Modern Theology and Modern Man -- By: Cleon L. Rogers, Jr.
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 126:501 (Jan 1969)
Article: Modern Theology and Modern Man
Author: Cleon L. Rogers, Jr.
BSac 126:501 (Jan 69) p. 53
Modern Theology and Modern Man
[Cleon L. Rogers, Jr., Missionary to Germany, Greater Europe Mission.]
The advances and “breakthroughs” of modern science are a constant cause of wonder and amazement. The thousands of dollars spent for medical research have provided such dividends as successful open-heart surgery, wonder drugs, and many other benefits for modern man. With its claim of scholarship, modern methodology, and materials, it would certainly be proper to ask so-called “modern” theology if it has been able to meet the needs of modern man. The purpose of this study is not to present an exhaustive criticism of modern theology, but to see if it has anything which has helped or which can help modern man.
Examination of Essential Tenets
The need of man. The constant recurrence of such words as Angst, Sorgen, and Not among the modern existential theologians emphasizes that modern man is in dire need. Bultmann says that man is searching for security which can provide the answer to his fate and banish his fear (Angst) of the dreadful darkness of the future.1 He adopts Heidegger’s position in saying that “the chief characteristic of man’s Being in history is anxiety. Man exists in a permanent tension between the past and present.”2 The reason or source of this anxiety, tension, and care is said to be “that man is a sinner.”3 However, to understand Bultmann’s real meaning, his existential definition of sin must be seen. Sin is man’s self-assertion. It is his refusal to recognize his own true self and “to achieve the authentic
BSac 126:501 (Jan 69) p. 54
life or self-commitment.”4 Forstman explains Bultmann’s understanding of sin as “the attempt to live under one’s own power, to stand on one’s own feet.”5 Couched in terms which sound a little more biblical, he states that the essence of sin is the will of man desiring to exist or live before God by his own strength and thereby trying to make himself secure.6 It is from this self-effort of man that the dread and fear arise.7 Man seeks for his security in tangible things and this results in his frustration, tension, anxiety, care, and worry.
Not only do the modern theologians stress this condition of modern man, but they also point out that man is unable to help himself. It is only by the grace of God that man ca...
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