My Seminary is a Time Machine

So apparently, my seminary's current chapel (which was built about two years ago) is either a time-traveling TARDIS, or has a much older sibling. Found this photo on the cover of one of my great-grandfather's church bulletins (photo of my seminary's chapel below):

(July 15, 1962)

(May 6, 2013)

Seven Reasons Why a Scientist Believes in God

Found this pamphlet in folder #131. "The Presence of God":

Seven Reasons Why a Scientist Believes in God

Martin Luther and the Reformation

Discovered this little tracing/cartoon that my great-grandpa included in one of his church bulletins for Reformation Sunday. What a curious-looking rendition of Martin Luther!

Church is the Most Important Institution?

As I was finishing up scanning folder #139. "The Sabbath: An Isle of Safety," I found this little blurb in the church bulletin for services at Pacific Methodist Church in Pacific, MO, for July 22, 1951:

"Some Sabbath Barbs," indeed. It is peculiar for me—a 21st century, 20-something Christian—to see such blatant pro-church propaganda. Did my great-grandfather's generation really believe that the "Churches are the most important institutions in any community"? The postmodern (and indeed, post-Christian) movement have defied such a notion quite heartily. So much so, in fact, that I think it would be difficult to find a Christian under the age of 30 that would agree with the "Sabbath Barbs" above. If you are a Christian (regardless of age), do you believe that the Church is the "most important institution" in a community, or are there others that serve equal or higher purpose?

Prayer for Humility—A Poem

Currently Scanning: #140. "Retailers of Religion"

I found this interesting poem among the many (and I mean MANY) clippings in folder #131. "The Presence of God":

Full text:

Prayer for Humility, by Burnham Eaton

God of the simple trees:

Deliver us from vainglory.

God of the flowering of the Earth:

Deliver us from pride.

—That we may reach toward Thee

As a bare tree in winter

Reaches toward the sun

Itself lined on every branch with light.

—That we may flower richly

As a tree in summer

Not from self-light

But from higher light.

—That our life my bear fruit

Not with pompous glitter

But as the forthright

And simple tree.

God of true light:

May we come as near to Thee

With as clear view unbroken

As the tree to the sky. . .

Help us to cast so lovely a shadow

Upon Earth.