Article April 11, 1964 Issue

Signs of the Times

David Lawrence

U. S. News & World Report

David Lawrence, Editor in a copyrighted editorial U. S. News & World Report Washington, District of Columbia

[Love] presents not only the alternative to hate but points the way through which bitterness can be removed from human hearts. ... Its meaning is set forth in the Sermon on the Mount as follows: "Ye have heard that it hath been said. Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite fully use you, and persecute you."

This passage ... doesn't mean that one must abandon a justifiable viewpoint and adopt that of an adversary. It does suggest that reason must be substituted for anger. How can we begin to come to an understanding with those who are lined up on the other side of a controversy? Certainly not by calling names or be attributing reprehensible motives to people holding opposite views. For this can only widen the cleavage. It does no good to accuse anyone of immaturity or senility just because he does not agree with your philosophy.

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