“CHRISTIANITY"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 109, 11 May 1931, Page 6

“CHRISTIANITY"

Sir,—-Your correspondent, “ Truth an<T Reason” returns to the discussion, and there are one or two points that re* quire investigating. His amplification uf my statement, that the church has no concern with uur stay here being made more pleasant, is his own interpretation as 1 distinctly pointed out in my letter that the fixed business of the Churcfi was definitely the welfare of men’s souls. In tho evolution and events ami thoughts tho Church is endeavouring to deal with questions affecting the welfare of men in this world and it is pleasing to note that the Roman Church is taking a stand against the loose morality of the present time, and with effect, in connection with marriage. Yet your correspondent complains that secular affairs should be loft alone. The question arises, what things are secular ? As to science, to whom no doubt “Truth and Reason” pays homage. Has science treated her advanced thinkers any Letter than the Church treated her advance thinkers* Arc there not mon who practice bone setting ami other helpful branches of medical science who are ostracised by their fellow physicians and surgeons? As to discoveries of steam and being retarded by the Church, well, it is stated that the ancients of China and Persia knew more than even our present civilisation knows, so that argument docs not count. As to taxation of the Church, if the Church is a business organisation then tax it, but the Church is not a business organisation, and tho funds of the Church arc required for other purposes than business. Certain denominations may have business establishments, but all profits, if any. should be used for proper purposes. That is a matter for each particular denomination and for the government of the country iu which these denominations act. Prove that such a Church is a business, then I’m with “Truth and Reason.” The same can be said, and is said, in the Old Country, about co-operative stores, and I would point out that I am not responsible for churches not paying taxes. As to tho wisdom of the teachings of Jesus, if they are no better than those of Confusing, Buddha, etc., why is it that when Confusianism. Buddhism, etc., flourish, there is gross ignorance superstition and absolute stagnancy, yet although the ■wisdom of Jesus is no better, the wisdom of Jesus has altered lives, broken down superstition and wc have many advantages in our civilisation. “Truth and Reason” could not possibly have lived either in China or India or Africa, or have obtained any information concerning Chinese, Hindoos or native Blacks, whose conditions of living are beyond the conception of Occidentals.

Cold facts, historical facts, yes. “Truth ani Reason,” such as King Alfred and the cakes, King Bruce ami the spider. These were given to us as cold historical facts. Your facts of today become legends to-morrow. Yon talk about cold facts and place Jesus and Paul as legendary heroes. Air Editor, why go further/ Jesus and Paul were real men, no legends about them. If Jesus was a legend, how can wo explain the factor of A.D.? Why is there a demarcation in every history, history of cold facts, of the year significant of the birth of a so-called legendary Jesus. This will not do, it is neither truthful or reasonable. As to the senile decay of the Church,

iu 1926 the Nation (London), and the Lndon Daily News put a questionnaire to their readers on religious belief. The replies received were .1,849 for the Nation, 14,043 for the Daily News. Tho question: Do you believe in any form of Christianity was answered as follows: —The Nation, yes, 51.10; no, 43.05; blank, 5.83. Daily News, yes, 75.10; no, 20.5; blank, 4.4.

As Mr C. E. M. Joad points out, “It is only through the application of rc ligion to life that the evils of the world can be mitigated.” - He further states that orthodox Christianity is be lieved in to the extent of the great mass of English people. There is roughly a 70 per cent, majority of believers in a personal God, personal immortality, the divinity of Christ and the divine inspiration of the Bible.” Mr Joad is not a biassed thinker cither. So I do uot think that 1 am lost in a fog of Biblical conglomerations, but rather that your correspondent is uot lost in a fog but blinded by the dry bones of materialist tendencies so that the full stature of manhood is beyond his ken. Wc come to the final question: Does “Truth and Reason” know the difference between Churchianity and Christianity? I’he one may depart, but you cannot kill Christianity. The Soviet have tried but failed. Apologising for the length of the letter and thanking you, Yours faith full v, MARCUS JAMES. Publication of this letter has been delayed by reason of the demands on space made by the recent municipal elections.—Editor.