Scuttling the Ship

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 23, 1908

Scuttling the Ship

THE following suggestion clipped from one of our exchanges is applicable to a great many besides the one who is named:—

The press reports that the Rev. R. J. Campbell, pastor of the City Temple, London, has addressed a letter to those sympathizing with his views, in which he suggests that they effect an organization along the lines of the “New Theology.” Of course, this means a new sect, and is a move in the right direction. Let the “New Theology” folks combine their forces, and have a propaganda distinctively their own. Such a course would be honorable and, at the same time, place them in a proper attitude before the world. Dr. Campbell now denies the deity of Jesus; and should he continue to occupy the position as minister of the City Temple, the public will lose faith in his integrity. No man has a right to receive support for the preaching of doctrines which he deliberately tries to destroy. A change of faith necessarily tends to a change of base—even for temporal supplies. Some “New Theology” men, however, seem unable to comprehend that fact.

There are many clergymen to-day whose preaching is of the same nature as that of Mr. Campbell—as subversive of “the faith once delivered to the saints” as the teachings of Voltaire and Paine ever were—yet occupying pulpits dedicated to the promulgation of the truth of God, and supported by the contributions of those whose beliefs they assail, and whose Saviour they deny. It is a case of attempting to scuttle the ship on which their supporters have embarked. The only honorable thing would be to step out, and declare themselves antagonists of the Bible, and disbelievers in the redemptoral work of Christ, and then draw their support from those who wish to follow them.