AN AGE OF INFIDELITY by G. S. T.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 23, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 49.

AN AGE OF INFIDELITY

By G. S. T.

Sentiments of Thomas Paine Echoed by the Higher Critics—Other Sophistries and Delusions Admitted

THAT we are living in an age of infidelity there can be no question. The fact is undisputed by all candid thinkers. We seem to be educating a generation of unbelievers. There is no essential difference between the teaching of avowed infidel writers and thinkers and that of some theological professors and teachers who to-day are molding minds. Higher critics stand in the pulpit, and Jesus of Nazareth is bowed out of the place solemnly dedicated to His worship.

It is told of Prof. Howard Osgood, a scholar and echo of German infidelity, that on a certain occasion he read a statement of some positions, and asked if they did not fairly represent the scholarly teaching of the present. When it was agreed that they did, he startled his audience by saying, “I am reading from Tom Paine’s ‘Age of Reason.’”

The outlook before us in this respect is dark and ominous. The ministry of the day in many cases are educated under the tutorage of those who are higher critics, and practically infidel in sentiment. Students come from school poisoned with error and unbelief, and go forth to poison the minds and hearts of scores and hundreds of others.

Many who stand as spiritual guides are not men of deep and profound piety. They know but little of what it means to follow the example of the Lord, and wrestle in prayer, and humble their hearts. We are conscious, as we write this, however, that there are some who mourn over the abominations done in Zion, and weep because of her failures and consequent dissolution.

There is not seen that earnest love and yearning for souls which ought to characterize the ambassadors of God. The flame of earnest piety and godly zeal which once burned in the soul of those who stood as watchmen, seems to-day to be but a smoking flax in many hearts, and the trumpet gives but a feeble warning, if blown at all.

Many do not believe in the great fundamental doctrines of the Bible. Whole books of the Holy Scriptures are discredited, and regarded as only a myth or an allegory. The sophistries and delusions taught and fostered through Christian Science, Spiritualism, the age-to-come doctrine, metaphysical healing, and many other erroneous doctrines, have in the minds of many taken the place of the great truths of human redemption as revealed in the Bible. It seems that we have almost, if not quite, reached the time when the “doctrines of devils” are openly taught.

As a result, worldliness and pride are increasing in the world and in the church, and the cloud of unbelief and death grows darker, and threatens to settle down permanently upon the world.

Truly we look out upon a picture which is appalling. Our only hope is in God and the blessed truths of His word. Let the Bible, clear and plain, be brought to the front, and its truths taught the people, who are perishing for lack of knowledge. G. S. T.