ALLIES OF SOCIALISM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23143, 15 September 1938, Page 17

ALLIES OF SOCIALISM

Sir, —Socialists continually refer to Scripture for support to their claims The most outstanding fact about Christianity is that it made the national socialism characteristic of Continental and New Zealand legislation forever impossible. For it "discovered" the individual—it placed his importance and rights in such a supreme-position that 110 State could ever dethrone him and remain Christian. Socialism in some form has always been a mark of primitive races. Its defeat dates from the Christian era, although it is by no means overthrown. The failure of' our religion to prevent world wars and national antagonisms is just because politicians have attempted to apply its teachings to the State first and through it to reach the individual —instead of the exactly opposite procedure. They have ranted over the ninety and nine to the obscurity of the one, and in politics and states arithmetic is so important. As for support for humanitarian legislation, politicians might go back much further —to Confucius or Epicurus—and find the approval of a very ancient world. But the natural ally—perhaps foster-parent —of socialism is found in Communism, to which it stands much in the same relation as a lamb to a sheep. If this is doubted, one lias only to ask whom will Communists vote for, tho Socialists ,or the advocates of a free and virile rule. Here, and not in any so-called people's security bill, lies I the next election issue. J. Buchan.