CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 50, 23 November 1926, Page 15

CHURCH AND THE COMMUNITY

Sir, —The interesting report of the interview with Mr. Van Eyk raises the old problem of racial decadence. The evangelist deals with several interesting points, and from the practical point of view he is right. Sectarianism is the root of the failure of the churches to grip hold of the masses. It was the trouble in the early days, when one was of Pantus, one Petrus, one Appollus, etc. For theological differences the clergy and ministers are losing the more precious things. They are losing the souls of men. As to the moral effect of pictures, dancing, etc., it is the same old story as of old, only in our young days it was the penny blood and thunder of the "Deadwood Dick" type. The moving picture industry is suffering from Americanism, and until we get sound, educational and artistic films by British firms, or until the public taste is educated up to a finer standard, these films will remain. Films are like governments, the public get what they desire and deserve. The dancing question is also raised by Mr. Van Eyk, but here he is on dangerous ground. Study the Old Testament Scriptures, and we find that , music and dancing form part of the religious exercises of the people. The trouble is that owing to Puritanism, music, dancing, art, and the drama were depleted from tho uses and observances of the church, hence the deterioration of dancing into Charleston, bunny hugs, and other grotesque movements, also imported from America. Art, drama, literature, music, and dancing will remain, and it is the church s mission to see that these arts arc kept upon a high standard. . , I agree with Mr Van Eyk with refer, ence to these anti movemnts and any society that starts off with “thou shaft not?’ attacks the liberties and freedom of the subject. , Coming right down to bedrock foundations the root of the business w \n th® fact of the grant upheaval of 1914-1913. together with the greater freedom of the vounger generation. The basis or the State is an educational one, and the system of education should be based on a high moral standard, and to attain to this end children should be given religious education based on a wise reading of Holy Writ and then to have instilled into'their minds the meaning of duty. If the foundation is right all will be well, and one can then look forward to a country of prosperity brought about by hard work and fine characters. It is therefore up to the schoolmasters and tne religious teachers to co-operate one with the other to attain this end. and it is necessary that the different bodies should harmonise and work for the common good. . , .. Tzct each church have its distinct, ritual. etc., but let them al) work together for the benefit of the community at large.—l am, etc., AN ONLOOKERWanganui, November 19.