MILITANT ATHEISM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21912, 22 September 1934, Page 15

MILITANT ATHEISM

Sir.—l have read with much interest Bishop Liston's article in the Herald of Septemebr 21 on the above subject. The Church under the Tsarist regime did not use its moral forces to usher in a just and righteous economic system. On the contrary, it helped to keep the people in ignorance and bondage. It seems to me that this is the chief reason for the Soviet's bitter hostility to the Churches. Let me say at once that I am not a supporter of the Soviet, and that [ abominate its bloody deeds. It is clear to me that the Soviet does not understand the meaning of Christianity and its implications, for the principles of religion, when carried into practice in the politico-eco-nomic sphere, will result in a just social order, with more leisure, and therefore more freedom. Hence, what the Churches should do, not only in Russia, but throughout Christendom, is to stress and elaborate those principles in relation to the economic system. The times demand this. The safety of the Churches depends upon progress in the direction indicated. The religion of Jesus Christ was intended to transform the world. It aimed at the foundations of society a.nd sought to substitute Christianity for idolatry. That is wh.wChristians were flung to the lions. Christians are not "dangerous" nowadays. The Bible proclaims the libertv of the captive, condemns usury, advocates even-handed justice between man and man. no one shall remove his neighbour's landmark, commends an " even balance." teaches the golden rule, that " the earth is tbo Lord's, and the fullness thereof." and that " the profit of the earth is for all," pronounces a " woe " on all who lay heavy burdens grievous to he borne on the backs of the people and who grind the fnops of the poor, predicts the ooming of the time when every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none will dare to make him afraid. The Gospel, taught in all its fullness, will promote the economic as well as the spiritual welfare of mankind and remove t'ie causes of wars. It is tbp fluty of the Churches to become militant and make this understood. Observer.