Article July 3, 1915 Issue

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with contributions from Harry Lutz, R. J. Campbell

[Rev. Harry Lutz in The Christian Register]

The main object of the movement or tendency of progressive liberalism toward the universal religion of humanity is the improvement of man's moral, mental, and physical condition here in this present world,—in a word, the enlightenment and elevation of mankind. This rationalistic, human religion does not ignore a life hereafter,—some future world for man,—but it affirms that man's chief and all-controlling duty is here and now in this present world. If we take proper care of this life now, we shall be abundantly able to take care of the next one when we get to it.

It takes very decided exceptions to the popular Christian theology as drawing people's thought and interest too much away to the life hereafter, so that duties here are liable to be neglected in the midst of their dreamings and visions of future bliss. The new way of thinking would say, Let the vision of the future remain a vision, a hope, a faith, if you can, but let it not entice moral interest and energy away from the pressing responsibilities and stern realities of the present time. Here on earth, and in this most real present, lie our duty, our tasks, our life business. It rests with us to bring that hoped for felicity into this present life by discharging our duties to our fellow men and to ourselves, and by a faithful obedience to our own highest ideals of duty. Ruskin said, "That is the true mother church where every man takes the hand of every other man helpfully." This is the aim of the new tendency in religion: to remove as far as possible the burdens that oppress men, to enlighten ignorance, lessen misery, assuage suffering, prevent sin, and uplift human life.

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