Religion in the Home

Southland Times, Issue 19498, 30 December 1904, Page 3

Religion in the Home

(To the Ui

litor)

Sir,—" Altruist,' m tyour :aaue of 19th Deconiber, denounces im* letter of the 6th aa being unjust to women} and accuses , me of Being prejudiced* a woman-hater, and a tyjrant who denies that women have souls 1 , and one who would fain have them treated. &s slaves and mere animals. This :.ort of abuse wight be disregarded as »iv y un( i un . worthy „of notice if it was directed against myself only, but It is really an accusation of cruelty and injustice, against' the Creator,' for I. have advocated- nothing more. than He- has sanction-id and ordained ih His "Word and Commandment. "Altruist" has- indeed confirmed the truth of my assertion that the modern dogma of the equality of tne awaa is the most important factor in causing, the- decay of family discipline and rwigion. The assertions, sentiments, and drjFu>ni<mts of ■•■* Altruist-'' in support of ihe dogma are sufficient evidence that it ia utterly incompatible with the Holy scriptures and the Christian religion, whether in the individual, the family, or tho State- So far from sanctioning injustice or cruelty to women, the Bible, upon which 1 build Imy argument, insists upon the utmost kindness, respect, and honour being shown to woman by her head, the man, whilst the command to the woman is •* wives submit yourselves unto your own. husbands as unto the Lord." 'Hie command to the man is '' Husbands -love your wives even as Christ also ioved the church and gave Himself for it." Tho force of language can no farther go, for we know that the " love of Lnrist passeth knowledge." " Altruist '' says that I called the growing idea of the equality of the sexes atheism. I wrote: "the mjodern atheistical dogma." Atlwism, means " without God," and i>s this dogma takes ho account of God, lmt puts Him aside and ignores and diuobeys His word and commandment, *t is warrantable to style it atheistical. Cm historical grounds it may also be termed atheistical. Most of the heresies which have in past times afflicted the Christinn Church have originated within its own bosom, but I believe that this one sprung up outside of any Christian church. It is indeed ■quite a modern dogma, fr»r it came into vogue about the time ot the French Revolution along with so many false theories. Its first prophets were a trio of atheists, Condoriet. in Prance, and Godwin 1 amd Shelley in England. Eor their moral, social, and relijrious- charac- ;- ter I must refer my readers to any good biographical .dictionary or book.' For many years it fount! Httle support within any Christian church, but was supported by . some writers of -noto outride of the- churches, auch as James Mill, his son. John S. Mill, and Harriet Mavtinau, In these days, unhappily, the Bible does not decide controversies, and many men in high positions in. all the churches are insidiously undermining, the foundations of the Christian religion and leading the people astray. Throughout' apes past it has been in those families where the sacred Scriptures Wave been Accepted and obeyed as the rule 6f ■: life and: conduct that women have ;^been most loved, re* spected and horiexured, aiid -Iri? wliich family discipline, piety and happiness have flourished in all the beauty, of holiness.— I am, &c, - ■ ;.•'•.. OLD COLONIST. 22nd D6c. ..;'..-/