WHY ARE CHURCHES EMPTY?
Sir,-Ethel Dackers asks, "Are not Christians required by Christ to be separate from the things of the world, and to work to strengthen their minds in a spiritual direction and to make others
do likewise?" To the first part of her question I would say no, definitely no. I cannot think of any facet of Christianity which requires us to live a life apart from our fellow men. Christ devoted the biggest portion of His teaching to "love thy neighbour," and by "neighbour" He didn’t mean only the man next door, but all those thousands employed in politics, social work, and in evety walk of life, whom Ethel Dackers exhorts us to shun. Did He not mingle with the people, feeding, healing, comforting, employed in what today we call "social work"? Did He not earn the ridicule and hatred of the Pharisees for mixing with publicans and sinners? His whole life on earth was, and is, a glorious record of love, and supreme self-sacrifice by the greatest social worker the world has ever known. I agree with Ethel Dackers that we must strengthen our minds spiritually, but what use is that if, having spiritual strength, we are not inspired to lead helpful, productive lives along with those of our fellow men? If the churches are empty, and I do not think they are, it is because our Christian leaders are so involved with the theoretical side of living that they have overlooked the practical issues. But I do not think that this is so. More today than ever before, our leaders realise the importance of knowing and living among their people. Where the minister is chairman of the school committee, president of the competitions society, convener of the local parish dance, or on the board of a home for unmarried mothers, and is willing to contribute to any discussion, be it in arts, religion or politics, his is a Christ-like example, and his church will be full.
PAMELA W.
BLUCK
(Cambridge)
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 788, 27 August 1954, Page 5
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335WHY ARE CHURCHES EMPTY? New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 788, 27 August 1954, Page 5
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