e universe may be, it is more nearly comprehended
now than in Jesus' time. Twentieth century events are more dependable in
forming our philosophy of life than those of the first century. The
failure to grasp this fact is the death knell of orthodox religion.
Every existing religious sect has founded its spirituality upon events
supposed to have occurred in the past. Christianity depends upon the
direct creation, fall of man and life of an atoning Savior, all physical
in character. Our new metaphysics will be based upon conditions existing
today and that will be revealed by science in the future. The
geologists, embryologists, biologists and astronomers of 1932 have more
information about nature than Jesus had. On that knowledge can be
founded a system of living superior to the Sermon on the Mount.

Our own time is the most dependable era of revelation. We can safely
accept whatever stands accredited after thorough examination, including
all teachings of Jesus that are admirable. A modern person with
religious zeal has confidence that the world is ordered along consistent
lines and will respond favorably to man's best efforts to solve the true
way of living. The scientific mind and the religious spirit are
complementary. Religion, instead of being a system of handed-down
sanctity, may become an inspired revelation to each individual--a
religion of the spirit of the modern world.

As the spirit derived from Truth is superior to that based upon
credulity, the new doctrines that supplant the old may be expected to
excel any that have preceded them. Anyone may be as spiritual as the
proved facts permit.

If the world has been improving physically and ethically, we can have
confidence that whatever knowledge is necessary for our salvation is
available to each of us now. No living God has died; no great principle
has been lost. Instead of depending upon Jesus in an unthinking manner,
we must seek the Truth wherever it is found and follow wherever it may
lead regardless of consequences. This requires more courage than
professing Jesus, whose teachings can be construed to mean whatever the
reader desires. While the majority regard Jesus as an ascetic, a
reformer, opposed to business and joviality, Bruce Barton has convinced
thousands that Jesus was the great business man, rotarian and
advertiser.

_Gains, not Losses_

Among the compensations that may supplant the loss of Jesus as an ideal
are the thrill at being a pionee