Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 05:3 (Summer 1962)
Article: Editorial
Author: Samuel J. Schultz

---

Editorial

S. J. Schultz

Each generation of scholars acts and reacts in the theological climate of its day. The basic message of the Bible, however, remains the same throughout the centuries with its variant theological moods. With each passing era and changing culture come the peculiar appendages of the Evangelical message as it is exhibited in the subjective pattern of Christian experience. Repeatedly each generation has to appraise critically its position to the basic truth as projected in the Bible.

Barth’s recent lectureship in America has stimulated a revived interest in theology and has attracted — be it through curiosity or genuine concern — theologians, philosophers, scholars of numerous unrelated fields of study, laymen, newspaper reporters, and others to a new consideration of the Word of God as it comes to us in this generation. Long before the appointed hour people from far and near crowded the doors of the chapel On the University of Chicago campus to hear the Barth lectures. With approval as well as critical disapproval the subsequent discussions focused attention upon this noted theologian’s view on the Scriptures.

Panelists from various parts of America were brought to Chicago to participate in the dialogue with Dr. Barth. These men represented a wide range of theological thought. With Barth as the central figure the discussions resulted in a critical evaluation of his theology including his appraisal of the Bible as God’s Word.

Noteworthy is the fact that current interest in the Word of God and theology is so widespread. The aggregation of large crowds on the Chicago University campus and the effective publicity in the daily newspapers revolving around these subjects has exceeded any similar interest in recent decades.

In the wake of this surge of interest and publicity in the Scriptures precipitated by Barth’s lectures it is timely that Dr. Vernon Grounds, present vice-president and program chairman of the Evangelical Theological Society, invites us to consider at our next annual meeting the subject, “An Evangelical Appraisal of Karl Barth.” We anticipate a concerned response in participation as well as attendance.

As members of the Evangelical Theological Society we ought to have something to contribute to the current dialogue. Should we not take advantage of the current interest in this subject?

The Evangelical Theological Society is gaining more recognition throughout America as well as abroad. Now is the time to unify our efforts and to project the image of evangelical scholarship. May each of us represent our society well, contribute by participation and attendance at the stated meetings, and interest others in this effort to represent the Evangelical cause in a scholarly manner.

P...

visitor : : uid: ()