Sir,-Your contributor "Nabal" says that the average New Zealander has found a_ satisfactory substitute for Christianity "in a firm belief in ourselves as,men and women capable of much or little . . ... and capable in the light of increasing scientific knowledge of evolv, ing a social system which will make life more enjoyable,"’*etc. He has given the average New Zealander credit for too much intelligence. The common fact is that the great majority are indifferent to Christianity and science alike and are rapidly becoming our "bread and circus" group. It can hardly be claimed that these are capable of evolving a satisfactory social system or that they are exhibiting any desire for greater education in the realm of science. ‘Nabal," in elevating the advantages of scientific knowledge, has overlooked the problem as to whether, the scientists have yet been able to define their "progressive steps" and whether science itself (especially since Hiroshima and Bikini) is a blessing or a curse. "Nabal" is getting perilously close to the class of scientific intelligentsia, who, in ignoring moral teaching, whether of Plato, Epictetus, Seneca, Christ, or others, are getting themselves into a sea‘of confused modern thinking which they will not get out of until they have studied and appreciated the value of precepts and morals for »
man’s conduct set down by the prophets and philosophers of recorded history, and realised the definite part x. have in human progress.
R. B.
BOYCE
(Cambridge.)
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 16, Issue 412, 16 May 1947, Page 5
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237Untitled New Zealand Listener, Volume 16, Issue 412, 16 May 1947, Page 5
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