RELIGIOUS STORM

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6334, 28 April 1923, Page 7

RELIGIOUS STORM

EXPLOSION EXPECTED IN TE

AROITA

The religious world hos had two rather severe quakes of late, the shocks being felt more especially in the Auckland district. Tho first was caused by an explosion from the American eva; gelist, Dr. Oliver, who in true American style found suitable names for all and sundry who did rot see the light with the same eight > s himself. The second shock did not cause so disturbing a noise, yet tho moving power was far greater. This

was brought about by iltrbtrfc Bio h who diagnosed evolution as “Monkey Brand” theology. We understand that the next cxp’osiou will take place in cur own beautiful town of To

Aroba. The meteorologists of the

religious world tell us that this disturbance will be earned by an clement known as Captain Rotherham, of the Salvation Army, who arrived in this town just prior to the recent storm, which fact may account for the won. deiful mixtures that are found iu his religions make-up, It would take more than our leading ‘dentists or Doctors of Divinity, or even Dr. Oliver himself, to find a suitable name for the Captain’s beliefs. He claims to be a Christian and a true Salvationist and also an Evolutionist, but our representative finds it impossible to describe him. While many Socialists are crying “Away with God, Christ and the Bible,” this interesting little man says he is a Socialist to the backbone. He has also been heard to say that Our Saviour was the greatest Socialist that ever lived, Yet to many Christians the word “Socialist” is like a ied rag

to a bull. Another of his interesting statements is that many of the most religious people are furthest from God. “Christianity versus Religion’ is one of his pet subjects. He has declared himself r. ady to speak on any of the following subjects, and would lake one each week should the people be interested in them : 1 Can a man be a Christiau and an evolutionist ? 2 Can a man be a and a Socialist ? 3 What it means to be a Chtiatian. 4. What it coats to be a Christian', 5. What it coals not to be a Christian ? 6. Can a working man be a Christian ? 7. Can a business man be a Christian ? 8. Is Christ coming Again in a litoral sense ?

9. Is holiness possible in this life ?

Altogether our friend should prove interesting as he has kncwl dgß outside his present occupation, tlis life has varied from the bullock whip and the bush man’s camp to the 0 hutch pulpit. In the sporting world from the card table to the chess board, from football to polo. Bomeone whispered that he has lidden on the track and has knowledge of more than one kind of ring. In a conversation he was heard to say that the haide&t game he ever look part in was fighting the devil, and he declares that it takes more pluck than fighting Turks or Germans —and in this ha has done his share —but adds that Chribt is the best captain he ever served uuder.