PRESENT-DAY WORLD

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13772, 15 October 1942, Page 2

PRESENT-DAY WORLD

“We stand, as it were, at a great break or divide in history, in a crisis in which old traditions and principles are no longer accepted, where the greater portion of mankind are casting round and searching for a new world outlook, a new life principle, a new code to follow and obey. We may lose our direction and run the risk of immeasurable calamity for civilisation. We are looking for a short cut to economic and social reforms and run the risk of, deserting the fundamental principles on which our Christian civilisation is founded. We run the risk of exchanging our spiritual birthright for purely material advantage. To-day we witness on a world-wide scale the failure of political nationalism and materialism to satisfy the deeper needs of man’s spirit. This failure, with the nameless sufferings of our generation, will lead to the revival of religious faith. The Church should keep aloof from the materialistic and political conflict, so that it may be helpful in the crisis of religion that is coming.’’—From an address delivered by Field-Marshal Smuts at Potchefstroom on the centenary celebrations of the Dutch Reformed Church of the Transvaal.