Article March 27, 1943 Issue

Signs of the Times

Courageous Living

with contributions from Manson Doyle, Benjamin L. DuVal, Frederick M. Morris, H. L. Gee

Manson Doyle United Church Observer Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Have you ever noticed that in Paul's description of the armor of God there is nothing mentioned for the back? He speaks of the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, the girdle of truth, feet shod with the gospel of peace, and the sword of the Spirit. There are all these with which a Christian warrior may advance, but not one piece of armor to protect a Christian on the retreat.

Does not this very fact suggest that many of us as Christians have been caught in this retreat? We have advanced in scientific enlightenment, in educational techniques, in material comforts, and in opportunities for amusement. In religion, however, we have said that our father's religion was good enough for him and it is good enough for us. We have forgotten that our fathers worked for their faith. They walked or rode behind old dobbin many miles on a Sunday morning that they might worship God in His holy temple. They gave out of their meager resources that our modern churches and religious institutions might be built. They brought their lives under strict moral and spiritual discipline. Yes, we have forgotten just that, and the fact remains that any religious faith that is not passionately followed becomes a dead and lifeless thing.

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