Pacifist Attitude By Bible Class

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 4, 5 January 1940, Page 10

Pacifist Attitude By Bible Class

CHURCHMAN' S CRITICISM In a letter to tlio press, the Rev. E. O. Blamircs, of Wellington, writes as follows: — The pacifist attitude of the Methodist Young Men’s Bible Class Movement recently expressed at its annual convention leads me, an ex-president of one of its district unions, to make one or two comments. I do so with the knowledge that many Bible Class members, past and present who are in camp, will shortly be leaving with the Expeditionary Force, and will not be likely to express their views in any way other than by the practical method shown by their enlistment. 'Before they leave it would be well fer them to be informed that their own church and sister churches do not subscribe to the extreme views expressed in pacifist resolutions. Persistent attempts made to gain the sup. port of the ruling courts of the churches for a pacifist Attitude have not proved convincing, and the members of the Expeditionary Force can be assured of the admiration and appreciation of the Church as a whole. This is putting the case mildly. The whole struggle for international righteousness is so clearly defined in this instance that the response to the present call of the Empire is rightly interpreted in the view of the great majority cl Christian thinkers as response to the call of duty, and therefore is of God. The unequivocal opposition to enlistment even for non-combatant service under military control shown by the Bible Class convention can be understood as expressed in all sincerity, but the claim that such opposition manifests the spirit and teaching of Jesus Christ is quite out of harmony with the views of the leaders of the churches, and the assumptions made savour of hasty interpretation and misunderstanding of the mind of Christ. Sincerity may be admitted gladly, but not sound judgment. The King’s broadcast message on Christmas Day: “I believe from my heart that the cause which binds my people, and our gallant and faithful Allies, is the cause of Christian civilisation. On no other basis can true civilisation be built,” will be more widely,-Echoed in the heart of young Christian manhood than any resolution to refuse service in such a cause.