CHURCH ATTENDANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15626, 4 June 1914, Page 10

CHURCH ATTENDANCE.

Sir,—The problem of the non-appearance of men at church is a perennial source of perplexity to out ecclesiastical authorities. As usual the blame has been laid upon the supposed iconcdasin of the age. Now, as a church man and a regular attendant, I would like to protest; against this attitude being adopted by the clergy, as unfair and unju3t. .Men to-day demand a straight, unbiassed statement of the truth, and naturally ignore any attempt to supplant this by mere dogmatic theories, and denominational doctrines. .In one of Auckland's best-known churches which I visited recently, the service and sermon would have justified the general attitude maintained bv men, in absenting, themselves from church. Obviously, the One aim was to get through the service with a minimum of effort, and ill quick time. Then came tho sermon, and I bad high hope* that the prevailing tone would be elevated, but among other things, to which intelligence could not give assent, were inaccurate historical allusions end totally unprovable dogmatisms. We do not expect a Demosthenes in every pulpit' but we insist uprti clear Speech, accuracy, and logic from those whose duty it is to expound the Scriptures. . j.C.