Article December 1, 1906 Issue

RELIGIOUS TOLERATION

Lafayette (Ind.) Morning Journal

The Journal is always pleased to receive communications from its readers. It is the wish to publish all that are received, but at times there are reasons why some particular one cannot be used. The average contributor to a newspaper makes the mistake of writing too much. He or she fails to consider that there are other demands being made on the paper's space. Many papers limit all communications to three hundred words, which are sufficient for an expression on ordinary topics. When, however, a question calls for argument three hundred words will not do justice to the writer. But the length of contributions is not always the reason for their non-appearance. Frequently the tone of an article submitted is such that it would only create ill-feeling and start a useless debate. The Journal has at hand a communication which illustrates the point in question. A preacher of the gospel, who is credited with doing a great work for the good of humanity, attempts to reply to the recent lecture on Christian Science delivered in this city by Judge Buskirk. The Journal reported Mr. Buskirk's lecture by way of news, as it has reported many sermons delivered in the city. What Judge Buskirk believes and what those of his Church believe is no concern of the Journal. The Constitution gives him and them the right to worship God as they see fit, and history shows that you can't beat religious convictions out of people. Consequently when our zealous and earnest evangelistic friend makes an attack on Christian Scientists, calling their religion an invention of the devil and consigning them to an old-fashioned hell, he would deny them a right which he claims for himself. Such a communication would start a hopeless religious discussion and do absolutely no good. The world has wasted altogether too much time in religious discussions. A fair-minded discussion of Christian Science might not be beyond the province of the newspaper, but an attack on the Church is on a par with an assault on any other creed or denomination. So far as we know there isn't a Christian Scientist about the Journal office, and we confess great ignorance concerning the aim of the creed; but those who have espoused the cause belong to the nation, just as do the converts of our esteemed evangelist, and we would not deny either the right of worship and belief. Let us have more toleration, and whatever judgment may be necessary, let it be left to an all-wise Providence.

Lafayette (Ind.) Morning Journal.

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