Adventures In Good Reading
(All books intended for review in this column should be sent to Earl West, 25 N. Layman, Indianapolis, Indiana.)
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James D. Bales, Atheism's Faith and Fruits, (W. A. Wilde Co., 1951, 176 pages—$2.25)
Atheism by its nature is sheer negation; it holds out no hope to the human race, offers no constructive philosophy of life but, like a disgruntled cynic, scowls at everything in general and Christianity in particular. It claims that Christians are very naive, harboring beliefs which they have inherited and for which there is no logical basis. They boast that they are freethinkers, too intelligent to accept the claims of New Testament Christianity. As darkness is nothing but the absence of light, atheism in reality is that state of man where he is destitute of light, spiritually and intellectually.
James D Bales has made a special study of the whole field of Christian Evidences. He has held several discussions with Woolsey Teller, one of the founders of the American Association For the Advancement of Atheism. In his latest book, Atheism's Faith and Fruits brother Bales has hit atheism at a particularly vulnerable point. The atheist criticizes the fruits of Christianity, but what are its fruits? What hope has it inspired in the human heart? What joy has it spread across the road of life? Brother Bales shows the atheists to be intellectually destitute and engulfed in a constant cloud of pessimism. The human race is worse off for their existence.
Atheism's Faith and Fruits is a small book of only 176 pages that can be read with great profit.
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W. W. Otey, Living Issues, (Firm Foundation Publishing House, 1951, 137 pages—$1.00)
Brother Otey writes, "I planned to write this book and deal with general principles. But it is for immediate circulation, and deals with issues that are vital today. We can't separate teaching and practice, from the teacher...The questions treated in this volume are seriously disturbing the peace of the church and threatening its unity, yes its unity. The issues are fundamental. A clear, vigorous discussion is imperative..."
W. W. Otey has passed by several years ago his "three-score years and ten," and can look back upon many years of service in the church of the Lord. He thinks seriously, feels deeply, and accordingly, writes vigorously. He conscientiously believes that ill omens are upon the horizon, and that unless some changes are made in the practice of the church in the near future, the church is headed for another apostasy.
There are many other brethren, just as conscientious, who think brother Otey is unduly alarmed and overly pessimistic.
We would say that regardless of what one's views may be about the "Living Issues" discussed by brother Otey, this book can be read with profit. Honest men want to be objective in their thinking, and desire to please the Lord at all costs Their minds are not closed to additional information, but are ready to change if the evidence is strong enough to warrant it.
Because of his age and experience, brother Otey deserves to be heard. Read his side and think for yourself.