CHURCH GOING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9658, 15 July 1919, Page 5

CHURCH GOING.

(To the Editor "Guardian.")

gi r> —it was interesting to note from a, local in the "Guardian" last evening the Rev. H; N. Wright's views on why the people do not go to church. Now, Mr Editor, Mr Wright knows as well as you know, as well as I know, the real reason for the poor attendance at the Sa"bbath services. Is it not a fact that the Church to-day is out-of-date, and' has lost its grip? Why? It has not moved with the times; ifc still retains its fossilised form of service ;itis a one-man show. Have you, Mr Wright and other local pastors, ever h&ird of the United States of j America, our great Ally ? In these go-ahead States we read of sacred moving pictures being shown, and specially-fitted-up young people s pleasure parlours and other modern innovations. Get into.line, parsons, and don't imagine that you are above criticism, or that all criticism is destructive. And, writing generally, do we get anything really, refreshing, original, or even a clever thought from to-day's sermons to take home and ponder over ? Not often,, I'm afraid. And again, Mr Wright, if your reasoning is correct, the churches should be packed to the doors at the evening services, during the short days, as it is far too dark at 5 o'clock for people to " play golf, build fowlhouses, or go to picnics. The man of the hour»is the returned soldier; but how many do we ever see in church ? Methinks, Mr Editor, that there was a lot of truth in that leader of yours, and.it is evident that some of your opinions have not fallen on stony ground. REGULAR ATTENDANT.