“ISSUES OF THE HOUR”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22711, 25 October 1935, Page 12

“ISSUES OF THE HOUR”

SERIES OF LECTURES CONCLUDED ADDRESS BY THE REV. J. M. BATES The series of lectures on “ Issues of the Hour,” arranged by the Presbytery of Dunedin, was brought to a successful conclusion last night, when the Rev. J. M. Bates gave an interesting and instructive address on “The Christian Social Conscience and a Programme of Change.” There was a good attendance, despite the unfavourable weather conditions, and during the evening many speakers took part in the discussion. In his address Mr Bates admitted that he had no solutions of the various problems to propose, but rather he would analyse the situation in such a manner as to reveal significant factors. Theo-, logical ideas must, he stated, be the foundation of any such analysis, and there must be a planned, doctrinal basis for the attempt to relate the activity of Christians to the practical problems of tlie world. One particular idea with which Christians had to reckon was that this was a fallen world —one under the curse of sin. The Christian conscience implied a faith in God and readiness to act upon it; it implied a theological position, as faith had to be supported by reasons; and lastly it implied a certain ideology. It developed historically as people grew up with a certain habit of mind and a way of doing things. It was necessary, the speaker continued, to distinguish between individual conscience and the average one. The average conscience was never pioneering. On the other hand, the individual conscience could be a pioneer, and this made the possibility of change. Small numbers of people thinking intensely and constructively were able in time to compel the attention of others, and, perhaps, bring them to a new way of thinking and acting. This advance had to come, not by the revelation of a large programme, but step by step. Nevertheless, there was a kind of social structure which accorded with a Christian .conscience. The spirit had to have a bony. Great ideas, Mr Bates stated, had a tremendous power of change in them. The idea of freedom destroyed slavery. The idea of a commonwealth of nations had been born, and was likely to grow into vigorous life. Ideas were more powerful than environment, though conservatism acted as a restraining influence, and if conservatism resisted too strongly revolution tended to develop. Men were beginning to think that it was no longer necessary to work merely to feed and clothe themselves. War, an ancient institution, was being superseded by the idea of controlled force and just restraint. Mr Bates went on to deal with the relation of the social conscience to change. He stated that enlightenment through individuals was an essential to progress. The average conscience provided the weight by which progress became established. The sort of change that was desirable was one that harmonised with divine real Hies. Conscience, working through men and women who cared supremely for the will of God, would produce * vital principles. The duty of the Church in this connection was" not to advocate particular methods of dealing with practical problems, but to inspire individuals and groups to work towards the necessary methods, which would deal adeqquately with what was wrong and substitute what was right. In one way the Church’s attitude might seem to be negative and conservative. She had to preserve the faith once delivered to the saints. If this attitude were misunderstood and wrongly interpreted bv those outside the Church, it could not be helped. There must be no compromise, the speaker concluded, to meet such criticism. # At the conclusion of his address, Mr Bates was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.