Modernism In Gospel Advocate Literature
A few weeks ago while studying with a group of men and women the Adult Quarterly for Bible classes of the Gospel Advocate one of the men raised a very pertinent question. In discussing the speech of Paul to the Jewish mob in Jerusalem we came to this reason given in the comment for his ability to speak the Hebrew language, "The apostle was an accomplished linguist; he was able to speak at ease in Greek, Hebrew, and in all probability, Latin." The group was discussing the fact that Paul neither had to depend upon his innate abilities nor upon his education in speaking different languages. He had the gift of the Holy Spirit enabling him to speak in tongues. (1 Cor. 14:1, 18.) Then the question came, "Why is it that the writer of the Quarterly is constantly referring to what Paul thought and what he believed and what he decided, as if inspiration had nothing to do with what he said?"
Was Paul limited to "Greek, Hebrew, and in all probability, Latin?" Was his limitation bounded by his being an accomplished linguist? The word "accomplished" indicates that it has been gained by talent and training. It is certainly not denied that Paul by his training may have been able to speak these three languages, and more. His training was extensive. But it is misleading to imply that Paul could speak those languages only because of his training.
Has the anonymous writer forgotten that Paul spoke and wrote in words "which the Spirit teacheth . . ."? (1 Cor. 2:13.) Does he not know that Paul classes himself among those who have the gift of the Holy Spirit, which empowered him to speak in tongues? The question raised in the class brought to memory some of the former instances of similar expressions in the fall Quarterly. Some of these may be discussed in a later article. Has the writer of the Quarterly been reading too much of Modernism in preparation of these lessons? The attributing of miraculous powers to mere natural abilities is one of the foremost doctrines of Modernists. It is certain that in these days when Modernism is so rampant we need to be extremely careful not to yield to their doctrines by accepting even the least of their abusive departures. Certainly such expressions should not be credited with the authoritative epithet, "Uniform Bible Lessons For Churches of Christ." Yet that is their description of this series of literature published by the Gospel Advocate.
Former Instance Of Modernistic Trend
The expression is often heard that the Gospel Advocate literature is repeatedly containing errors of a grave nature. Is the Gospel Advocate turning to Modernism? Surely no one would take pride in seeing that happen. But it is true that a modernist slant of a very serious nature is to be found in their literature of the past few years.
The second Adult Gospel Quarterly, 1951, is a study of the Minor Prophets. The first two lessons is a study of the prophet Hosea. This prophet was told to take a "wife of whoredom and children of whoredom." (Hos. 1:2) Also, in the third chapter of the book he was told to love and buy an adulteress. In this instance it is not said that she was the same woman who was his wife of the first chapter. Neither is it said that he married this second woman, instead, she was to have no husband. But let it be granted that his personal life was tragic. This does not destroy the fact that the prophet wrote by inspiration. This does not indicate that his life caused him to write the way he did. The Gospel Advocate Quarterly, however, says of this matter:
"The domestic tragedy which characterized his life tinged his prophecy with a strange note of sadness; and equipped him with the ability to see the deeper things of God's inexhaustible love."
Again:
"He was so deeply stirred by his emotions that his mind leaped from thought to thought with little regard for order."
Further
"In seeking to represent it in its true light, Hosea arrived at the conclusion that, sin is, essentially, unfaithfulness."
Further, he quotes from Cadman, with no disavowal of the principle expressed by him:
"In these ways Hosea interpreted the unique message dictated by his afflicted heart. Through purgatorial means he obtained his knowledge of the God who suffers because he loves his chosen ones, . . ."
If anything can be called Modernism, that is what the when in reality they deny what they seem to affirm." (p. 40.)
Brethren, this is a serious matter, as serious as any problem now facing the churches of the Lord. It is alarming to know that discerning brethren have let it go this long without raising a dissenting voice. Does the silence mean that we have the utmost confidence in the "Old Faithful," so that we never examine or question what it says? Does it mean that she has grown so large and fat and powerful that we think it futile to raise a voice against such faith destroying theory, put forth under her authoritative title? Other examples of modernism in the same Quarterly and in others will be studied in later articles.
The writer of the Quarterly is not being accused of being a Modernist, but if he is not, he is extremely careless about what he says at times. It may be possible that he is reading too much material written by the Modernists in his preparation of these lessons, and fails to discern between faith and departures. Many of his direct quotations from others are rank Modernism. The identity of the author of the Adult Quarterly is not published. As it now stands the publisher and editor of the paper and literature must accept the responsibility for the material, unless he wishes to divulge the name of the author, and disclaim any editorial credit for what is produced.
Is it possible that this MODERNISM TREND is running parallel with the CHURCH SUPPORTED INSTITUTION TREND of today? Maybe so. The two ran together in the departure of the past century. The nature of the two is such that the latter feeds upon the former. The lichen must have the dead log upon which to feed or it dies. The latter practice must have the former deadening of faith in a "thus saith the Lord" upon which to feed or it will die.