On April 8, 1966, Time Magazine released an issue with a radically unique and controversial cover design. The headline refers to the main article of the issue - which collected views from top theologians and religious historians at the time. The article had given insight on these theologians' and historians' collective outcry for a spiritual reformation, stating expressively that any and all organized religion is an insult to God - and that the individual Christian must evaluate what his/her beliefs are based on their own personal connection with God, and not what others had told them. The article also stated the concept that "organized religion" attempts to separate the Christian entirely from the outside world, stunting the Christian from understanding the secular modern world and ultimately making an impact on it. (The Bible does clearly state to distance yourself from the evils of the world, but by how much?). The headline directly refers to a 19th century quote from Nietzsche, which was a rallying cry toward the leaders of the church, and not towards God Himself. This magazine cover has been considered by many publications as being among the greatest magazine covers of all time - not in agreement "nod" to what the headline asks, but by the then unique use of large type, lack of image and negative space, and of course because of the controversy it stirred. "Shock value" has always be a successful motim in design, and it important to consider that the designers and editors of Time Magazine carefully and systematically chose this cover - understanding the radical-ness of the headline and its obvious potential to be offensive, nonetheless deeming it appropriately fitting for the article.
So with that being said....
Is this a tasteful choice in design and journalism or is it intentional blasphemy?
I personally am not taking either side of the case - since the publication is a few decades before my time and it is clear enough to me that the headline is not an outright statement or question, but is meant to serve as an introductory to the published article. With all things, whether we spiritually agree with them or not, we must consider what was the original intent.
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