Clear-cut definition of terms in religious matters, is by many persons regarded as an impious proceeding. May it not discourage contribution to mission boards? May it not hinder the progress of consolidation, and produce a poor showing in columns of Church statistics? But with such persons we cannot possibly bring ourselves to agree. Light may seem at times to be an impertinent intruder, but it is always beneficial in the end. The type of religion which rejoices in the pious sound of traditional phrases, regardless of their meanings, or shrinks from "controversial" matters, will never stand amid the shocks of life. In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight.- J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism.
Thoroughgoing conviction is only trivial, and the clever wisdom of men is only attractive, if you live on a flowery bed of ease. For the rest of us who are daily squeezed by external crisis, personal tragedy, and inner failure, only the firmest, most controversy-worthy beliefs will suffice.
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