CLERICAL ECONOMISTS
Sir, —So many of our clergy are at present occupied in trying their prentice hands on economics that the wise words of an eminent churchman on the subject may give them something to ponder. "It is clearly the function of the spiritual leader at all times to insist upon the moral responsibility of wealth in the face of poverty or want; but there is no reason to suppose that he will be a better judge than the statesman of the wisdom of particular proposals by which the State may secure that this responsibility is discharged. Thus to Lazarus the Church may justly say that she offers him an inward peace and a certain hope which will enable him to triumph over the social conditions of his material life; but she must also say to Dives, 'What are you doing to help your brother Lazarus? How are you using the riches and powers which are entrusted to you only for a while?' Too many clergymen, when they see the necessity for the admonition, rush into Socialistic excess, and denouncing Dives with ferocious hatred, proclaim an economic gospel which would be disastrous to Lazarus." W.M.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 15
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195CLERICAL ECONOMISTS New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 15
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