The Christian Doctrine of the Future Life. A Constructive Study: III. An Examination of Constituent Terms of the Doctrine

Abstract

We have pointed out in previous papers that a reasonable approach to our problem involves a somewhat radical adjustment in the matter of presuppositions and general conception of thoughtmethod. Traditional discussions have preserved a sort of unity by overlooking the ambiguity of certain terms involved; or, more exactly said, they have rested in the unity of language, instead of making a critical examination of the conceptions behind the language. A false simplicity is introduced into the problem when the surface generalizations or abstract universals of speech are allowed to take the place of analysis of the concrete facts of life. Words, like all symbols, depend for their potency upon our ability to interpret the thing symbolized. A species of literalism always threatens to make exegesis the exegesis of words rather than of meaning. In coming now to closer quarters with the discussion, two preliminary considerations challenge our attention, since they constitute the ground of a good deal of the confusion which surrounds the subject. First: What makes this or any other doctrine Christian ? What differentiates a Christian doctrine from any other ? Second: If the subject of a future life is not a matter to be deduced and established by intellectual methods nor yet to be turned over to natural science, how shall we so handle this alleged reality as to justify its position among our instinctive and reasoned beliefs ? These matters are both presuppositions to be determined before an unambiguous account of doctrine can be offered. I. The first question concerns itself with the relationship of Christian doctrine to Christ. In asking for the Christian doctrine