NEW GOLDEN CALE

Evening Star, Issue 22974, 3 June 1938, Page 12

NEW GOLDEN CALE

FED OH PETROL The drift from religion was discussed by the General Assembly of the Unitarian and Free Christian Churches at Le The IRev. William Whittaker said that churches and chapels were suffering from what ho called the back draught .of tradition.” , “ Have we taken to heart the fact that our churches and chapels are in danger of being snuffed! out?. he asked. “ There is a tremendous call t?day to look to religion in a realistic spirit. Unless we do wake np to the realism of the situation the world mil simply sweep us away and say: We have had enough of you.’” Sir Sydney Jones, Liverpool, said that they must all deplore the fact that the churches and chapels of England were to-day all too big for those who worshipped in them. There was a very definite slump. One of the reasons, he thought, was that people were all immersed in the idea of speed. Young people were obsessed by it. “ We are all to-day under the influence of the Diesel engine,” he said. •‘The present age has set up a golden calf to worship, and it has four wheels and is fed on petrol.” Another trouble was that there was a lack of enthusiasm for religion not only among the laity, but among seme of the ministers. , “ If a minister,” he said, “ thinks he could have done better as a politician or as a film star, then he is unworthy of the position he holds, and if laymen welcome excuses to remain away from church, then they, too, are unworthy.”- ___________