WHY DOES GOD ALLOW WAR?

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 239, 4 July 1940, Page 8

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW WAR?

Minister’s Question

CITIZENS’ INTERCESSORY

SERVICE

“Why does God. allow war?” asked the Rev. Percy Paris in his address ;rt the weekly citizens’ intercessory service iu the Wellington Town Hall yesterday* . Many people, he said, were askin* that question. But before wrestling with this problem, English theologians* said, they should first ask themselves another question: Why does God tolera*Most people would find in their own hearts selfishness, pride, aggression, and even ruthlessness —the spirit ot war. The only difference between what was going on in their hearts and what was going on in Europe was a difference not of kind but of degree. In understanding how God tolerated men and women of every nation, it became easier to understand how be could tolerate war upon earth. . When peace came, said Mr. Paris, if it was ,the peace for which Christian people prayed, it would be the victory of God, of good over evil, -love over hatred, and justice over injustice. It would be a peace founded on righteousness and was to be achieved through prayer, which meant the dedication of themselves to righteousness and the fulfilment of God’s will. The services were well attended. At tlie first session, Colonel F. Burton, of the Salvation Army, presided. Mr. W. F. Curie led the prayer for the King and Empire. The mayor, Mi*. Hislop, read the lesson. The Rev. D. B. horde Carlisle and Brigadier E. Smith led further prayers. Mr. R. Hardie Boys was chairman of the second session, when Mr. Paris delivered Lis address.