Article May 17, 1924 Issue

Signs of the Times

with contributions from Rufus M. Jones

[From the Christian Herald, New York, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1924]

There is a general feeling that the church failed as a Christian force to prevent war in the great world struggle. But the fact was that she had no opportunity. Sadly enough, human nature grows so wild at the first whisper of war, that it will listen to no counsel, and heed no protest. And when the spark is once lighted, it spreads like a prairie fire. But diplomats are now finding out that it is a far more difficult task to end a conflagration than to start one—to make peace than to declare war. We do not need Lord Birkenhead, or Lloyd George, or Count Apponyi, or Friedrich Nansen to tell us that Europe is a more fiery crater to-day than it was in 1914. Fighting makes hate burn more fiercely. Now, however, comes the church's opportunity. ... She can contribute powerfully to the establishment of peace. Much as the nations may hate each other, they have learned the futility of war. And they are now in a mood to hearken to the church. The present is therefore not alone the church's opportunity, but her test. Will she lay aside national prejudices and political hates, and in the true spirit of Christ, exert all her influence in favor of peace? Will she insist on the Christian maxims of forgiveness, reconciliation, and good-will? This is her hour ... to prove her Christlike agency in healing the wounds of the nations. May the church in this new danger, so ardently, lovingly, and authoritatively insist upon the spirit of Christ prevailing in national councils, that she may prove her power to make peace!

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