.17 /. in the defense of anti-evolution bills. Proceeding from these decisions, they declared themselves ready to lead an ambitious anti-evolution campaign. The above --action s-ig-rr.i£h~d--Ehat the Association had definitely shifted its emphasis from the traditional modernist-fundamentalist controversy to that of an anti-evolution crusade which was needed at that time. However, this ran counter to the main issue, and illustrates the old proverb, "Let not the good become the enemy of the best." The question, at that time, was what was most essential to counter liberalism in the churches? They had allowed their attention to be drawn to what, by comparison, was a peripheral issue. Satan had used a clever feint to lead their army in the wrong dir- ection . This proved to be a great detriment to the Association, and con- tributed greatly to its eventual demise. Although the Association continued to convene annually, hear speeches, and pass resolutions, it became evident a change had taken place . In its earlier years it had been an aggressive opponent of liberalism; now it had bogged down in the struggle over evolution, and had become just another evan- gelical organization . It continued for several years in form, but not with tr substance and vigor it once had . After its demise several unsuccessful at- tempts were made to resurrect it. It had served its purpose, namely, that of a magnet to draw a nucleus of fundamental churches and orthodox Christ- ian leaders together to perpetuate the teaching of biblical truth . Although Biola and its sister institutions were spawned by the liberal ~- fundamental controversy, they became vitally involved in the latter phase of the conflict . Their main role was that of providing sound biblical instruct- ion which was vital to the success of the fundamentalist movement at that time, and without which it could not have succeeded . First a.~ong these sch- ools was the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, founded in 1889 . Since it was the first of its kind, it naturally played the role of the "bell cow" and led other institutions in this direction . Its conservative creed, together with its modest educational requirements for admission, made it attractive
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