SCIENCE & RELIGION

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1929, Page 7

SCIENCE & RELIGION

DANGERS OF EXCLUSION

TH E AIXR BIS HOP’S WARNTNJ

( 11 1 1 fS I'OH 1 1 RC ! H, Novemher 4. fllie danger of science being given such a huge place in the world as to exclude religion was referred to in his sermon at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Phillipstown, yesterday morning, by Archbishop Julius. “It is impossible to look down the long vista of years without a feeling of astonishment and almost incredulity at the wonderful advances of science and tlioir results upon, the lives and habits of the people,” said the Archbishop. “I remember the first telegraph and the first cable, both established in comparatively recent times. Through the course of the years we have seen great progress in communication and in transport, rile time is not so far behind when, in England, a grey-headed stationmaster used to doff bis lia.t to the first-class passengers, bow familiarly to the second-class travellers, and turn his back on those travelling third-class. Now we have wireless and nil 1 transport, and all these things have come about within the lifetime of one man. The world is trying to do everything with the utnrrst rapidity ; is striving towards less work and increased leisure. What is to be the result? I am not competent to sav, and I know of no one who is. And yet we are told that the changes of tlii?, last few years will not compare with what will take place in the next 40 or 50 year’s. Great latent forces will be tapped which will make a tremendous difference to the world. We are told that the world will be a vast Utopia. It is noticeable, however, that there is one thing

that has liot changed, and that „is human nature. Mankind is being armed with all the wonders of science and the question is: ‘Are we going heavenward, or the other way?’ . .1 really' believe that all this search for rapidity means perdition for the human race. These Utopias put God quite out of the question. Scientists can operate on the great forces of the earth, but they cannot alter character.

“Mind you,” said the Archbishop, “I am not expecting any great religious revolution. While all this is going on you people are demonstrating that religion is an essential thing by the completion of your chancel, for you would not have bothered about it if character was not going to be needed in the years to come. The influence of religion is now more essential than ever. People lire tickle. They want pence to=dhy and war to-morrow, Ate we going to allow- the chemists to play their pranks with us and wipe off the whole population? God forbid! For the solution of all our difficulties we must turn to Him.”