DECLINE OF CHRISTIANITY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25161, 17 April 1947, Page 8

DECLINE OF CHRISTIANITY

Sir, —It is a pity that rationalists are so irrational in reasoning power, for “J.S.M.’s” statement “that the weight of evidence given by historical research,” etc., etc., “is against the Christian concept of God,” begs the question, without a single proof (as against the evidence of numbers of scientists). It is made simply for the purpose of irrationally evading the great central fact of history, viz.. Christ’s resurrection, on which my letter was based, and on which Christianity stands or falls; for the Resurrection implies that human beings, besides having bodies, have souls to be saved from the effects of sin. I challenge “J.S.M.” to disprove the historical fact of Christ’s resurrection. Failing this, then all his other reasonings are absolutely futile in upsetting Christianity.—Yours, etc., A ANGLICAN. April 16, 1947.

Sir, —Your correspondent’s pessimistic report on the present state of Christianity brings hope to the minds of many people. It is time that the human race started to grow up. When we were very young we believed in Santa Claus, but this relief did not survive long. Nowadays a few people believe that Christ was the Son of God, and that he was resurrected from the dead—very comforting beliefs. But if the energy that is displayed by clergy in ramming these old dogmas down our throats was spent in finding a method for the nations to live in peace, how much would the world profit thereby?—Yours, etc., A ASCENT. April 15, 1947.

Sir, —After the first world-war a professor lecturing at the Workers’ Educational Association classes said that our materialistic world had progressed at - a greater rate than our spiritual, and until things were evened up there would be wars. World War II increased this gap considerably. What has the Church ever done to prevent wars? The Church must move on. to meet the changing conditions. namely, the spiritual needs of a much better educated congregation. Thd Prayer Book badly needs revision. A few changes have been made, but through members compelling rules to fall into desuetude or through criticism, which the Church dislikes.— Yours, etc., ALSO ANGLICAN. April 16. 1947.