Latter-Day Evangelism by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1911

Latter-Day Evangelism

By F. M. W.

MANY earnest Christian workers express hearty disapproval of some of the present-day methods of evangelism employed by popular revivalists. The claim is made that their methods savor of irreverence, sensationalism, and commercialism. Recently an effort was made to secure a popular revival effort in Columbus, Ohio. According to the Lutheran of April 13, nineteen pastors signed a remonstrance against the effort. Among these was Rev. Washington Gladden, a prominent Congregational minister. According to the Lutheran, while Mr. Gladden admits that this sensational preaching may close a few saloons temporarily, and make an impression on wicked men for a season, its influence is only temporary. He claims that the future of Christianity is still in the hands of the faithful, earnest pastor, and that earthquake evangelism does not hold out.

In summarizing the character and influence of this sort of evangelistic effort, the Lutheran charges, first, that it is irreverent. It fails to recognize the sacred character of holy things, and “rushes in where angels fear to tread.” Second, it smacks of commercialism. The whole effort carries with it a cold business air “strangely out of keeping with the spirit of the gospel.” The evangelist himself makes of it a highly remunerative enterprise. Third, it is cyclonic. The power attending the Pentecostal season inspired reverence, but this sort of tornado evangelism causes disgust. Fourth, it contains the elements of animal magnetism. “There is much of mental suggestion and hypnotism in the atmosphere. It is a strong, overpowering human will taking captive other wills.” Fifth, it is superficial. The converts run only for a season, and soon settle back into a worse condition than they were at first. Sixth, it creates an unhealthful, abnormal atmosphere. After the revivalist has gone his way, the work of the ordinary preacher seems commonplace. The people have been educated to sensational styles, and are not content with anything that falls short of the spectacular.

After all, we believe it will be found, in the day of final accounts, that it was the plain, practical, simple preaching of the gospel that resulted in the salvation of men. While it is not for us to judge of the motives or purposes or even of the labor of any man, it is proper that we should measure men's methods and operations by the principles set forth in the Scriptures of truth. There is much in these days of the spectacular and philosophical to draw men away from God. We need to have our faith firmly rooted and grounded in the Scriptures, and to have that living consecration with God that will enable us to discern the leadings and operations of his Spirit.

F. M. W.