Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 60:239 (Jul 1903)
Article: Christ, A Creation, Or The Creator Of Christianity
Author: Avery A. Shaw

BSac 60:239 (July 1903) p. 454

Christ, A Creation, Or The Creator Of Christianity

Rev. Avery A. Shaw

Modern biblical criticism of the anti-supernatural kind, having finished its work on the Old Testament Scriptures and claimed its indemnity, now turns to the New Testament writings. It is natural to suppose that the logic of events would lead to this. If there is no supernatural revelation in the Old Testament, why should we expect to find one in the New? By the very necessity of the case we are called now to see these same principles rigidly applied to the church’s most priceless possession. Men who can look calmly on while the surgeon amputates an arm or leg, begin to catch their breath and grow concerned when the knife, in a hand not too delicate, approaches the region of the heart.

We might with a degree of composure watch a readjustment of the books of the Old Testament, and even be willing to believe that Paul did not write all the epistles ascribed to him, or that Second Peter was not genuine. There is a different feeling, however, when we are told that the Gospels were not written by eye-witnesses, but are the production of a later age; that they were written for dogmatic purposes, and reflect as much the thought and tendencies of the age in which they were written as that of which they profess to speak. The forces of hostile criticism have hitherto confined their attacks to the outposts of our faith, and we have had but little fear, feeling secure from assault within the citadel. Whether the out-

BSac 60:239 (July 1903) p. 455

posts have been taken or not, we need not pause to ask. One thing is sure: the assault is now concentrated upon the sacred head of Christ, and the attack is keen and fierce. The question now becomes not one of dates, or of authorship; not a question of a creed or even of a church; but whether we are any longer to believe in a Christ who is God as well as man, and the Redeemer of men.

This attack is being developed not by hostile forces from without who have enmity against Christ or the church, but by pastors of evangelical churches, and professors in evangelical schools, who still hold to a belief in Christ’s goodness and the lofty character of his teachings; who believe they are building a more reasonable and substantial foundation for a Christian faith.

For the sake of our own faith, and for the faith of the church, these men must be met. And we cannot be too thankful that it is not a conflict into which only experts can enter. Otherwise but few of us would feel competent to engage in it. It is a conflict into which every one who has looked into the face of the living Christ, and heard his voice, is called.

There are but two lines along which we are to look for an ...