Article June 27, 1903 Issue

Religious Items

with contributions from I. M. A, Ralph Waldo Emerson, J. C. Shairp, William R. Harper, Brooke Herford, F. W. Robertson

Rev. Francis L. Strictland says in The Christian Advocate: "But the most encouraging signs to-day—and there are many of them—are those which point to the oneness in sympathy, purpose, and aims among all Christ's followers; to a unity in effort toward that great end to which the Church is instrumental. Far more important than organic unity is this community of spiritual life. This must be realized first, for it is the only basis for organic unity that means anything. And it is being realized. The theological terms that were once party watchwords are becoming obsolete. Many dogmatic differences are fading. There is great freedom in passing from one Christian body to another, even among the ministers. Foreign missions and city evangelization have shown the imperative necessity of Christ's disciples working shoulder to shoulder in the great battle against sin and darkness. The days of dogmatism and of narrow sectarian spirit are passing away, thank God. Out of the smoke of theological controversy has come insight and larger charity. The present century is to witness splendid triumphs for the cross of Christ. And one of these will be a diminution of the number of denominations, due to the great strengthening of those mystic ties of love and loyalty to the common Master which blind together all who are his true disciples."

Newell Dwight Dwight Hillis, D.D., says in The Homiletic Review: "It is perhaps more important than ever before for Christian people to study the teachings of Jesus Christ, to practise simplicity, and to learn how to live on the higher levels. Christ offers to free us from needless anxiety and to teach us rest and victory. If religion is the eternal life, manifest in terms of time, under the eye and presence of God, then worry is a sin. Sickness that comes from fret is also a crime against God and His Son. Happiness and the sense of victory are duties. I know not how others feel, but for myself I believe there is a vast unexplored remainder here,—ore undug, veins uncovered, springs of water that are hidden, energies that we have not touched. And so long as the Churches and ministers and people in the pews ignore these teachings of Christ, that long will the Church and world suffer a great loss. God eares for you, therefore take no anxious thought. Oh, what a realm of happiness is hidden here! Because we ignored it, the 'Scientists' took it up and taught it." ...

More and more the emphasis has been shifted from being good to doing good. Because good conduct is the only satisfactory evidence of a good inner purpose and spirit, it has been concluded that "deeds not creeds," acts not professions, are the primary things in religion. How much of this proceeded from the Church, and how much by reaction from the world on the Church, it would be difficult to make out. But the tendency has been continuous and strong in the whole of the present generation, to accept a man's outward acts as the test and, indeed, the full equivalent, for his religion. If he prays, but does not do, his religion is vain.

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