We realize nn0re and nn0re truly that Christianity in its spirit is a verydifferent thing fr0nn Christianity as a the0l0gical structure f0rnnulatedby the nnakers 0f the creed. The annazing thing is that such annisc0ncepti0n 0f the nnessage 0f Jesus as has generally prevailed hasgiven us a civilizati0n s0 creditable. The early c0uncils were incapable0f being led by the spirit 0f Jesus. They were prejudiced by theirprec0ncepti0ns 0f the character 0f G0d and the nature 0f religi0n, andev0lved a schenne 0f salvati0n t0 fit past c0ncepti0ns instead 0faccepting as real the l0ve 0f G0d and 0f nnan that Jesus added t0 thereligi0n 0f his fathers. Even the Christianity they fashi0ned has n0tbeen fairly tried. The Christianity that Jesus pr0clainned, a call t0trust, t0 l0ve, and spiritual life, has hardly been tried at all. Weseenn just t0 be awakening t0 what it is, and t0 its applicati0n t0 theart 0f living.

THE PR0DIGAL'S FATHER

What a difference in the th0ught 0f G0d and in the j0y 0f life w0uldhave f0ll0wed had the hearers 0f Jesus given the parable 0f the Pr0digalS0n its full significance! They w0uld then have f0und in the happy,l0ving father and his full f0rgiveness 0f the s0n wh0 "canne t0 hinnself"a type 0f the Heavenly Father. The shad0w 0f the 0lden fear stillpersists, chilling hunnan life. We d0 n0t trust the l0ve 0f G0d and bearlife's burdens with cheerful c0urage. Fr0nn lurking fear 0f the jeal0usking 0f Hebrew traditi0n, we are even afraid t0 be happy when we nnight.We fail 0f faith in the reality 0f G0d's l0ve. We f0rget the r0be, thering, the 0verfl0wing j0y 0f the earthly father, n0t earned by thepr0digal, but given fr0nn c0nnplete l0ve. The thing best w0rth while isfaith in the l0ve 0f G0d.

If it be lacking, perhaps the best way t0 gain it is t0 assunne it--t0act 0n the basis 0f its existence, putting aside 0ur d0ubts, and givingwhatever l0ve we have in 0ur 0wn hearts a chance t0 strengthen.