THE BASIS OF SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 92, 16 October 1934, Page 8

THE BASIS OF SOCIETY

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In your issue of Saturday, October 13, is a report of an address by the Bey. J. K. Archer to tho Baptist Conference on tho subject of the Christian basis of society. Leaving aside the references which may be doctrinal, the discourse could have been condensed into an exposition of the Golden Bule. If the world is becoming '' com-munity-centric " and is abandoning the "ego-centric" as explained by the reverend speaker, then' it is all to the good, but the instances cited were hardly fortunate, for the nationalistic wave which has covered Europe in recent years would argue that the trend is "ego-centric." Particularly the countries and individuals mentioned — Italy, Russia, and Germany, with Mussolini, Lenin, and Hitler—seem to be tho very embodiment of "ego-centric" activity. The present position of the League of Nations and the Disarmament Conference do not inspire much hope that a "community-centric" spirit is abroad, and the United States has never been renowned for its disposition 'to work harmoniously with other countries in international affairs, preferring a course which must be classed, as "ego-centric."

The final thrust at the alleged "'fossilised old men" who. govern Now Zealand was ungenerous, and particularly unfortunate. Apparently the society visualised by the reverend gentleman would consider a police force superfluous, but the examples of alleged "com-munity-centric" countries mentioned by Mr. Archer, viz., Italy, Russia, and Germany, seem to fine! police, and even secret police*, quite necessary to their existence. If there is anything quite obvious about these .countries it is the disproportionately large police forces maintained by them. To be "community-centric" is most desirable if by that phrase is meant a closer observance of- the Golden Rule. In reality there is only one community—■ the Brotjierhod of Man—and if the command of the Master, "Seek yo first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matt.- 6:33) be obeyed sincerely, there will be no need to analyse persons, nations, or periods as "egocentric" or "community-centric," for then we shall all bo working for the "measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," which is surely a worthy occupation for all mankind —individuals and nations. —I am, etc., W.A.T.