Professor Geering’s Ideas Examined

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31657, 18 April 1968, Page 10

Professor Geering’s Ideas Examined

“The Press” Special Service HAMILTON, April 17. A book examining the issues raised by Professor L. G. Geering has been written by the Rev. R. J. Nicholson, Vicar of Ngaruawahia. It sets out to show that Christians have a rational justification for preserving the historic faith. Called “Empty Tomb—Or Empty Faith?” the book examines the evidence for miracles, life beyond the grave, the truth of the Bible, the empty tomb on the first Easter Day, prayer and other matters which were discussed in the controversy surrounding Professor Geering. “The book has not been written in anger, but has been prompted by pastoral concern," Mr Nicholson said yesterday. “The theologians have had their say and unfortunately some of them have appeared

to be adept at tearing down 'faith rather than building it up. Perhaps it is time the builders took over from the iconoclasts.” The Bishop of Nelson (the Rt Rev. P. E. Sutton) has contributed a forward in which he says he is rather tired of being tolJ that the pastorally-minded can take refuge with their simple flock while the real thinkers discover fresh Gospel. “Mr Nicholson,” the Bishop writes, “has answered this gibe by writing from his observation post on the field, in the parish, where we see so many casualties of faith today.”