Problem Of Living A Christian Life

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30569, 12 October 1964, Page 14

Problem Of Living A Christian Life

The problem of living a Christian life in an un-Chris-tian world was something which had been worrying people for a long time, the Rev. D. Glenny told those who gathered at the University of Canterbury’s end-of-year service, held yesterday in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Christian standards were all in conflict with the world around and he was satisfied that the problem was especially hard for the young, he said. Partly it was a matter of gaining confidence in facing others. Confidence had to be gained in dealing with moral issues and finance, and it was equally true that it took time to develop confidence in Christian standards. The problem was not only one of youth but also of adults, who in each stage of life had to face the whole question again and again. The wrong answer to the problem was to retreat and cut oneself off from the world. The tragedy was that those who did just that could usually find scriptual backing for their action.

The Bible was a dangerous book when taken in parts. Being aloof from the world did no good for the people waiting to be saved and no good for the people who adopted that attitude. The correct answer to the problem was rather working out the best way to live with it. The Christian life gave no special exemption which permitted people to live apart from the world. Theologians were not dealing in double talk when they said people should be citizens of God and citizens of the world. The Rev. D. R. Wilson, the National Council of Churches university chaplain, conducted the service. The Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren, Bishop of Christchurch and Pro-Chancellor of the university read the confession prayer.

Dr. L. L. Pownall, ViceChancellor read one lesson and Mr D. Gray, vice-president of the Students’ Association read the other. The Rev. R. M. Rogers, Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery gave the dedication'and blessing. Mr C. H. Perkins, Chancellor and Mr G. G. Turbott, Registrar, were also present. The offering is to go to the new University Chapel, Ham.