One of F W Boreham’s major themes could be described as a theology of human living.Boreham wrote human-centered editorials, not just because of the “insatiable passion for personalities”, which would make his writing popular but because he wanted to offer theological reflections on human living.[1] He shared Montaigne’s conviction that “our great and glorious masterpiece is to live appropriately.”[2] Through many editorials, Boreham focused on the wide range of ordinary human experience, including worry, hardship and pleasure,[3] the broad spectrum of human responsibilities, including Henry Drummond’s triad of love, work and worship[4] and thoughts on the distinctiveness of the “human instinct” and the “human element.”[5]
While most of Boreham’s editorials struck a positive note, in the latter part of his life he occasionally discussed issues such as human suffering,[6] the “problems and perplexities of human life”[7] and the difficulties people faced during special periods like wars and the Great Depression.[8] His human-centered editorials often gave the impression that Boreham’s theology had only personal or private dimensions. Many of the personalities he discussed, however, were representative figures who served as symbols activities and values in different parts of the public domain.
Geoff Pound
Image: F W Boreham wrote articles on theology connecting with daily work.
[1] F W Boreham, Mercury, 8 September 1956.
[2] Montaigne, Michel de, The essayes of Michael Lord of Montaigne. Translated by John Florio (London: George Routledge & Sons, Ltd., 1891), 570.
[3] Boreham, Mercury, 9 February 1957.
[4] Boreham, Mercury, 22 January 1949.
[5] Boreham, Mercury, 9 February 1957.
[6] Boreham, Mercury, 16 November 1954.
[7] Boreham, Mercury, 23 July 1955.
[8] Boreham, Mercury, 18 October 1941.