DIVINE REVELATION

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 43, 20 August 1945, Page 6

DIVINE REVELATION

BISHOP BENNETT'S OPINION

The view that the atomic bomb was a Divine revelation to the Allies was expressed by the Bishop of Aotearoa (the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett) when preaching at a thanksgiving service at St. Matthew's Church, Hastings, last night. As a people we had much to thank God for, said his Lordship. We had faced many crises, but through all the trials Britain and America had been guided by many God-fearing leaders such as Mr. Churchill, Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, General Dobbie at Malta, Field-Marshal Montgomery, and General Mac Arthur. Dunkirk was a miracle. There was no other explanation for the deliverance at a time when all the conditions should have been against us.

Then there was the atomic bomb. At a time when great difficulties beset us Divine Providence had revealed this secret to our scientists, and it was his belief that the discovery of the use of atomic power would bring benefits to mankind. "It shows that there are unseen powers just above us." his Lordship added.

Bishop Bennett said that he knew the late Lord Rutherford well. They had attended Nelson College together. Lord Rutherford was a Christian man who, had he lived, would have tried to adapt atomic energy not to destructive purposes but to the welfare of mankind.

In conclusion Bishop Bennett adjured his hearers, especially the men returned from the war, to do as St. Paul had done, to thank God and take courage, and to throw themselves with renewed energy into the work of all the Christian churches.