The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-02-19
Unitarian Pastor
Praises Liberals
for Bible Views
Bailey Says Controversy Is
Based on Extent of Bible
as Guide for Human
Conduct.

Gratitude to such men as Buckner,
Grant, Fosdlek and Rabbi Wise for
their fight for a liberal Interpretation
Of the Bible was expressed by Rev.
Ralph E. Bailey. pastor of the First
Unitarian church, in his sermon on
THE Bible and the Local Contro-
versy" Sunday morning
Rev. Mr.. Bailey called attention to
the interest aroused locally in things
biblical. due in part, he said, to the
damaging appraisal of those doubt
ing the Bible as expressed by a promi-
nent local pastor
I'VE should rejoice that We have
newspapers. which not only open their
columns to these important matters.
but deal editorially with them. Edi-
tors have the right and should do it, -
he said.
Beliefs Are Grouped.
Rev. Mr.. Bailey said the contro-
versy is entirely based on the extent
to which people should make the
Bible their guide. He classified the
diverging beliefs into four groups.
First-That men should make the
Bible their guide only as 1t is inter
preted h.v the holy church. that the
Bible is from God. but that It is peri
lousiy ambiguous save as the church
makes it clear There are millions
in this group. he said.
Second-That men should make the
Bible their guide without questioning
any statements, from the first syl-
liable to the last word.
Thlrd-That men should make the
Bible their guide so far as the words
Of Jesus are concerned. a school led
by Rev. Harry Emerson Fosdick, who
admits that much in the Bible is
shown TO be false by science. and who
aleo admits that in some places the
Bible gives an atroclous picture of a
cruel, vindictive God.
Fourth-Those who say men should
make the Bible their guide and follow
it's ideas and preeepts which expert
ence has vindicated.
Sets Forth Principles.
Rev. Mr.. Bailey gave list Of some
great principles set forth in the Bible
which he says have proven sound. He
said tho Unitarian church rejects the
views of the second group because
they are not IN accord with fact: that
the Bible contradicts itself. As an ex-
ample of such contradictions he called
attention to the fact that in one place
David Is tempted by the devil. in an
other David is tempted by the Lord.
He declared that II not accepting the
views of the second group means
that we are feeble-minded we are will
ing to make the best OF IT,
The third view is not accepted by
the Unitarians because II seems a
compromise with sentiment rather
than a loyalty to truth. Rev. Mr.
Bailey said. lie said that f'Jesus is
not alone in claiming to speak by in
spiration" and that other prophets
were much more thoroughgoing.
Why" questioned Rev. Mr.. Bailey.
should Jesus be selected from all
the other prophets as the one who is
infallible2 Wrestling with the prob
lens Of religion is one of the noblest
OF exercises. Let no one say we do
not appreciate the Bible. The Bible
Is our classic. Men must be loyal Ia
the truth and to Jesus. ! predict
that the Bible will continue to be
loved and to live in all ages. Theories
may come and go, but the Bible will
remain. Read 1t, study 1t and remem-
ber it,"
Omahan Hears Dir. Grant.
William A. Preisman Of the Nebra g.
ka Clothing company. a member of
the congregation which listened 10
Rev Ralph +. Bailey speak on 1.-The
Bible and the Local Controversy in
the First Unitarian church Yesterday
morning, was one of those who heard
Rev Percy Stickney Grant preach
the Sunday before In New York.
THE church was crowded and n
policeman was there TO keep order" "
said Mr.. Prelsman. REV. Mr.. Grant =
subject was Should Liberalism BE
Preached IN tho Church and his an.
swer was Yes His sermon seemed
TO me almost in accord with Uni.
tartan views"
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