AN ENLIGHTENED LAITY

New Zealand Tablet, 16 August 1917, Page 36

AN ENLIGHTENED LAITY

There are many grave and vexing problems ' confronting society to-day (states the Boston Pilot). They embrace every field of thought and action. systems, and movements almost without number are thrust under the notice of men., " We are living in times when secular thought has broken, from its moorings and drifted afar, even to the province of theology. Writers, commendable in their own sphere, puffed up by popular applause, have presumed to speak with authority on matters of faith. Headers enthused by former and legitimate works of such authors peruse these later scintillations and imbibe novel doctrines that are destitute of truth and subversive of faith and morals. Agitators are at their discreditable work of breaking down , traditions held sacred for centuries, intent only on ministering to popular whims and fancies. Ideas contrary to revealed religion and the commandments of God are thus rendered widely prevalent. In act there is a distinct purpose of perverting the souls of men and women to the bane of society. One need but scan the publications of the day to note the influences steadily busy attacking the basic doctrines of our faith and fomenting rebellion against the time-honored institutions of family life. Hence to-day, there is especial need of vigilance on the part of Catholics. The world realises well that the Church, and the Church alone stands like a wall

of adamant against the inroads of irreligion and detestable social experiments. It knows that in modern i. e she stands forth as the foe of error and the champion of truth and justice. So every agency is emp oyed to nullify her efforts and bring men under the spell of false teaching. Our Catholl c . societies well understand the trend of thought -and action that is striving for ascendancy. Federation has put forth splendid efforts to enlighten the public on the truths of Christianity and expose the ,lse doctrine of irreligious bodies. These efforts have been successful to an- eminent degree. But still there remains a personal duty on the part of Catholics to inform themselves on the doctrines and principles of their faith. It is a serious and responsible task and its fulfilment is a sacred duty for every Catholic. J The salvation of souls lays an obligation on the conscience of every individual Catholic, not only to know his faith, but to be able to dissipate .error and spread the gospel of truth among those who sit in darkness. Example will do much, but an intelligent understanding of the teachings of our religion will not only beget a more sterling faith and lead us to love the Church of Christ more ardently, but it will make us lights in a world that seeks truth and is often disappointed at failing to find it.