Eutychus and His Kin: July 7, 1958

CARTOON EXPLANATION:

There are two things I have always wanted. One is to draw a cartoon. The other is to have someone explain to me the cartoons other people draw.

You see my cartoon.

Now for the explanation.

The two clergymen in the picture are in an art gallery. One is reading from a guidebook. The masterpiece they are inspecting has felt the impact of a recent article in the Post by a Harvard theologian. The professor says that the dimension of depth is religious. He seems to feel that modern art has it all over Billy Graham in this dimension. It asks a sincere and religious question “when the painter breaks the visible surface into pieces.”

This picture shows how sincere a painter can get.

It also symbolizes what I think the professor has done to the Christian gospel in seeking his lost dimension of depth.

EUTYCHUS

IN SEARCH OF A DIMENSION

In the issue of June 14, 1958, the Saturday Evening Post contained an article on religion by Professor Paul Tillich of Harvard University.… It appears to be the purpose of Professor Tillich in this article to interpret the present popular revival of religious interest as a “desperate and mostly futile attempt to regain what has been lost,” which lost thing he calls the “dimension of depth” in religion. Professor Tillich defines the dimension of depth as being “the religious dimension in man’s nature.” To him religion in its innermost nature “is the state of being concerned about one’s own being and being universally.” … To him also, “being religious means asking passionately the question of the meaning of our existence and being willing to receive answers even if the answers hurt.”

Professor Tillich rejects the idea that any particular religion, including Christianity, can furnish the answer or be the key to the search for the answer. To him the only key is that concern to know which causes us passionately to seek to learn the meaning of our existence.… Tillich says “there is always an answer but the answer may not be available to us.” He says that the real answer “is given by the awareness that we have lost the decisive dimension of life, the dimension of depth, and there is no easy way of getting it back. Such awareness is in itself a state of being grasped by that which is symbolized in the term, dimension of depth. He who realizes that he is separated from the ultimate source of meaning shows by this realization that he is not only separated but also reunited. And this is just our situation. What we need above all—and partly have—is the radical realization of our predicament, without trying to cover it up by secular or religious ideologies. The revival of religious interest would be a creative power in our culture if it would develop into a movement of search for the lost dimension of depth.” …

To try to understand Professor Tillich’s paragraph it may be useful to substitute X for the expression, dimension of depth, or for whatever is referred to by that expression, and omit unnecessary portions. So simplified his statement might appear to be: The real answer to the question of how to regain X is given by the awareness that we have lost X and there is no easy way of getting it back. Such awareness is in itself a state of being grasped by X. He who realizes that he is separated from X shows by this realization that he is not only separated from X but reunited to it. What we need above all, and partly have, is to realize that we have lost X. The revival of religious interest would be a creative power in our culture if it would develop into a movement of search for X.

Then finally he terminates his article with a remark which similarly clarified would read: In spite of the loss of X, its power is present, and most present in those who are aware of the loss and are striving to regain it with ultimate seriousness.

Presumably in all of this Professor Tillich is trying to say, as in the early part of his article, that man has lost the answer to the question: What is the meaning of life? And he has also lost the courage to ask this question; but those who, like himself, are truly aware of this loss (as distinct from persons who accept Christianity or other faiths) are the most competent and likely to regain both the courage and the answer. In the simplest possible terms it appears that Professor Tillich is pointing to himself and others who concur with his views on religion as being the only hope of ever learning the answer to the question: What is the meaning of life? Where do we come from, and where do we go?

… Although Professor Tillich avows that there is an answer to this basic question, he obviously has no real idea what it is—he is only groping for it. Nevertheless at the beginning of his article he states that man has lost the answer to the question. If it is lost there is no existing record or knowledge of it and therefore how can he know that it ever was known so that it could later be lost?…

If in all of his groping for the meaning of life throughout recorded history and undoubtedly before that, man has not progressed beyond the groping phase, why should anyone expect that the search which Professor Tillich urges so strongly will make any appreciable progress? Apart from a truly miraculous revelation our generation and those which follow will still he unhappily groping—provided man’s capacity and urge to self-destruction do not prevent those future generations from being born.…

Is it better to remain deliberately in the negative, confused and futilely hopeful state of Professor Tillich? Or, is it not common sense to investigate and try to learn from personal examination and experience the biblical answers to his question and to enjoy forever the glorious gifts of God to those who seek and trust him?

Lt. Gen., U.S. Army (Ret.)

Chicago, Ill.

FUTURE’S CHALLENGE

“The Challenge of the Future” by J. Edgar Hoover (May 26 issue) should be read by every American.

First Christian Church

Cimarron, Kan.

One quote you included … by Hoover … seemed to favor investigation of various organizations as to their communist affiliation. If your inclusion of the quote means you endorse anything like what we have lived through—may God forbid!

First Methodist Church

Loomis, Calif.

NATION’S FUTURE

An expression of appreciation … for the splendid quality of CHRISTIANITY TODAY as you tackle problems with which the Christian faith is confronted in contemporary life. Your reporting of “Religion in a Free Society” (May 26 issue) was a real service to the nation. The “proposed exchange of thought on Protestant-Catholic anxieties” I must say is courageous, but timely. It is encouraging to hear leaders in American life raising and discussing these questions that have to do with the future of the nation.

