YOUTH AND CHRISTIANITY

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16711, 29 January 1926, Page 8

YOUTH AND CHRISTIANITY

THE MODERN ATTITUDE. Six reasons why modern youth questions Christianity were set forth in the annual report of the Philadelpbian Society, Princeton University's Y.M.C.A. centre. The reasons were—

1., The growth of knowledge about biology, geology, and evolution, ana the consequent intellectual revulsion against a literal interpretation of the Old Testament.

2. A growing socialisation of young p-'ople which is talcing care of the social features which the' Church used to provide. 3. The Church , has weakened its influence by holding up to recalcitrant and derelict members of the younger generation the shameful way in which they are neglecting the religion of their fathers. ■ 4. The methods which the 'Church in transition' has used of enticement by alluring socials and "please come with us" measures have incurred the disdain rather than the .respect of the young.

5. The war and its aftermath have shown to young people at first hand that the great forces in the world were not guns and battleships but the things of the. spirit. . . . Religion

which does not grip the whole man is not considered vital enough to follow. C. Among undergraduates there is a general hunger for reality and sincerity. . . . Men want something

real, and if they can get it in the realm of supernatural Christianity they an; going to take it.