00.6. Preface

PREFACE

Many writers of religious books direct themselves to other religious writers or to theologians. Only on rare occasions do religious books appeal to the masses of ordinary men and women. This book has been written not for the theologians and philosophers but for the man in the street. My purpose is to give him a clear understanding of a new way of life that was presented by an unknown Galilean two thousand years ago. I have endeavored to present it in the language of the common man, that “the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.”

I have tried to avoid those controversial subjects that have so often divided great segments of the Christian Church from each other—but, on the other hand, I have not bargained, parleyed, or compromised my concept of the Christian faith.

I am convinced that there is a great hunger of mind and thirst of soul on the part of the average man for peace with God.

I am aware that this book will be criticized by some and perhaps applauded by others. The modern-day pharisees who draw their self-righteous robes around them will not like it; but neither will the modern-day Sadducees who deny the foundations of our belief—this is purely intentional on my part. We have pussyfooted long enough in our religion. With the advent of the hydrogen bomb and the possibility of the cobalt bomb, we must come to grips with the issues of our day. We must face the realities as they are.

Those of you who are looking for a denomination to join will find no help in this book. I suggest you try some other shop. My object is not to get you to a particular denomination or church—but to get you to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to encourage, strengthen, and build up the Christian in the most holy faith. In one sense, Peace with God has been years in the preparing. In another sense, it was done in a few hasty and hectic weeks. Continually there was the burning conviction that the American people needed just such a book.

Many ideas expressed in this book are not original with me—they have been picked up here and there across the years. If a quotation has been made and due credit not given, it is because the source has long since been forgotten and only the burning, convicting message of it remains.

Peace with God has literally been prepared on our knees. We have felt the continual presence of God. My daily prayer will be that in this hour of confusion and crisis, this book will be used to bring you to peace with God.

I am deeply grateful to all those who have counseled with me in the preparing of Peace with God, and have read the manuscript and made many helpful suggestions. Special thanks are due to: The Bishop of Barking, Church of England; Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse, Dr. Robert O. Ferm, Mr. Mark Lee, Dr. Ralph W. Mitchell, Dr. Harold John Ockenga, Dr. Cecil Thompson, Dr. John S. Wimbish.

I also wish to thank Luverne Gustavson for her patient typing and retyping of the manuscript. And I particularly wish to thank my loyal and faithful wife, who has read and reread the manuscript.