The World of Religion

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23145, 17 September 1938, Page 6 (Supplement)

The World of Religion

By PHILEMON

AN interesting letter from a /\ New Zealander who, for 30 •*- years has been engaged in mission work in China, especially on it's literary and administrative sides, gives some important information. The writer speaks of Chiang Kaishek and the great influence which his forceful personality exercises both in the army and among the. people. He was originally a Buddhist and in bis earlier years was closely connected with the revolutionary and communistic movement, which, however, ho forsook when he saw that its success meant giving Russia a commanding place in the affairs of tho nation Madame Kai-shek, "the most brilliant member of a brilliant family," is the daughter of a Methodist pastor and received her education in America Largely influenced by her mother, she became an earnest Christian, and in turn led her husband to accept Christianity and become a baptised membei of tho Church. Together they established the remarkable New Lifo Movement, which is doing so much for tho Chinese people generally and is especially active in rural areas. During his captivity in Sian, where recalcitrant army officers held him prisoner in 1936, the generalissimo was led to study the Bible more closely and passed into a deepened experience of religion which, as his published diary reveals, exalted his wholo view of life. The Gospel Message The writer of the letter referred to is of opinion that the present struggle in China is working out to the advantage of Christianity in important respects. Multitudes, who in the ordinary course of things would not have been reached, are being brought into contact with the Gospel message. His own words will best tell the story: "Last December I was up in Kiukiang and used to board the steamers crowded with refugees to distribute tracts and havo conference with them. At such a time both rich and poor aro huddled together, and they readily respond to a sympathetic approach. "1 had also in that city right of way in the improvised hospitals, and was able with other workers to reach numberless wounded soldiers. In Shanghai we are in constant contact, in refugee camps and hospitals, with men and women from all over China, and wo find them eager to hear our mes sage. Last week, from one of these hospitals which I visit, 29 men were baptised after giving clear evidence of their being truly Christian.

"Further, great numbers of people are moving inland from the coast provinces and among theso are mainChristians. Unfortunately, the Church in west—that is, inland—China has never made much progress spiritually, and the infusion of this new life from the more vigorous coast districts is awakening its sluggish life." It appears that considerable damage has been done to mission property throughout the areas where the war has raged. In the Shanghai district alone the London Missionary Society estimates its losses at and those of the American Methodist Mission are scarcely less. The China Inland Mission has lost heavily through looting, but otherwise has suffered less Sacred Resting-places Those who have visited the war graves of the British dead in any part of the world will bear testimony to the care with which these sacred resting places are maintained, and the last annual report of the Imperial War Graves Commission affords an insight into the thoroughness with which the work continues. Tho present cemeteries, wherever located, are under regular inspection—weeds are removed, grass kept in good order and flowers are renewed from stocks grown in the commission's own nurseries. During the past year 45,000 head stones were renovated and u further (>O.OOO received minor, attention. Many memorials have been erected to the memory of the missing and their names recorded thereon, that of . the Australians at Villers-Brotonneux, recenth unveiled by the King, bearing 10.8(36 names. The remains of missing soldiers from various parts of the Empire are still found by search parties at work under the French Government. by metal seekers, farmers and others.

During 1937 over 860 such discovered and laid in British cemeteries, relatives being informed where idonti fication was possible. The number of visitors to British cemeteries and memorials during Inst year, as indicated by the visitors' books kept, was 133,000 The work of the commission is restricted by its charter to the maintenance of the graves of men who died within the legal period of tbo war; that is, not later than August 31. 1921. But we learn from the report that the Governments of Australia and Now Zealand accept as war graves all those in their respective territories in which arc laid to rest men who died as a result of war service at whatever date. In Australia, where there are 6000 such graves, the headstones for 44-M have been provided by the State; m New Zealand, where 3208 returned soldiers are buried, the Govcrnmcm has provided for 2687. Churches at Exhibition The great Empire Exhibition at Glas gow is unique in this, that it contain? three churches which are crowded to the doors with worshippers thrice daily. They arc under the direction of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), the Episcopal Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church. Each of these has a "display" court or pavilion in which the visitor may gain some idea of the variety and extent of the work carried on by the body concerned, and through which the sanctuary is approached. One who passed through the large Church of Scotland court was. heard to say: "This is the biggest eye-opener 1 have had for a long timo; I had no idea the Church was doing so much." And doubtless, similar astonished comments wero evoked by tbo other church displays. When the suggestion was first made for the establishment of these preaching centres, timid folk feared that amid the counter attractions of commerce and sport, the Church might not show up to advantage. But, comments the editor of the New Zealand Baptist, "The prognostication of a packed fun-park and three deserted shrines has been broken by tho radiant fact. Tho visitors find in religion something that all tho shows in the world do not give. It has been a heartening experience." It is understood that a proposal is afoot to establish one or more similar preaching places in tho approaching Centennial Exhibition nfc Wellington, and there can bo no doubt that, were this done, a like public interest in religion would reveal itself in this Dominion.