BROADMINDEDNESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20744, 11 December 1930, Page 18

BROADMINDEDNESS.

Sir,—The flagrant use of the term "broadmindedness," and the conduct which goes with the modern interpretation of the term, is one of the greatest curses of the present age. In the minds of many it signifies nothing but moral laxity in all departments. Young people invariably exclaim when brought to task concerning some breach of proper conduct that everything is quite in order—except that you are not hroadminded enough. Anvono who lias studied the fundamentals of human life and behaviour throughout tho centuries per medium of the Bible and the hest literature, together with contemporary affairs, must dread to thinkwhere the so-called broadmindedness of to-day is likely to lead tho race. It permeates the atmosphere the world over —nothing seems entirely free of it. Even the churches, in their endeavour to meet the noods of the times. Broadcast doctrines and teachings which arc liberality in themselves compared with the Gospel of their Founder. Fundamental, basic laws govern all things, to the end of which only good can result—life, nature, morals, and business, etc.—but violation of which can only bring disaster (wholly or in part) ill its train. God in the beginning made lawn pertaining to all tlio works of His hands, and made them so simple that wo moderns in our supposed broadmindedness are overlooking them (some with their eyes wide open, others unconsciously) with the attendant results. If absolute, chaos is to be averted there must bo a general trek back to fundamentals, and the first one calling for attention is man's absolute inalienibility from his Maker. Perfect candour is refreshingly wholesome these days, and the sooner we are frank with ourselves and admit that all this cant of broadmindedness is only another name for moral laxity tho sooner wo shall find solutions to the many problems that confront us to-day. Walter Jenkin.