rally or an Adventist service than with us.
These honest convictions of Dr. Van Dusen require that as a denomination we now review ourselves. not merely our doctrines that differ from those of Protestants as a whole. Let us not condemn the honest efforts of Christian leaders, truly our "brethren in Christ," who at this time seek to place Adventism with "evangelical" Christianity. Should we not humbly acknowledge their sincere intentions, even overlooking a few unintentional confusions in their statements of our beliefs because of a limited understanding of our practices? Nevertheless, fellow workers, this is the hour to guard well our tongues and to pray earnestly for tolerance and Christian grace, as well as for zeal to witness humbly and courageously for "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Truth stands on its own foundation, and without compromising principle. Adventism is now in review, and it is incumbent upon us as leaders that we keep our congregations informed on these issues, and alert to the opportunities they present for tactful witnessing. When the glory of the Lord is seen upon the church, then multitudes will come to the brightness of her rising.
L. C. K.
