ATHEISTIC COMMUNISM.

Evening Star, Issue 22618, 9 April 1937, Page 1

ATHEISTIC COMMUNISM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —“Anti-humbug” appears anxious to draw me into a discussion of the world in general, and Russia in particular, and to associate the theory of Christian Communism which I advocate with certain anti-God elements. Does “ Anti-humbug ” realise that any revolt against, God and- religion that does exist is largely, if not altogether, due to the fact that God and religion have been represented as being associated with tyranny and cruelty? I am wholly opposed to anti-God elements, whether they _ are operating in Communistic or Capitalistic interests. Christianity has been commercialised by those who are more interested in selfish gain than they are in selfless, Christlike service to their fellows. I desire to make it clear to “ Anti-hum-bug ” that, rather than trying to mix Christianity with anti-God Communism, I am striving to ;make it separate and distant, and in principle opposed to anti-God Capitalism. While Russia presents a vast and interesting subject, it has not been the basis of ray remarks. The Communism I advocate is based. on the teaching of Christ. I claim that the highest wellbeing of humanity was Christ’s’ objective. Christ’s message to humanity and His atoning sacrifice for humanity were not only to secure a happy hereafter, but to make an “ abundant life ” possible for all right here. It should please our friends “ Not Fooled ” and “ Antihumbug ” to know that Christian Communists are intelligent and ’ earnest anti-humbugites themselves, and are out to challenge humbug wherever it appears.; We claim that Christ’s message is unequalled and unsurpassed,'and we urge that it should be accepted and practised, and not merely be recited on Sundays and mixed

up with selfish exploitation through! the week. Communism is, simply stated, living for the community instead of exploiting it. It is surely humbug to suggest that such a life would be cruel and unchristian.—l am. etc.*' G. A. Heheikg. April 8. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —-Despite the denunciations of correspondents, an _ increasing number of Christians are willing to admit that' the principles of Communism are largely in accord) with the teachings of Christ. But they are haunted by that convenient bogy, that - Communism is godless and that its rule would destroy the religion of the world. -They forget that truth cannot be destroyed. Nowhere does the Bible" express fear of its' own destruction. There is, however, for Christians an alternative to atheistical Communism} they -can do' something themselves. They can give their minds and their means to the problem, not of helping the poor,' but of eliminating poverty, so removing the reproach of the Lord. “ The poor ye have with you always.’* “ This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 1 5 —I am, etc., P. M'Lachlak. April 8. - -