INTRUDING
TRUTH
"The legacy of Protestant orthodoxy has been surgically altered to fit
modern standards of pleasantness and light. If the spirit of Puritanism was
best represented graphically by a preacher in an elevated pulpit, the arm
raised in vigorous punctuation upon the truth of God, that of modern
evangelicalism is probably best represented today by the ubiquitous happy
face, a bright smile beckoning smiles in return. There is an indefatigable
sociability to this religion of civility, a perpetual friendliness, a
harmlessness in the name of God. It finds dissent uncongenial, if not
abhorrent. It wishes not to appear disagreeable. It veers away from
intruding upon the world any truth that might be discomfiting. All too
often its passions -- if any remain -- are kept carefully concealed."
-- David Wells
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