CHURCH AND WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 253, 24 October 1936, Page 8

CHURCH AND WAR.

THE FIGHTING PARSON

(To the Editor.) "Obligation" quotes the case and statement of the Rev. Stephen Thurston. It j s interesting as a demonstration that the reverend gentleman, although no doubt an estimable person, was not competent theologically. Had he been he would have stated la addition to the texts "Put up thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword," and "Love your enemies," such other texts as "He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." Also, "They said, behold, Lord, here are two swords, and he said unto them, It is enough." His difficulty was of his own making and had no connection with his possible duty to become a chaplain. It is a universal of religion that we are to love the Lord above all and our neighbour as ourselves. Conduct must be brought to this touchstone. It is doubtful whether the Rev. S. Thurston was at all competent "to speak according to the spirit and meaning of the texts""- he referred to. Teachers of religion should be prepared to go wherever their fellow men are ordered in the service of their country. The St. John Ambulance would go and succour friend and enemy alike, as necessity met them. The discerning minister would do likewise. St. John was a Disciple. Religious duty is determined not 'by texts misunderstood but by general or universal principles wliieh cover all conduct. The Golden Rule is such a general principle. A MINISTER.