STUDENTS AND THE CHURCH.

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 107, 1 November 1924, Page 16

STUDENTS AND THE CHURCH.

*' I am not afraid of modern thought," I said Dr. Charles Brown, " but I am afraid of modern thoughtlessness. There is a serious tendency on the part of the average layman not to think things through for himself. He says it is the Tattle's' job, and so lapses into indifference, but there is a large group, especially students, at our universities who are thinking; many of them without gpidanc* are being isicte-feracked, but others after wide reading and thinking are finding solid'ground for their faith." A commission was' appointed by the student movement in 1921, and now there has been issued a book that no serious layman or minister can afford to neglect.

" The Students and the Church " fairly and squarely faces the facts, points out the faults on both sides, and suggests a remedy. The first chapter is on the Church, and' the summary is: " The Church exists to proclaim the good news about God and His kingdom; brought to the world by Jesus, to make all men and nations His disciples and to unite them in a fellowship of worship, thought, and service." No one can find fault with this great Catholic statement. Then come three sections on worship, thought; and service. It is to the last topic—the Church as a fellowship of service—that I wish to allude.

What do students (not used in a narrow sense) feel on this? Many feel that a great deal of so-called service is : not worth while; others resent the fact that after outside movements euch as the League of Nations, etc., have been excluded, as not- within, the range of church service.

Here are some wise -words from tho report:—

" The Church has not made big enough claims to capture the allegiance of the young people of the nation. Winning the colleges for Christ, redeeming business and professional life, making the Church a fellowship of service for the reclamation of the whole life of men—these mean drudgeryj. and risk, and sacrifice, the taking up of the Cross. It is the challenge of-the Cross we must present, but do not let us ask men and women to wear themselves out or bear the Crosa for futile or inadequate ends."

IS THE SUNDAY SCHOOL WORTH SERIOUS SUPPORT?

Let ug discuss the pros and cons. Put sentiment aside, forget mere tradition, don't spare your criticism. Sunday school workers do not mind that, but what is killing us is the cold indifference of the average church parent. Influential men will take a place on the boards of church day schools; business men ara found who will sink money in these schools; ministers will go out as recruiting sergeants for them; but will such services be rendered gladly and effectively for our Sunday schools? There is the position. Many school* struggle on raising their money by concerts and side-shows; teachers are got with difficulty often outside the ranks of the church members; appreciation by parents or church officials is seldom given. The whole attitude** is neglect. Candidly, .we . acknowledge the reform of the schools is needed put them on a scientific basis of grading and teaching. ■

Can our sqhools b» made ■worthy as teaching units? To this I answer "Yes." Dr. John Adams, when in Wellington, gave his unstinted praise to the -work and worth of our movement. The first difficulty in reform is the layman's timidity to leave the old ways for the untried and new. But I would suggest to the schools to invite the strong men and women of the Church to survey the work and the stocktaking will reveal the possibilities of the work, and also the lines of progress. In every church I would like to see a commission appointed, with which some day school teacher might be associated. 'It will need to be thorough in its work, diplomatic in its actions, and frank in its decisions. Every part of the work should be considered—finance, buildings, equipment, staffing, and curriculum. The course of study should be seriously tackled. Sampleß of different publications should be stocked. Mere cheapness, local publication; or minor considerations should not be the deciding factors. Efficiency is the keynote to I Buccess.

The committee could largely influence young men and young women to give their services to the school. Why should the superintendent or minister be expected to do this work? Let the Church and community feel that the_ school is a worthy, dignified, and efficient institution, and I am convinced a now day will dawn for our work. Teachers will be inspired; parents will be aroused; the Sunday school will cease to be the " Cinderella" of our Church activities. The answer to my opening question is: " You ♦.-ill get out of the school what you put into it." What is the average church putting into the Sunday school?