CHRISTIANITY OR COMMUNIBM?

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18925, 20 April 1933, Page 9

CHRISTIANITY OR COMMUNIBM?

(To the Editor.) Sir, —A recent article under the above heading provides food for thought, not that I feel that Communism endangers Christianity or that Christianity actually prevents Communism. The position is that Russia Is supposed to have outlawed religion in any form as a superstition —1 will not believe that without reHowever, Russia'' has, separated religion from business. We are finding that they do not mix. The principles of Christianity are opposed to our business methods, and while we as a body are prepared to accept Christianity where it does not interfere with our business or pleasure, we really have outlawed it in practice, except, perhaps, for a brief hour on Sunday and an occasional few minutes of leisure.

On the other hand, In many ways Communism is not opposed to Christianity. Its aims are In many ways the same, and I think that before the world can be Christian It must be socialist (not communist, exactly). This Socialism, however, must be achieved by evolution to be Christian, whereas Communism demands revolution. In, this respect only the two differ seriously, and, therefore, as It seems evident that we are going to have Christianity or Communism, the time is approaching when we must decide whether it Is evolutionary or revolutionary.

During the past 50 years the world has steadily advanced towards Socialism, and we have become much nearer to equal. The present depression, which is undoubtedly artificial, has many and varied causes; hut it is the result of progress uncontrolled. Simple legislation could put things right, and the effect would be that the progress towards Socialism would speed up, that being the reason why that legislation is not being enacted.

Those who hold capital or any interests which under Socialism would not give them advantages over others are making a frantio effort to keep their advantage. They are suffering badly now, and some are going under; but the rest hope lo come through victorious. To do this they have to prevent further social progress and make workers remain in a position In which they must beg to get a small proportion of what they make. Unemployment, which Is the centre of the depression, and Is quite artificial, is the main tool of the men who wish to prevent natural progress. Th 9 workers are like sheep at present, and trust to men who are unscrupulous, often with good Intentions; but unless normal progress is allowed and helped by the men with money they will find a demand for Communism — revolution —blood 1 It is Christianity or Communism, and it Is for all of us to decide whether we make the reforms that are necessary to keep in step with machinery and other progress or wait for revolution and Its attendant horrorg and after effects. 1 wonder if all The organisations for reforms that do not ask for revolution could join into one parent organisation, called, say, “The Christian Economic Association,’’ instead of being, as at present, like sheep without a shepherd.—l am, etc., EQUITY. Tirau, April IS, 1933.