The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-29
is S[AV'S RELIGION WORSE
THAN JAPAN'S PAGANISM I?
Minister Propounds Timely Query
IN Course of Sermon on Far
East War.
CARS DOMAIN OBSOLETE

In the outcome OF the present war be-
tween Russia and Japan, according to the
statements Of the Rev. +. +. Newbert, Of
All Souls Unitarian Church religion will
play very important part. He said in his
morning sermon yesterday that although
Japan was pagan nation and Russia was
Christian, the Christian religion Of the Rus
SLAMS is obsolete.
This world is small. humanity is one.
and our interest deepens in all things hui
man." he said. 1--WE are eager to get news
from the far East. At first sight it may
seem that the war between Russia and
Japan IS a clash Of races or a conflict Of
civilization or a death struggle of religions.
Indeed, not a little is said to the effect
that Russia is a Christian nation while
Japan is pagan. In formal and outward
sense Russia is Christian. But nowhere
Is there a more conspicuous divorce of re-
ligion and life, Christianity and morals.
than in the empire of the Gar The Greek
Church is dominant in Russia. 1t repre-
sents a type Of thought and belief which
has had little change since the fifth and
sixth centuries. Nor has it had the bene-
fit OF a reformation such as overlook the
Roman Church
1.-The Greek Church embodes the most
obsolete form OF the Christian faith. A
writer has said in substance that every
Russian village has its church and con-
vent, every public event is celebrated by
the building of a church, every home has
it's altar and sacred pictures every child
has its guardian angel and baptisnal cross.
"a Russian fasts every Wednesday and
Friday. prays early and late. regularly at
tends mass, confesses his sins, pays de-
vout respect to sacred places and things,
makes pilgrimages to the tombs of saints,
and has the phrase. Glory to God con-
tinually on his lips.
"Yet the Russian is not Christian, for
he passes over mercy and justice and love.
What great and good thing comes out of
Russia? Do we go to the Russian Slav
for types OF life. for the art of living. for
models of government. TO- ethical think
ing or for political and social righteous
ness? On the other hand we do know of
Russia's awful prison system; we know her
brutal aggression; we know her iron des-
potism; we know wretched Siberia and the
thousands OF political exiles, and We re-
member the persecution of the Jews.
Japan pagan? Yes But hers is a pa
ganisrn that rewards investigation. Modern
Japan dates from the restoration in 1858.
Since then she has advanced in every di-
rection- She is rapidly Incorporating the
spirit OF Western civilization.
Her attitude toward Christianity Is kind
ly and tolerant. The faith of the mass of
the people Is Shinto and Buddhist but the
upper and ruling classes are mainly ag-
nostic. Religion and the state are entirely
| separate, and the laws protect every indi-
vidual In his faith.
1.-The attitude OF the japanese In the war
IS worthy OF note. Russia has much to say
about the Christians God. who is implored
TO give victory 10 the Russian arms High
Russian officials have confessed and tasted
and prayed and the Ikon. Russia's sacred
picture OF the Virgin. has been displayed
Japan said something about the Justice
OF heaven then sent out her well-equipped
! feet. But Russia's religious zeal cannot
fool heaven. nor will IL mislead the powers
of earth. To take the word of one long
familiar with Japan, the best religious,
philosophical. ethical and social literature
OK Europe and America is freely current
to-day among the japanese.
1.-THE splendid Imperial Red Cross So
ciety has been adapted from Europe, hui
name and charitable societies of various
kinds, methods of general hygiene and san
itation, guardianship against epidemic dis
eases. activity in prison reforms, aid 10
sufferers from floods and fires and earth
uuakes-al these and more are signs OF
the spiritual and humanitarian awakening
IN the new Japan.
in all things necessary TO civilization in
eastern Asia Japan is we'll fitted to take
the lead In Manchurfa and Korea"