GODLESS RUSSIA.

Evening Star, Issue 22229, 6 January 1936, Page 8

GODLESS RUSSIA.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Wo often hear references to the terrible fact that the church has lost its power and position in Russia, but when wo recall that it was a terrible church it is not so terrible to think of it being reformed. It is to be hoped that a church which had as its basis oppression of the masses will never revive, for such a church was not Christian. The people of Rusia are probably confusing the issue and blaming God for the hideous blasphemy carried on in His name. Let us hope that Russia will hear the Gospel of Christ from the lips of men who are prepared to practice the faultless principles it teaches. Comtaunism has little hope of realisation without God, for Cpmmunism iniplies brotherhood, which in turn implies fatherhood. The abolition of a false church clears the way for the acceptance of Christian principles, and Russia, by introducing humane laws, is preparing unconsciously to receive Divine laws which she has never known, and which will not conflict with her desire to exterminate exploiters and parasites. It is hard to imagine how any intelligent being can associate Christ with selfishness, and still harder to imagine how anyone can utilise the story of the matchless love and sacrifice of Christ to secure for himself a luxurious living. Whether in Russia or elsewhere, the church that departs from the practice of Christian principles while still retaining and utilising the sacred name must perish. What a marvellous influence the church would have if. all service was voluntary and sacrificial, if preachers qualified, as Christ’s first apostle did, by a Baptism >, of the Holy Spirit and lived humble, spiritual lives amongst the people. Ours would be a different world. That a church should bo the means of turning a nation against God is surely a tragedy, which, let us hope, will not be repeated in more favoured and enlightened countries. —I am, etc., G. A. Herring. January 6.