A LAYMAN SPEAKS,
SOME VIEWS FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PULPIT
J. Philip Landis, BSEE MIT 1948
Prepared for WCTS Meeting November 14, 2001
In a chapter devoted to discussing the role of the Messianic Expectation for Jews of his day. Rabbi Milton Steinberg had this to say [BASIC JUDAISM, 1947 page 169].
In truth ancient and medieval man lived in a universe of which he understood little and controlled less. Very naturally, it never occurred to him to suppose that all unassisted he could remake himself and the world. Wherefore he turned for succor to someone of greater powers than he, someone capable perhaps of the heroic and miraculous.
But man is stronger now. With his growing knowledge of things, his mounting mastery over them, and his ever Increasing insight into the workings of his own mind and heart, he is no longer impotent to attain his dreams.
Obviously Judaism and Christianity have divergent views of the Messiah, however Steinberg's comments are relevant to any assessment of religious beliefs, practices, and yearnings (even more so today, over fifty years since he wrote).
The society to which Jesus addressed his message was very different in the areas of Steinberg's concerns from today's society. To a great extent Jesus' teachings were aimed at an economically deprived group under the oppressive heel of Rome. In our day we are basically a wealthy society largely in control of our destiny and that of others.
Today we need less to request God's aid in supplying our daily bread (although we need to be as thankful as ever for it) than to ask God's guidance In the exercise of our enormous powers. In ways never envisioned by biblical man, we truly can "...fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." (Genesis 1:28)
Ancient man found need to implore God for mercy with regard to matters of sickness, weather, war, injury, etc. These things are now either under our control or at least understood by us and so our relationship to God concerning them is quite different. On the other hand, owing to the level of our God-given knowledge, we are in more need than ever of wisdom from God in directing our activities In accordance with his will. The problems we face will not become easier. With ever increasing "power" on our part will come more difficult decisions.
How can the Church help in these matters? The writer does not have an answer, but he firmly believe that finding God's will, and acting accordingly. Is a challenge which must be continually addressed. However, following religious beliefs and practices unchanged for hundreds of years seems doomed to fall short. Pastor John Robinson said "God hath yet more light and truth to break forth from His holy Word." We most urgently need his light and truth. How shall we recognize them?