MODERN EVANGELISM

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19903, 4 June 1936, Page 12

MODERN EVANGELISM

| CONVERTING THE WORLD. 1. TEACHING OF' CHILDREN. A stimulating paper titled “Modern Evangelism: The Man," delivered by Mr L. A. D, VVl'liiamson, of Auckland, provoked considerable discussion at the Dominion Conference of the Church of England Men‘s Society _yesterday at Cambridge. ; The speaker referred to the three—‘foid attack on Christianity by the in— Atelieotuais, the pagans and the ftotalitarian State. The intellectuals, tor materialists, attempted to use the idiscoveries of modern science to dis—pel the truths of Christianity. Those who were frankly pagan were more dangerous andhostiie to Christianity. it could be ignored as unimportant. The modern pagan, by ignoring Christianity, was its most insidious enemy lo~day. some denied the validity of Christian morality and de‘ ispised the Christian Virtues.

i The totalitarian State sought to dominate the whole uf life. Mr Wil—liamson referred to the training of children in iluly and Russia, where only the State mattered. This exagserated nationalism, or statism, was invompalible with the works of Christ. It was an echo of the old cry, |“\\'c- have no king but Caesar.“

"There is a. thirst for religion to—day," said the speaker. All the vague religions to—day. which have sprung up, testify to the fact, that, men require religion. The different “isms" arose through lack of definite teaching, but their existence proved that there was a desire for Christi—anity.

Mr Williamson asserted that education in New Zealand was the most grossly materialistic in the world. It was without any object. If lt even had the object of the teachings in the totalitarian State it would be better than it is to-day.

‘ Mr Wllliamson was warmly applauded at the conclusion of his address. Several members discussed points raised by the speaker. and it was the opinion of nearly all the speakers that there was greater need for traiantug the children. One speaker stated that the adage that the “child was father to the man” should be borne in mind and that the child must he taught something definite lf Christianity we; to survive.