Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878–1969)

A transcription of a sermon preached by Fosdick.

Fosdick speaks from a position of some prominence and power and imagines that people who believe as he does will maintain that kind of prestige. He has no love for fundamentalist positions, and the man is certainly a religious progressive of his day; but his main concern seems to be the posture of condemnation which comes from the fundamentalists regarding those who differ with them.

Whereas fundamentalists can and do condemn beyond what is show more appropriate or written, Fosdick and others did cross many lines outside the bounds of Christian orthodoxy into territory which would be universally deemed heretical. However, the irenic spirit would have been nice and might have been compelling.

But the irenic spirit was not found in fundamentalism, and the ground on which the Fosdicks of the world stood in the early twentieth century was continually eroded throughout that century and into our own. The fundamentalists in many real ways did, in fact, "win," for better and for worse. show less

This was from the World Landmark books series, companion to the Landmark books, which focused on U.S. history. Both were perfect for young history nerds such as I in the late fifties. As with the Landmark books, I won't enter all that I read. This serves as an example because it was the first "real" book that I read cover to cover in one sitting -- or rather, lying. It was in our basement on a Saturday afternoon when I was in the fourth grade, my head was propped on a burlap bag filled with show more pecans. I was gripped by the story. Seems fitting in light of my eventual career both. show less

I am humbled by the faith of Fosdick and inspired at the same time. While his theology is a bit dated in places, his deep faith shines through as he writes about the character of Jesus. In particular the section where he explores the prayer habits of the Lord are particularly relevant and inspirational.

This was a classic of its time and it is well worth visiting now. This is one of the very formative books in my library and I will refer to it over and over again.