COMMUNISM TO-DAY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 103, 25 January 1933, Page 10

COMMUNISM TO-DAY

Visiting Clergyman Has No Fears INTELLECTUALS NEEDED As one who has devoted a great deal of time and study and to travel in Europe, Pastor A. W. Anderson, of Sydney, has no fears about the overthrow of capitalism by Communism. His views on the subject were listened to by a crowded audience in the Concert Chamber. Town Hall, last evening, when he delivered a lecture on Communism as it is being preached and taught to-day. Jlr. R- A. Wright, JI.P., presided. In referring to the probable effects of the changes in Europe upon human history and the human race, Jlr. Anderson said it would probably be some considerable time before anybody could really form an adequate opinion of the transition now taking place. Under the influence of Communism a generation was growing up which had not yet matured. He admitted that in Russia, where idealogy had been tried, materialistic benefits had accrued. Man, however, did not live by bread alone. Any community that lived simply on its stomach and not on its brain and soul would certainly go to pieces in time. That was the teaching of all history. To deny 'eternal truths and to refuse to listen to the teachings of history was certainly not going to help at all. “If we can’t live by the experience of our ancestors, what is the use of experience at all?” asked Jlr. Anderson. “It would be a wonderful thing to bring about equality, liberty, and freedom, but how tire you going to do that? Nature has not made us all equal. No country • can live without its intellectuals. Brain cannot live without brawn either. Both are required.” The idea of Communism began a long time ago, said Jlr. Anderson. Communism destroyed individualism, but individualism, in his opinion, was one of the finest possessions of a man. Having travelled in heathen countries, and having come in contact with people of all kinds of religion, Mr. Anderson said he was confident man needed religion. “If this country,” he said, “or any British country, should decide to destroy all Bibles, it would be the worst possible move. “I have been in countries where they have no Bibles,” he said, “and my firm conviction is that the best laws we have are built on the teachings of the Bible. Jlan is more than animal, he has a soul, and that soul must be fed. All the evidence of all the history of- the world is in favour of the greatest Book in the world.” The lecturer answered a number of questions, and at 'the close of the meeting was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.