In this podcast, J. Gresham Machen discusses the grim outlook of the Great Depression in 1935 and the political tensions in the US. He introduces his listeners to unseen truths and emphasizes the importance of addressing the intangible aspects of life. Machen explores the role of religion, particularly Christianity, in addressing the present emergency. He proposes to bring a message from God found in an old book that has the potential to ignite the world and establish communion with the living God.
The root of the emergency lies in the unseen realm, emphasizing the importance of addressing spiritual aspects to effectively deal with political and social issues.
Neglecting the unseen realm while focusing solely on visible problems is impractical and futile, as the evils of the world are rooted in the unseen realm, demanding urgent spiritual response.
Deep dives
The Urgency of the Global Emergency
The podcast episode discusses the bleak state of the world in 1935, marked by the Great Depression, political divisions, and the imminent war in Spain. The speaker highlights that the world is facing a pressing emergency that requires attention. The episode emphasizes that the crisis at hand cannot be solely addressed through political and economic means. Instead, the speaker argues that the root of this emergency lies in the unseen realm, particularly in the soul of humanity and its relationship with God. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize dealing with the spiritual and unseen aspects to effectively address the political and social issues of the time.
The Folly of Neglecting the Unseen for the Seen
The podcast challenges the viewpoint of some who prioritize addressing visible problems while neglecting the importance of the unseen world. The speaker asserts that focusing solely on socio-economic issues without addressing the relationship between humanity and God is both impractical and misguided. Drawing analogies to a malfunctioning engine, the speaker argues that attempts to solve societal problems without attending to the unseen realm are futile. Furthermore, the episode explains how the evils of the world, such as tyranny and the abandonment of civil liberties, are rooted in the unseen realm, demanding an urgent response to spiritual matters in order to address the pressing challenges of the visible world.
Seeking a Message from God to Navigate the Crisis
The podcast highlights the role of the speaker in delivering a message from God to those who seek something more in their lives. The speaker rejects the notion of relying on their own wisdom or expertise and instead aims to bring a transformative message from the divine. Encouraging listeners to turn away from personal opinions and troubled situations, the episode suggests seeking a word from God. It promises that this word can be found in an old book, one that has been dismissed due to prejudice and unbelief. Rediscovering this book can ignite a spiritual flame and guide individuals, regardless of their status or intellect, to commune with the living God.
The year is 1935. The Great Depression grinds on in the United States, and dramatic action by the federal government is deepening political divides. Abroad, things aren’t any better. War between communist and fascist factions is about to break out in Spain, and there’s fear o f it spreading to the rest of Europe. In a word, things are looking grim.
Stepping into a broadcast booth in Philadelphia, J. Gresham Machen had all of this in mind. But for more than a decade he had grown accustomed to grim outlooks. Between leaving Princeton Seminary and being defrocked by his denomination, he’d lost everything that gave him significance in the eyes of the world. Along the way, he’d started a new seminary and a new denomination. And none of it had been easy.
For another man, these radio broadcasts might have been a great opportunity to give the world a piece of his mind. But Machen had something else planned. He knew his audience saw the same things he did — a series of impersonal events that seemed to keep the world perpetually teetering on the brink of disaster. And so he did the only thing a Christian can do, he introduced them to things they could not see.
To find out more about the book visit Wtspress.com and listen in to the episodes for a special discount on “Things Unseen” by J. Gresham Machen.
Music Licensing Codes: AXO0OPAGWQET3LG9
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