THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO With which is incorporated "The Kaipara Advertiser & Waitemata Chronicle." HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, Jan. 13, 1916 SHOULD CHRISTIANS FIGHT ?

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 13 January 1916, Page 2

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO With which is incorporated "The Kaipara Advertiser & Waitemata Chronicle." HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, Jan. 13, 1916 SHOULD CHRISTIANS FIGHT ?

YES—LIKE HELL !

IN a moment of journalistic indulgence, our Editor last week passed all censorship on publishing a grossly misleading article on "Should Christians Fight?" by Geo. Johnson of Parkhurst. It was an infliction upon - our readers, full of Biblical quotations and absurd assertions, intended to show that it was a great, great sin for Christians to fight; that they r-hould lay down like lambs and be slaughtered by Huns, Turks, and other beasts of the earth, as it were. And we, desiring to be at peace with all men — commencing the New Year —published the article in question; an anti-war article, more or less, and one which might easily lead to a prosecution involving both writer and publisher in a hundred pounds fine.

As a point in fact, take the case of John Murrell, a Bible agent, who was prosecuted at Wellington a few days ago, for a breach of the war regulations by publishing a pamphlet entitled " Christianity and the War," likely to interfere with iecruiting. The facts were admitted by defendant, who stated in evidence that he was formerly manager of the Huddard Parker Company. It was contended for the defence that the pamphlet was handed only to those interested in religious discussion. It was not possible for recruits to get it. He had no desire to interfere with recruiting. The magistrate, Mr D. S. A Cooper, said that in view of the special circumstances of Murrell's case he would impose a light fine of £5. Future offences of the kind would be sevely dealt with.

» We say advisedly that if the article as published by us last week, of which Mr Johnson is the author, were taken seriously by our young men, tbey would not recruit for the war, but stay at home like silly chickens so as to allow our enemies to invade the possessions of England's great empire; murder, ravish, and rob; devastate, burn, and curse! A lovely prospect for a Christian to stay at home. But it is only a religious fanatic who would preach such stupid doctrine and wailings as would lead to create slackers, invasion and rapine. Christians MUST fight for "freedom, home and glory," as they ever have done since the year one. The Bible and the front conquered all savage nations, including New Zealand, and will continue to prevail.— Ake, ake, ake!

Just imagine Mr Johnson trying to show through his interpretation of Bible passages, why Christians should not fight, even in the face of 1000 clergymen petitioning the Bishop of London to let them enlist for the war! But enough ; all religious controveisy is censored in these columns from henceforth.