First Baptist Church

Minonk, Ill.

Your excellent report … helped the reader to gain knowledge of what the great dialog in America is all about. Your boxed quotation of a remark by Dr. Robert M. Hutchins regarding his terror of the Dial-A-Prayer movement caught my attention. I am surprised that so learned and experienced a gentleman … would dismiss the value of a telephone devotional so abruptly. We have used the automatic answering device for one and one-half years. It is not a substitute for personal prayer, Bible reading, or reading of devotional classics. It is one of many ways to assist the troubled heart in his struggle against sin in his life. The telephone devotional illustrates once again the desire of the Christian prophet to use every available means of communication to make disciples of all nations and to edify members of the body of Christ.

Saint Paul Lutheran Church

Oak Lawn, Ill.

THE INTERMEDIATE STATE

Dr. Vos has taken his stand (May 12 issue) at some considerable distance from popular understanding when he argues that the righteous in the intermediate state are deficient, abnormal, and not completely happy. Undoubtedly, this position tends to give greater relevance to Paul’s incessant stress upon the Second Advent as introductory to the glories of the future state. However, to characterize Paul’s attitude toward the possibility of appearing before the Lord Jesus in a disembodied condition as “much less desirable” is to overstate the case. In the passage (2 Cor. 5:1f.), Paul states repeatedly and unqualifiedly that he does not desire to be so found. If Paul is considering the possibility of appearing before the Lord Jesus at the resurrection in an unclothed state (see the introductory passage, 2 Cor. 4:14), one may be led to wonder, after all, if dead souls are not normally unconscious and therefore subject to resurrection. Then the passages quoted (Rev. 6:11; Heb. 11:39, 40; Rom. 8:23–25; 1 Cor. 15:50–54), and many others, might be taken unqualifiedly. In fact, Dr. Vos has quoted 2 Corinthians 5:8 inaccurately …

New England School of Theology

(Advent Christian)

Brookline, Mass.

MORE ON THE GRAVECLOTHES

May I respectfully question the position set forth in the letter entitled “Grave-clothes” (Apr. 28 issue)?… The correspondent rejects the translation of John 20:7 given in both the AV and the RV and offers instead his view that the linens collapsed retaining “the annular, ringlike shape they had been given.”

On the other hand, the best Greek lexicons, namely those by Bauer, A & G, L & S, M & M, and Thayer all support the versions, rendering the Greek verb entulisso as wrap up, fold together, roll up, fold up. The verb seems to occur three times in the N.T., twice of Joseph’s wrapping the body of Jesus in linen clothes, Matt. 27:59; Luke 23:53, and once of Peter’s finding the sweat-band that had been about the head of Jesus folded up in a place by itself, thus suggesting an ordering hand, John 20:7. In their respective commentaries Bauer and Bultmann interpret the last reference as due to an apologetical interest, that is, to show that the body was not suddenly snatched from the grave, but that everything had been left in good order. Hendrickson has a sane note on the verse in his recent commentary.

Columbia Sem.

Decatur, Ga.

In eastern lands there was a space between the main funeral garment round the torso and the napkin round the head. The latter, as Mr. Rufle points out in the account, retained its “annular” shape. It is notable that the word (rolled up) used is identical with the word in Matthew 27:59 telling how Joseph of Arimathea had rolled up the body of Jesus. It was thus apparent to the two apostles that the Lord’s body had disappeared or “evaporated” from the graveclothes without disturbing or removing them.

Belfast, No. Ireland

Former Bishop of Down and Dromore

NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES

Everet R. Johnson (Apr. 14 issue) … talked of New Testament “doctrines.” Perhaps, as a theological journal, you should be more watchful of your authors’ use of words. There are, of course, no “doctrines” in the N. T. (And this is of great reassurance to thoughtful Protestants.) Christ enunciated no doctrines—these were made later by mundane churchmen.

Associate Editor

Christian Herald

New York City

• Concordance study reveals that the New Testament speaks often of the doctrines and teachings of Christ and the apostles, (cf. Matt. 22:33; Rom. 16:17; 1 Tim. 1:10; 4:6; Titus 2:10, and 2 John 9). Both Christ and Paul warned against antithetical “human doctrines” (cf. Matt. 15:9; Col. 2:22). Webster’s New International Dictionary distinguishes between “the doctrines of the New Testament” and the “dogmas” of church confessions. Surely Christ’s death for sinners and his resurrection are New Testament doctrines.—ED.

WHENCE REVIVAL?

Many … will disagree with Mr. Pollock’s statement (Apr. 28 issue) that “for a lasting revival, the Church of England must take the lead.” I personally cannot see revival coming from this direction. The dead hand of Anglo-Catholicism lies upon our national church.… I do most heartily agree … that a return visit of Billy Graham is essential. With or without the support of the bishops and free church leaders, he can win the British public for Christ.

