FACTS OF CHRISTIANITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21297, 26 September 1932, Page 10

FACTS OF CHRISTIANITY

DISPELLING UNCERTAINTY FAITH AND EXPERIENCE "There arc those who challenge the picacher to prove Christianity, but I throw back the challenge arid ask them to test it for themselves," stated tlio Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, of Chrislchurch, president of the Methodist Conference, in the course of a sermon in the Pitt Street Methodist. Church last evening. The service was broadcast., and a largo congregation was present.

Mr. Pratt pointed to the necessity for tlic man who would know religion to perform God's will, and said that, in modern times, many could be found who were uncertain in their religious convictions. "They ask if the doctrino of Christianity can ho verified," he continued. "A note of interrogation is filling tho hearts of men; tho spectre of doubt is in their minds. But Jesus challenges tho man who is seeking to make an honest investigation."

Mr. Pratt said the method of inquiry should be one of experiment, and experience was tho final test to give absolute certitude about Christianity. What was needed was tho scientific method of obtaining the verdict of facts. It was essential to gain a knowledge of tho relative facts, to formulate theories and then proceed to test thoso opinions. Faith made tho experiment, and Christianity was founded on facts.

"Experience will justify a man's faith, and, given tho right conditions, tho truth of Christianity can be proved," Mr. Pratt continued. "Earnest experiment will prove religion where arguments and theorising fail, and so, to test Christianity, the Christian lifo has to be led. It is nob theological speculation to say that doing God's will can bring definite knowledge."