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Sermons On Genesis by Harold A. Bosley

Sermons On Genesis by Harold A. Bosley
Book review by Kevin Jesmer
Harold A. Bosely was a pastor of the First Methodist Church in Evanston Illinois. In the 1950’s it was recognized as one of the outstanding “preaching stations” in the nation.

In the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and the other figures from Biblical beginnings, he finds powerful examples for living. From the basic themes and religious convictions underlying these events, he draws principles for contemporary application.

I picked this book up at the free book stand at the United/Congregational church in Dekalb, Il. I was draw to it because I have bee fascinated with the Book of Genesis since 1986, that is, for 25 years. I have taught it to many people. I also recently embarked on a series on obscure people in Genesis. And so I wanted to see what other people had to say on the subject.

When I started to read this book I was a little disappointed, but later on that disappointment led to appreciation. I was disappointed for several reasons.

First, the author did not refer very often to the text of the passage. He took a passage, and held onto one verse and went with a theme. Sometimes this theme discussion led the reader until the reader forgot about the original text actually was. I would have liked the writing better if he just stuck close to the text.

Second, I didn’t agree with him sometimes. I have been teaching that Joseph was a good boy and sincere. But Bosley was suggesting that Joseph was arrogant and boastful and proud sharing his dreams even though he knew it would hurt the feelings of his family members. It was through his suffering that Joseph was changed into the man of God that he is praised to be. I totally don’t agree. I think Joseph was an exemplary young man and a sincere and true Bible teacher and a good son and his brothers were violent and at times disregarding of life (at the time of Joseph’s youth.)

Bosley brought politics of the day into his lectures. This was interesting, because he refers to the Cold War. He refers to the Soviets and the space race and tries to apply Christian principles to how we should relate to the communists with Christian principles. Coming from a non-denominational Christian background, I realize that I sometimes overemphasize the personal relationship with Jesus to the detriment of thinking about the gospel that can change societies and nations. It was interesting to see how Christians felt in the 1950’s. They felt that they were facing the possible destruction of western society as they knew it. That didn’t happen.

He did not say good things about Billy Graham’s ministry. He referred to Billy Graham’s ministry as a “Hell and Brim stone Salvation message.” I understand where he was coming from. He tried very hard to make his messages very scholarly and thought provoking. He knew that he was not just preaching to his own congregation, but he was also preaching to the nation and the generation. He was concerning about the Gospel changing the culture and a societies way of thinking. He meticulously produced messages that were deep and thoughtful. He had faith in the power of the word of God simply preached. I realize that our preaching is not just to please our listeners. But we should think about the power of the God and the power of the Gospel to turn the keel of the history and steer it towards Jesus.

I was amazed at how popular church was at that time. Today the Methodists are struggling with an aging congregation and declining membership. But in the 1950’s there was a large, active congregation. In one message Bosley made reference to hundreds of people attending the Thursday night Bible study. Hundreds of people! Wow! Some of our mega churches have hundreds of people attending their small groups, but let’s face it, attendance may be sporadic. I think that the churches were well attended and very much alive in the 1950’s and making a difference in the psyche of the nation.

I grew in my appreciation of his writing. At first I thought I was just wasting my time, wading through this “thick” writing. But then I appreciated his scholarship and his faith that the words he spoke can and are making a difference in the world around him. I want to write Gospel messages knowing that the messages that I preach have the capability to make a difference in, not just the lives of the small house church I minister, but also in steering the course of the nation.




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