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New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 541, 4 November 1949, Page 5

Sir.-Mr. Murray’s letter in your issue of September 16 moves me to point out that inevitability has not been shown to apply to everything. In particular it has not been shown to apply to social and political affairs, Nor has it been shown that individuals have no effect upon vast political events, At least in New Zealand no politician may disregard the opinions of the people,

Most of us would assert, on the basis of our experience, that we are able to make up our minds with some degree of freedom. We will act according to our opinions in political affairs. Im short, the arguments allowing some freedom to the actions of persons seem more convincing than those for complete inevitability, We can exert some influence on affairs, Each one of us therefore, it seems to me, should see that such influence as he has thrusts towards the increase of human happiness. Opinions and actions in support of conscription are basically in support of antagonism. Antagonism tends almost overwhelmingly to produce counter-antagonism. The cumulative effect has been the devastating wars we have seen. The alternative is to be prepared to accept, if necessary, a temporary reduction in our standard of living so that a fairer distribution of the products of the world can be achieved. From «this, steps may be taken towards the aim that all people in the world should live together. Only if we individuals are so prepared will our leaders be able to take co-operative steps. Only if these steps are taken can further destruction of human happiness be avoided. Mr. Murray adverts to some passagés in the New Testament. As to Luke XI, may I mention that love does not prevent orfe from pointing out, in the most forceful terms short of intimidation or physical violence, that people are doing the wrong thing. Christ’s attitude and actions in regard to the Scribes and Pharisees and to the temple moneychangers was, I think, on all the evidence, no more than that. A reading further in Luke XXII, together perhaps with a reference to the Veake and Gore commentaries on the verses dealing with buying a sword, would show that Christ’s essential message on this issue is a pacifist one. The question is, of course, a vast one, and I lament the lack of opportunity for its fuller treatment.

E. B.

ROBINSON

(Wellineton

(This correspondence is now closed.-Ed.)