Moral Re-Armament

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29233, 17 June 1960, Page 3

Moral Re-Armament

Sir, —The instinct of self-pres-ervation is obviously the driving force behind Moral Re-Armament. How much more salutary and effective it would be if the West could admit this, and drop all high-sounding, pious utterances.

If we could do just this, then a good part of Eastern suspicion arid hostility would disappear overnight.—Yours, etc., M. G. STROUD. June 14, 1960.

Sir.—l don't think Moral ReArmament is capable of worldwide success while it believes God’s mind should control men. I am sure a Buddhist, Hindu, or Moslem would not accept a Christian God’s control. To convert them to Moral Re-Armament is like converting them to Christianity. If at all possible, this would take countless years, and by that time it would be too late. The type of ideology needed is one incorporating the good character and personality-building ideals of all religions, but without the superstitious aspects of any. This type of ideology would attract people leaving the religions (in most cases because they find them illogical) and prevent their teaming up with Communist or Fascist elements With the myth of God removed, it would even attract liberty-craving Communists.—Yours, etc., L. F. SUGDEN. June 15, 1960.

Sir, —“J.L.” states that Moral Re-Armament is anti-materialist. I differ, as we have churches and huge cathedrals filled with material wealth—no connexion at all with Christianity. The Cyprus situation and the South African and American segregation policies are all based on material power, not love of one’s fellowbeings. It appears to me that communism has won on points of existence —social policies for all and no racial discrimination. No wonder the Asians turn to communism, but we, the socalled Christians, use guns to shoot the Asians for such aspirations. What a pity so much time and money have been wasted on propaganda in the booklet, “Co-existence.”—Yours, etc., FELLOWSHIP. June 15, 1960.

Sir,—All that is needed instead of this sentimental humbug about loving your enemy and turning the other cheek is to treat friend and foe with justice. America as a nation is exactly the same as all other nations, a mixture of good and bad.—Yours, etc., ANTI-HUMBUG. June 15, 1960.