THE MODERNIST'S PLEA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22878, 5 November 1937, Page 15

THE MODERNIST'S PLEA

Sir, —I am indebted to " Student " for his notico of my letter, but space will preclude mv dealing with all his points. Tho most relevant is his concluding contention that " not a more rational ' creed,' but a grander spiritual effort, is what is demanded." 1 mainrain, however, that a resurgence of spiritual zeal is impossible so long as organised religion is based on creeds, dogmas, canons and observances incompatible with sincere and intelligent opinion. Religion, based on authority, no longer holds tho masses in face of independent educated thought. Unfortunately, modern Christianity is tho odifico of the Church, rather than the temple o,f its Founder. Take, for example, the doctrines of the propitiation, the resurrection of tho body (as opposed to a spiritual resurrection), mediation, the Trinity and original sin. Did Christ propound these, or did the Church? At any rate they are the very fabric of orthodoxy, though acceptable now only to the few. 1 suggest that the question is whether such doctrines as these, if not positively inimical, are really vital to the cause of Christ today. As I understand it, however, the modernist's plea is not merely a denial of obsolete theology, but rather a positive appeal for a vitalising faith based on the unseen and eternal realities. As to "Student's" reference to the Unitarian Church, I would merely suggest that the change of outlook, to become effective, must be comprehensive, and that this will be achieved, not by schism, but only by reform, coupled with the desire for unity in matters of faith. Layman.