OXFORD GROUP CRITICISM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 5

OXFORD GROUP CRITICISM

To the Editor ot ’’ The Timaru Herald.” Sir,—The cable item describing at a luncheon an English actress's scathing criticism of the Oxford Group sets this scribe wondering whether the groupers had out-grouped themselves in “public confession” or to use their own term “sharing.” Particularly is he intrigued by just what significance should apply to the word "sensual.” Asked to speak on her philosophy of life the critic appears to connect “public confession” with sensualism as a philosophical doctrine. The Pharisee certainly was sensually satisfied plus psychic unctuous exhibitionism “God I thank Thee;” as also was Bishop Barnes' hard, cold, slum moneyed, brewery and armament share dividend communicant. Difficult indeed to imagine either taking off their clothes in Piccadilly Circus —or the street called Straight! But the publican smiting his breast not daring to lift his eyes, the Bishop's trembling communicant —their eyes turned in on their naked souls—how much of psychic exhibitionism and sensual satisfaction have we in their public confessions? This scribe who follows “afar off," whose sympathies are pro group, ventures the opinion that Miss Rawlings was the most startled of that remarkable gathering. The literary editor of a London journal —a good churchman—coining in contact. with the Groupers has given us a book “For Sinners Only.” “By a very great sinner.” As one reads the soul of the writer “has taken off all his clothes.”—l am, etc., T. POWELL. Albury, July 14.