The WORLD of RELIGION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 31 (Supplement)

The WORLD of RELIGION

'J' 1 HE presidential address by the Rev. E. P. Blainires at the Methodist Conference just concluded in Christchurch dealt mainly with two subjects—the questions of international peace and of the proper place of religious education in the Church. Mr. Blamires is widely known throughout the Dominion as secretary of the Council of Religious Education (an interdenominational body, of which the Bishop of Christchurch is chairman) and as Director of Youth Work in his own Church. His address was not wanting in arresting and challenging ideas. Ho held, for instance, that the time had come for the Church to reconsider her forms of worship, and especially whether two similar services, conducted as at present, were meeting the need for a proper instruction of the people in religious truth. While not disparaging the sermon, he suggested that such a formal utterance, however valuable as a statement of truth, failed adequately to meet the case. The informed teacher would always be essential, but there was need for the freedom of question and answer and the give and take of discussion if truth was to he sifted out from error and half-truth and difficulties of faith removed. One of the two services, he held, while still retaining the quality of reverent worship, might take the form of a study circle, or circles, in which earnest minds might share with each other the search for truth, concluding with a warm and constructive address to the whole congregation. It is not easy to alter the longestablished forms of worship, but the study circle has well proved its value as an educational method, and no doubt there are many churches where the president's suggestion might well be tried out. Need for a Teaching Ministry

The suggestion has at least this value, that it brings into prominence the need for a more fully developed teaching ministry in the Church. The ordinary sermon has devotional value and frequently serves valuable ethical ends, but it often fails as a method of instruction in religious truth. It seems to be taken for granted that those who attend church are already well grounded in the faith and have neither doubt nor difficulty. If the preacher could but see into the minds of many who sit at his feet he would often be speedily disillusioned. Thousands in the churches are hesitant and inquiring; they profess the faith and recite the creeds, but a few clever questions from some sceptical friend would leave them in confused silence. It is a most perilous thing for the minister of religion to take it for granted that the youth of his congregation is not alfected by the critical spirit of the age, and that candid talk about theology is confined to the clerical study. And among the outside masses the sheer ignorance about what the intelligent Christian believes and on what grounds he v believes it is appalling. Hence the need for a really strong and popular apologetic arm for the training and setting to work, in the church and out of it, of men and women qualified to aid the clergy in establishing the faith of the people. Important Missionary Conference The latest issue of The Student "World contains full reports of the addresses given at the important Missionary Conference, held at Basle in September last, at which 27 countries were represented. The addresses and discussions indicate clearly some of the profound changes that are taking place in missionary work and in the attitude of the more advanced oversea churches to the

IC3CZZ By PHILEMON riDEI

great missionary bodies who first brought the Evangel to them. One or two dominant notes, which Bounded through all the addresses, and were particularly prominent in those delivered by non-European speakers, are indicated in a valuable summary by the Rev. J. W. Burton. He emphasises (1). the note of reality—the passion for facts and the love of truth, no matter where it may lead; (2) the note of certitude —Christianity is not re- j garded as " some eclectic and syncretic system of thought," but as a deep, personal experience sharable with all men; (3) the note of urgency—" If the Gospel does not change the hearts of churchmen, statesmen, commercial men and leaders of thought, the world will be wrecked by militarists, nationalists and selfish pagans." Mr. Burton points out that, especially on the more advanced mission fields, there is a growing objection to everything in the nature of " overlordship " by the European missionary, while there is everywhere a willingness to accept him as a loving friend, a wise counsellor and a fellow worker and companion. u The desire is most evident for wider freedom for indigenous churches, and there is a greater confidence in their ability to carry on the task of evangelism among their own peoplo and in their own way." Influence ot the Cinema Facts presented to the Royal. Statistical Society show how England is fast becoming a film-minded nation. In 1934 nearly a thousand million attendances at the cinema were recorded in Great Britain, yielding a gross revenue to the industry of £40,000,000. It is also stated that about one-fourth of- the 4306 picture theatres are open on Sundays. Here, then, is something which those who seek new avenues of Christian propaganda should take notice of. The its immense power of mass-suggestion, is powerfully affecting the customs, habits, ideas and even the speech of our generation, and the Church cannot afford to disregard what is going on beneath its eyes. Some evidence of a new development was seen when, at the London Polytechnic, the recently-formed Religious Film Society gave a private exhibition of its productions. Five films were shown — Mastership, an eloquent plea for submission to the will of Christ; Inasmuch, a picture of great beauty and spiritual romance and purpose; Barabbas, a direct and moving appeal, based upon happenings at the Cross; and Service and The Common Round, films of high artistic value, in which religion is displayed as an influence pervading everyday life at home and abroad. Biblical Play by Bairrle Preparations are being made for the presentation of a Biblical play by Sir James Barrio, which will awaken wide interest. Its title has not yet been determined upon, but it is based upon the story of Saul and follows closely the outlines of the Scripture narrative. Saul is depicted as a jealous-natured man, whose good intentions were warped by a sinister element in his character. The part of the ancient king, with his turbulent - and storm-tossed soul, is to be acted by Mr. Godfrey Tearle. A major character in the play is the prophet Samuel, who is seen in the strength and moral power of his manhood, and is to be represented by Sir John Martin-Harvey. The producer is Mr. C. B. Cochran, and superb designs for scenery and costumes have been made by Mr. Augustus John. " The play will be a lavish pageant, with spectacular crowds of Jews and Philistines,'' says the Manchester Guardian.