CHURCH BROADCASTS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 65, 20 September 1940, Page 24

CHURCH BROADCASTS

Sir-Allow me to endorse all that "Roland" has written in reply to "Oliver's" letter upon the above subject. Some of the services may not appeal to some people, but no one has the

right to attempt to prevent others from listening if they choose to do so. We have a choice of at least six other stations, some of them twice in the day. May I remind "Oliver" that the present upheaval in the world is the result of our foolish refusal to accept God’s bountiful offer to us. His promises are peace and goodwill, but our refusal means tribulations. The Scriptures enjoin us to observe the signs of the times, and we dare not ignore them. These signs should tell us, if we have wisdom and understanding, of our urgent need for getting back to the Creator. History tells us of the destruction of peoples and nations who have turned away from God. We have too much rubbish over the air on week days without the desecration of Sundays, the one day we are commanded to keep holy. "Oliver" wants talks on interesting matters. Nothing could be more interesting or inspiring than most of the sermons delivered from the pulpits to-day, expounding the purposes of the Almighty and the teaching of Christ. Nothing has more importance than these, as they contain all the plans of a fuller life, spiritual, social, and economic. Our need to-day is for a closer walk with God, and the sooner we accept His offer the sooner we will see the end of this war between God and Satan.

THOMAS

(St. Martins).

Sir, — "Roland" of St. Helens has echoed my very sentiments while I hesitated to write them down. I heartily applaud him, as I am sure many hundreds of people in New Zealand do. "Oliver" is just selfish in regard to the church services. Surely he does not grudge us two short hours for religion once a week? Those of us who reside in isolated country districts, where it is practically impossible to attend our churches, heartily appreciate these opportunities to take part spiritually in our own religious services, made possible only by the radio. There are stations, however, which cater for the needs and interests of "Oliver." I sincerely hope that there are not too many "Olivers" in New Zealand to-day, when there is so much need for religion and prayer.

A YOUNGER ROLAND

(East

Coast_

Sir-I am afraid that "Roland I," does not show "sense, grace and humility" in his letter, but a "what I have I hold" attitude. The founder of Christianity told him to "give, not expecting again," but he does not seem to be a very giving, or forgiving type. I contended that not all church services are suitable for broadcasting, and I asked for a share-and-share-alike policy, for another type of service. Church services have at present on Sundays some 15 hours from the YA stations alone, and I would be quite content to have six, or even three of these hours as a beginning. Instead of so much theology, I would substitute some biology, geology, and archeology as a pleasant change, Then there are many other interesting subjects to be discussed, and if corres-

pondence was encouraged with the lecturer, wonderful interest would be aroused. This would fill a want for the people who do not wish to listen to church services. A New Zealand bishop said the other day that only three per cent. of the population attended church, so I do not see why they should want so much time over the air. Perhaps a curtailment of the broadcasts would prove a blessing to them, and send the people in their crowds to the church again. "Roland II." I recommend to be accurate. He says, I "advocate the deletion of church services from most of the Sunday programmes," but this is directly contrary to the facts. I distinctly said in my letter: "I do not advocate that they should he nut of the

air."

OLIVER

U (Te Awamutu)

(With this reply by "Oliver," this correspondence is now closed.-Ed.).