Gordon Clark: Review of You Shall Be as Gods by Eric Fromm (The Presbyterian Journal)

1967. Review of You Shall Be as Gods by Eric Fromm. The Presbyterian Journal. 25 Jan.: pg. 19.

YOU SHALL BE AS GODS, by Erich Fromm. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York. 240 pp. $4.95- Reviewed by Gordon H. Clark, professor of philosophy, Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind.

The theme of the Old Testament is the liberation of man from the incestuous ties to blood and soil. Man has the capacity to develop his own powers so that he can create an inner harmony, a peaceful world, and gain "complete independence," including, chiefly including, freedom from God.

Thus Erich Fromm, who without exaggeration states, "I am not a theist," finds that the Old Testament teaches his own radical humanism.

Man's independence from God is more clearly seen in the prophets, according to the author. For example, Amos was a radical humanist. If this is not altogether clear in the text of Amos, one must understand the prophet's intentions in the light of his distinguished disciples, Goethe and Marx.

Though perhaps not so clear as Amos, still the Pentateuch aims at the same independence, believes Fromm. "God" is a poetic expression of human values. Therefore Adam did not sin; he rebelled against God, and God was scared, for the devil had told the truth when he said, "You shall be as gods." Thus Adam, instead of "falling," began to rise.

Man must work out his own "salvation." God never changes the human heart. The Exodus changed neither Pharaoh nor the Hebrews. God never intervenes in history; man is left to himself; nobody can do for him what he is unable to do for himself.  Man is free.

Such is the teaching of the Old Testament when seen through atheistic glasses. God indeed does not change some hearts.