Page 77 - GFA – A Different Drumbeat
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GFA – A Different Drumbeat 77
A DIFFERENT DRUMBEAT
Back now in Chefoo, GFA found himself on the horns of a dilemma. There were so many
seemingly opposing drumbeats hammering in his consciousness.
It was at this time in the 1920s and 1930s that a heated and divisive controversy spread
from the Presbyterian Church in the United States to encompass most Protestant
denominations and inevitably had an impact on Missions in China. It became known as the
Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy. Book 2 has an extract from Wikipedia which
explains this in more detail. Although this controversy polarized many people in the
churches and missions, it seems from the following article by GFA that, although he was
aware of the controversy, he did not take a stand on either side. From the article he states
strongly his belief in the fundamentals of Christianity, but, after studying the Word of God,
he also states a strong belief in the need to express his faith through the “ministry of loving
deeds,” which he saw as “an interpretation in living terms of the Gospel of the Son of God
Who Himself spoke so eloquently through a ministry of loving deeds.”
There is no doubt that the following article represents a strong defense of what he regarded
as the true missionary work he had been called to.
THE CHINESE RECORDER Although he was working in the context of the China
Inland Mission, and generally fitting in with what most
During its long run from1868 to missionaries regarded as the norm, he was hearing a
1941 – remarkable for any different drumbeat. People in missionary work in
publication begun in the 19th China questioned whether the relief of physical need
century, and especially one was really part of the Mission's duty. GFA honestly
published in English in China – felt differently about the priorities of the missionary
The Chinese Recorder was endeavor. Although this article was written after the
intended for the missionaries in events that we are about to record, I am including it
China, but it also circulated to here as it indicates his honesty, courage and his
mission supporters and motivation to do what he did. GFA wrote this article
theological schools in the home for the “The Chinese Recorder”. It is interesting to
countries. In addition to its note that he chose this journal (See box on left) for
coverage of missions and the publication of his position paper, and not the CIM
missionaries in China, the journal, “The Millions”.
publication also reported on
activities in Singapore, Malaya,
Burma, Thailand, Indonesia and
Vietnam.
A DIFFERENT DRUMBEAT
Back now in Chefoo, GFA found himself on the horns of a dilemma. There were so many
seemingly opposing drumbeats hammering in his consciousness.
It was at this time in the 1920s and 1930s that a heated and divisive controversy spread
from the Presbyterian Church in the United States to encompass most Protestant
denominations and inevitably had an impact on Missions in China. It became known as the
Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy. Book 2 has an extract from Wikipedia which
explains this in more detail. Although this controversy polarized many people in the
churches and missions, it seems from the following article by GFA that, although he was
aware of the controversy, he did not take a stand on either side. From the article he states
strongly his belief in the fundamentals of Christianity, but, after studying the Word of God,
he also states a strong belief in the need to express his faith through the “ministry of loving
deeds,” which he saw as “an interpretation in living terms of the Gospel of the Son of God
Who Himself spoke so eloquently through a ministry of loving deeds.”
There is no doubt that the following article represents a strong defense of what he regarded
as the true missionary work he had been called to.
THE CHINESE RECORDER Although he was working in the context of the China
Inland Mission, and generally fitting in with what most
During its long run from1868 to missionaries regarded as the norm, he was hearing a
1941 – remarkable for any different drumbeat. People in missionary work in
publication begun in the 19th China questioned whether the relief of physical need
century, and especially one was really part of the Mission's duty. GFA honestly
published in English in China – felt differently about the priorities of the missionary
The Chinese Recorder was endeavor. Although this article was written after the
intended for the missionaries in events that we are about to record, I am including it
China, but it also circulated to here as it indicates his honesty, courage and his
mission supporters and motivation to do what he did. GFA wrote this article
theological schools in the home for the “The Chinese Recorder”. It is interesting to
countries. In addition to its note that he chose this journal (See box on left) for
coverage of missions and the publication of his position paper, and not the CIM
missionaries in China, the journal, “The Millions”.
publication also reported on
activities in Singapore, Malaya,
Burma, Thailand, Indonesia and
Vietnam.
