Article August 31, 1918 Issue

From the Press

with contributions from William T. Ellis

[William T. Ellis in The Illustrated Buffalo (N. Y.) Express]

Here in France among the soldiers a new and elemental conception of religion has developed. It has little creed, and certainly no sectarianism; ecclesiastics back home might be startled into something like awakeness could they but realize how little the things that bulk so large in their life mean to the soldier. These soldiers care nothing for the differences that divide Episcopalians and Methodists and Presbyterians and Baptists. They are interested in God, and whether or not He answers prayers, and the relation between Him and the great considerations of righteousness for which the Allies stand. As for the shop talk of the churches, over here they confess that they never were in the habit of paying any attention to that.

Three words characterize the religion of the American soldier—simplicity, brotherhood, and service. Faith is stripped to the buff in the trenches. Nobody cares for any elaborate expression of belief. These men believe they are doing their bit for God when they help break the grip of the Hun uponthe the earth. They are convinced that the essential righteousness of our cause makes it God's cause. If we have much at stake in this war, God has more. Therefore they are serving Him when they go ahead in uncomplaining loyalty to do their part in winning the war. Fidelity to the task is the first expression of worship.

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