^UNCOVER SPIRITUAL R ICHES- USE QUESTION AND ANSWER METHOD
Bible Work Books by Keith L. Brooks
•js Grateful missionaries say that they uncover spiritual riches in the Word equally for simple converts or scholarly minds. Easy direct meth od: searching questions answered with Bible
Paul M. A ijian, Ph.D. Prof, of Apologetics, Talbot Theological Seminary The Problem of Creation
references to be looked up and written down. You are sure of ablessing even from a few minutes reading. KNOW THE BIBLE BETTER Individuals or groups will find the Bible meaning more, giv ing more and uplifting more by means of these greatly used and justly acclaimed Bible courses. Over 20 titles in the complete series. Begin with one of these—
I n seeking to interpret the issues raised by the problem of the origin of all things, thinkers who take the Biblical revelation seriously have re jected those theories postulated upon the basis of the co-existence of the stuff-of-the-universe and of the pattern by which it is shaped. The notion of co-existence has characterized the thought of Western philosophers from its ancient formulation as form-and- matter to its contemporary equivalent as order (meaning) — emerging-in- the-universal-process. Even the pre-Socratic conceptions with their scientifically crude “ atom” symbols did not escape the necessity for holding that the material and the principal of organization existed to gether and from always. Consequent ly, metaphysicians struggling to un derstand the basic nature of their world were unable to frame a ques tion or to look for an answer apart from the particular context of co existence. Perhaps it is true also that much of the apparent fruitlessness of metaphysical speculation and some of the distortions of religious and ethical thought stem from the limitations to speculative possibility which the con cept of co-existence imposes. This is to say, that both religious and ethical thought-systems have suffered from lack of clarity and truthfulness be cause they have been built under the restrictions laid upon them by the im plications of the notion of co-existence. Before suggesting the values inher ent in the Biblically inspired idea of divine creation it will be profitable to note that contemporary science has made tremendous strides using the notion of co-existence and its parallel idea, the-scale-of-being. Modem doc trines of evolution derive from the more fundamental idea that all things are somehow inextricably bound together. No one would care to deny the great advances recorded by the biological and physical sci ences; so one must pay tribute to the
theoretical tool, namely evolutionary doctrine, by which the advance has been made. From a philosophical point of view it must always remain a speculative problem whether or not these saipe advances might have been forthcoming with any other theory underlying the sciences. There is no doubt that modem civilization, to a very great degree, is the product of thought stimulated by the evolution ary notion. However, while recogniz ing certain positive values which have accrued by virtue of this idea, some question may be raised regard ing the relevance and adequacy of the evolutionary doctrine to serve as the all-inclusive principal for inter preting the universe. Quite possibly the questions which it cannot an swer (its negative values) may indi cate that the evolutionary tool has certain limitations. The doctrine of creation as defined by Christian or thodoxy has several interesting facets which by their implications render its interpretation less tenuous. The doctrine of creation aids the philosophical interpreter in the fol lowing manner: 1) It serves as the logical starting point for all processes. Without being concerned as to the divine method the doctrine states that the divine initiative is sovereign in the most fundamental sense possible. 2) By assuming a God-initiated uni verse the limitations of the scale-of- being idea are obviated. Therefore, it becomes possible to postulate certain fundamental distinctions within the universal process, and to make these distinctions real differences. In the area of ethical thinking the necessity for fundamental distinctions is cer tainly obvious. 3) The possibility for ultimately achieving peace-of-mind is assured, since according to the Bibli cal doctrine evil is not an ultimate element. This fact, that not every thing in the universe has an eternal nature (a forevemess-quality about it) can serve as the basis of hope for
Junior Bible W o rk ............... Basic Bible W o rk ............25c Christian Character • • • • • » • • » • . . . .25c Principles of Prayer • • ••• •»»• •• • .30c Prophetic Research .65c Doctrinal Studies • • • • • • • • • ...............50c (Various New Testament Courses at low prices) Order today through your book store or direct. Write for FREE Book Bulletin; also for sample copy of the League's monthly mag azine, PROPHECY- AMERICAN PROPHETIC LEAGUE, INC. Box BB, Eagle Rock Sta. • Los Angeles 41/Calif. .25c
1,000 Bible Outlines I I Sermon Outlines for Pastors and Christian Workers. by F. E. MARSH Foreword by Dr. F. B. Meyer "Dr. F. E. Marsh has de voted his life to the study of the Bible and unfolding of its treasures to others." DR. F. B. MEYER. Includes helpful hints on Bible study as well as in formation on the Bible itself.
Regular price $4.95 — If ordered before December 31, 1953, only $4.45. I Write vour name and address in the margin; indicate number of copies de sired in box provided; clip and send to your religious book store, or ZONDERVAN PUBLISHING HOUSE Grand Rartids^ Michigan _________________ KB ■. j SermonOutlinestora lifetimei the future. 4) Teleological (purpos ive) elements emerging within the processes of nature appear more rea sonable when they are related to an overall divine plan. Mechanical ex planations of purpose have failed to prove themselves adequate. 5) Per sonality may be explained more near ly meaningfully as the product of Ul timate Person than as the outcome of a mechanical system however dis guised.
23
O C T O B E R 1 9 5 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker