OLD TRADITIONS OR

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19564, 1 May 1935, Page 9

OLD TRADITIONS OR

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Dean Inge, frequently spoken of as “the dismal Dean,” seems to fill in a lot of his time since he retired from Ihe Church by writing articles for the press and lecturing to university students. I-11-s theme is invariably “Britain’s Traditions". and the need to bear them in memory if we are to evade toeing influenced by the many phases of revolutionary thought, which is so rampant to-day in connection with economic, social and Church affairs. The Bishop of London and many other sincere leaders in the Church of England have been (stressing tho Obvious fact that 'the Church must realise more and more—-and act upon such recognition—that' the ethical teachings of Christ must be applied to our economic, and social life if the Church itself is to be'saved from becoming less and less a vital living force in the land. Boat Dean Inge will have none ,of that. To him Christianity is something quite apart from economic and social problems. He seems to be obsessed with the notion that unless we value fully “oid traditions” the world is going to the devil rapidly. My dictionary defines “tradition” as "the handing down of opinions or practices to posterity unwritten," In a most interesting book, “Fifty Years,", which is a compilation of 27 contributors to The Times, giving a composite picture of the period 18821932, the Earl of Middleton,-K.P., -contributes the first article under the caption “Politics and Statesmen." It is a charming article, giving vivid word pictures of individuals whose names are so well known, and recording interesting incidents in the lives of these well-known personalities. Lord Middleton starts his article as follows: "In all ages be who poses as laudator temporis act! (praising past -times) is ineffective. The freedom of this generation from old trammels is welcomed not as a victory in a long-time struggle but as the natural birth of a new era.” That is a much more interesting statement •than any that I have read from the pen of Dean Inge. Again: “The early Victorian age was golden only in the sense that commercial men were making fortunes at a great pace, and the country was ripe for casting off -old traditions. . . . These breaches with tradition carried away a number of obsolete forms." Obviously 'the Earl of Middleton is not so concerned about reverence for traditions as is Dean Inge, and Ills Lordship realises fully that a new era has dawned.

There may be faclme In the history of the last century that are worthy of our admiration, but there are also many that deserve condemnation; therefore there is little benefit in anyone continually lecturing upon the glories of our old traditions; and that is what 'Dean luge is ever doing. I have recently read several of his articles in an English paper, and one Is driven to the conclusion that he dislikes intensely the great change that is imminent. The words, “He that Is not with us is against us," apply particularly to Dean Inge in tills connection; therefore the words of Carlyle: "Brother, I think we shall get little benefit from thee” seem to be particularly applicable to him. Fortunately there are not so many who write and speak as Dean Inge docs. In these days of the dawning of a new era lie is an anachronism; therefore anything that lie says or writes may well be considered as of little value in connection with economic and social conditions. Personally whenever I read anything Dean Inge may have written 1 am reminded of the words of Professor Soddy in connection with the old political economists: "Read what they have lo say, and then’ decide that Hie exact contrary is the wise course lo pursue.” Old traditions may lie quite interesting to read about at times, but arc of little value in helping forward Hie new era that is in the offing. “Social jusliec" will not be advanced by those who are for ever harping upon Ihc need to boar in mind old traditions.

The Bisliop of London, the Archbishop of York, and many oilier leaders in' the Church Unit Dean luge was so long associated with do not waste their time talking about old traditions, but. say in effect: “In Hie inline of the Christ whom we .profess to follow it is imperative that we do our ulrnost to assist in initiating social conditions Dial are more in accord witii Die teachings of Christ.” Thai is surely Ihc duty of all the Christian Churches.—l am, etc.,

JOHN SYKES Hamilton, April 30, 1935.