NEW ZEALAND'S NEEDS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21715, 24 February 1936, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND'S NEEDS

TO THE EDITOII Of THE FKUSS. Sir,—l read with interest the letter of "A.M.J." in "The Press" of Thursday. Please excuse me for deviating from the point of his letter, but his reference to "dogma", is worthy 01 amplification. I cannot understand why some folk harp so much on the uselessncss of dogma. When we stop and analyse this word we see that it means a positive and authoritative statement. Now surely it is better to have a reliable and positive religious belief than to tolerate all sorts of negative and uncertain schools of thought. Incidentally, where there is a lack ot positive belief there is also a lack of authority, accounting no doubt to the multitude of inspired fanatics who cannot agree among themselves, and make a laughing-stock of Christianity. Is it any wonder that so many people are giving the whole matter up in disgust. A close parellel to the situation is this: suppose you were a stranger to the city and asked a person to direct you to Cathedral square. It he did so dogmatically, that is to say he was sure of himself, jt was his definite and positive belief that the way to. the square was north, you would be on your way with confidence; but what would you think of him if he answered that it may be this, or that way, and in answer to your request for a more definite indication, he replied, "We mustn't become dogmatic in our statements; that cuts off our freedom to think as we like, you know. To be dogmatic is a relic of the dark ages. The square may lie in any direction, your guess is as good as mine"? You v/quld think that such an answer was worthy of a lunatic, yet this is ]y the sort of thing people are asked to put up with in religious matters. It would be a good Jhing if our churches took a lesson from the Roman Catholics and introduced a more stable line of thought into their teaching, so that man may have something con-

erete to hang w to, instead pf a \qt of varying opinions. When we look round us and see the number of sects, each claiming to be the true church' of Christ, it is enough to make any pagan laugh, and stick to his paganism; against this is the solidarity, strength, and oneness of belief of Reman Catholicism, an institution that teaches with authority. Can it be wondered at that it is gaining strength all the world over.—Yours, etc., DOGMA. February 21, 1936.