1940s: Editorials from
William H. Ziegler

William H. Ziegler edited The Christian Conservator, the denominational magazines, from 1925-1949. He was a fascinating man whose pen was both articulate and frank. Here are excerpts from some of his editorials during the 1940s.--Steve Dennie

The Gospel Emphasis

In the matter of prophecy, one may err greatly in its proper interpretation--far more so than in any other class of Scriptures. Hence, it might be better not to attempt too great detail in setting forth the doctrine.

When a preacher places nearly all the emphasis upon teaching the Second Coming of Jesus, he has not even touched upon the primary teaching of the gospel. God did not commission us to work out the details of the Second Coming, but he did commission us to seek and to save that which is lost. Under such urgent commission, it is not wise to spend too much of our time trying to unravel future details.

Conscience and the Coming Election

The Republican Party has largely sacrificed ethical values to political expediency and met the Democratic Party upon its own issues. In a changing world, both parties have almost lost sight of and sacrificed their characteristic principles. Both parties have little or nothing to offer the nation in the way of ethical values. (June 1940)

The Sanctuary Made Common

Many pastors have gotten the idea that a discussion of social themes is preaching. Other fields of discussion are regarded in the same light. Thus it is a very usual occurrence for a preacher to present lectures on industrial problems and international sermons. It is not out of order to refer to such matters in a sermon and point out their proper relation to gospel teachings. But this does not demand that an entire sermon be changed into a lecture.

Preachers Today Face a Different Sinner

The sinners of today are as great sinners as the rough and daring sinners of 75 years ago. Swearing, drunkenness, theft, and gambling were unblushingly engaged in in that day. Those sinners were out-spoken and determined, and they were unscrupulous in opposing the preacher who dared tell them the truth. They were apt to resort to rowdyism and to oppose with physical instruments. They were capable of handling a preacher rather roughly.

But always, down in their hearts, they realized they were in the wrong. They knew they were sinners.

Today, we are face-to-face with an entirely different kind of sinner. He is not so likely to be rough in the physical sense. The chief difference lies in the fact that the sinner of today does not accept the standards which the preacher declares as the truth. He questions the foundation of it all. Sinners no longer hold a heart conviction of the truth.

Army Camp Environment

(From July 1941) Every evil that may be found in a city is to be found in the vicinity of the different training camps. Intoxicating liquor is to be had in great abundance and variety. Gambling dens are frequently operating in defiance of the laws of the different states. Houses of prostitution are being multiplied in the vicinity of the training camps. These businesses use every inducement known to induce the trainees to become customers.

Such a situation subjects even the most established young men to the strongest possible temptations to become entangled with the vices abundantly provided. There is good reason for Christian parents to be concerned, although their boys may have been trained to be ideal young men in the home community. The temptations which confront these young men are most assiduous.

A Different Type of Sinner