St. Clement’s Church, Spotland Vicarage

Rochdale, England

PULLING NO PUNCHES

Thank you for the sane and spiritual article about cooperative evangelism (Apr. 14 issue). Billy Graham doesn’t pull his punches to avoid offending cooperating bodies and I have no doubt the same could be said of many other evangelists. So long as this principle is observed what is there to fear? It is therefore difficult to understand the opposition of your correspondents in the May 26 issue. What alternative have they for making contact with the unsaved masses? “By their fruits ye shall know them” surely applies to the Christian’s work as well as to himself, and God’s blessing so manifestly poured out on Dr. Graham’s crusades is the best answer to critics of the methods employed. Denial that there is such blessing accompanying the crusades seems to me perilously near the sin of ascribing to the devil the work of the Holy Spirit. Let us get our emphases properly balanced—we are to separate from sin, but not from our brethren in Christ. St. Paul went even further—he said he became all things to all men “that I might by all means save some.” Does anyone dare to suggest that he compromised sinfully?

Redhill, Surrey, England

CONCERN FOR SELF-CONCEPT

For fear of causing a phobia with our friend Eutychus, would you kindly suggest in a nonthreatening manner that will not destroy his self-concept, that he review his … somatology (Apr. 28 issue) for a more adequate formulation.…

We shall be watching for the new fashionable Genevan chemise robe (52 short) which should be a knotty disclosure in the pulpit.

Philadelphia, Pa.

HYMNS

I was rather distressed at Eutychus (May 26 issue).… Don’t you agree it is highly questionable to encourage parodies on the great hymns? When I was a child my godly parents strictly outlawed such lightness in our family. To them it was almost like making sport of the Bible.

Dillon Presbyterian Church

Dillon, S. C.

I was delighted with your article “Incognito Chorales”! I have been needling my colleagues on the staff with what you term “psychotherapeutic psalmody.”

Psychotherapy pilot me

Over life’s tempestuous sea;

Unknown fears before me roll,

Hiding blocks and treach’rous goals;

Peace of mind comes from thee:

Psychotherapy pilot me.

As an analysis probes a child,

Thou canst calm an ego wild:

Boisterous ids obey thy will

When thou sayest to them, “Be still.”

Wondrous sovereign of anxiety

Psychotherapy pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,

And the fearful breakers roar

’Twixt me and the peaceful rest

Then while leaning on thy couch

Shall I hear thee say to me?

“From here on, Don’t count on me.”

Chaplain

Veterans (NP) Hospital

Sheridan, Wyo.

The critic snips the sacred page—

His brilliance dims the sun—

He sorts his slips, assigns their age,

And tells who made them one.

Indianapolis, Ind.

SHOCKING DISCOVERY

The review of Will Oursler’s “The Healing Power of Faith” (Apr. 28 issue) reflects … preconceived notions held by the reviewer.… Speaking as a completely orthodox conservative, of the holy, Catholic, Apostolic faith, I take issue with Mr. Girod’s labelling of the author as a ‘theological liberal,’ simply because he asserts that wholeness of the body and mind are God’s will. (The liberals will be shocked to learn Oral Roberts is now in their ranks!)

Trinity Church (Episcopal)

Wheaton, Ill.

ESSAYS ASSAYED

The essays on eschatology … are recommended reading in my systematic theology class. Often things are discussed in class which have been presented in your fine magazine.

Another feature … I look forward to each issue is “Bible Book of the Month” … excellent source of … material.

Richmond, Ind.

THE EVANGEL

The true “evangel” should cut through all doctrinal positions. You are corrupting the “evangel” by narrowing it to a modified fundamentalism tempered with a slightly disguised Calvinism.

Asbury Seminary

Wilmore, Ky.

The need has been for some unifying force to rally the disorganized and often frustrated forces of evangelical Christianity. The strength is there but it needs to be encouraged and articulated, both with evangelistic fervor and dedicated scholarship. I believe that CHRISTIANITY TODAY in a literary sense is doing much to meet this need. Give us more of it. Keep true to the Word—fan the fires of evangelism—interpret the great issues of our day without fear or compromise, and you may be assured that multitudes of Christians around the world will uphold you, pray for you, and believe God for greater things.…

Asbury Seminary

Wilmore, Ky.

This is a note of sincere appreciation for the great help it has been in maintaining my conviction that the basic tenets of the evangelical faith need not be abandoned, nor in any way vitiated, but can be solidly adhered to by the minister of Christ.

I have especially appreciated your occasional articles on the basic trustworthiness of the Scripture—perhaps the doctrine most in danger today.…

Princeton Seminary

Princeton, N. J.

Please accept my heartfelt thanks to you for the role it has played in my recent re-birth in Christ. Its evangelical articles have strengthened me and enlightened me in finding the prize of the regeneration in Christ. After 15 years of searching, while in the ministry, I was marvelously found of God.… Since my blessing in Christ, my wife who is a graduate of an eastern seminary in religious education, has come into the born-again ranks. We now both read and discuss articles in your magazine. It is helping us keep our minds alert and our hearts warm with the Gospel.

John Stewart Methodist Church

Upper Sandusky, O.

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