New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-31
THE TROUBLE WITH RELIGION
How v. v. Views the Churches Of
To-day.

To-day.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: From the constancy with which
the question is heard. What is the mat.
ter with the churches?' We can well
imagine many a church member resort
ing 10 a popular appeal ITO have q
heart"
The regrettable part Of tho situation
is that an appreciable portion of such
members honestly and sincerely believe
themselves TO be living up to the highest
truths Of their respective religions. They
try TO apply the truths to their personal
lives. The church organizations con-
tribute largely TO charity. So what fur
Their is to be expected? In the enlighten-
ment OF such members the writer would
be glad to be of service.
In getting at the seat OF the trouble.
the true significance OF religion at the
present moment must be realized. I'M
less we very much mistake the spirit
Of the times, religion now demands. be-
sides an adherence to tho code OF moral
laws, as set forth in the Bible. a para
mount emphasis upon tho spirit Of human
brotherhood.
We Immediately hear tho protest that
the Church in its present form IL the
very exemplihcation OF this spirit; wit
ness its extensive charities and benevo-
lences. To which II must be replied that
such activities are aimed at the effect
! rather than at the cause OF evil condi-
tons, and as far as lasting betterInent
| Of humanity Is concerned must be re-
garded as worthless.
An illustration in point: In a certain
church in a certain town, not long ago,
an after-service meeting was held TO
protest against the granting or liquor
license to an aged woman proprietor OF
"one- horse grocery shop. The object
was accomplished. But there remained
undisturbed five retail or wholesale gro
Gerry establishments. run on large scale
| and supplying alcoholic beverages 70 the
public in unlimited measure.
Another illustration: The overwhelming
majority OF tuberculosis cases In our
cities is found among the poorer classes
/ The prevalence OF the disease In these
/ classes is attributed. without exception.
/ TO unhealthy crowding and insufficient
| nourishment. But the real responsible
/ ity for the condition must be laid 10
an nequitable social system, with It's con-
sequent mass OF poverty. In face OF these
incontrovertible facts the Church feels
that II is fulfilling its duty In contrioul-
| ing, through it's social service depart
ments, to institutions for the cure OF
tuberculosis. Is 1t not more reasonable
to compare such activities TO the applica-
ton OF lint TO a running sore. when tns
need is for Internal medicine in the shape
/ of complete social reorganization!
/ This. in our mind, is what the Church
must finally accept IL II Is 10 hgure a.
a social or even a religious, factor-an
ideal OF complete social reorganization
At present the Church Is Quiboling. lo
position is not unlike that Of a man whom
wa dnd In a frock coat and top hat.
We expect him to be gentleman fo'
similar reasons we have been led 10 eA'
pect biz things Of the Church. IL We
have been mistaken, only WORD
needed to set us right. But until II has
made a stand definitely either for OF
against social progress In its full imph'
/ cation we venture TO predict that tne
castigation OF the Church will not d.
minish. but will be applied with increas-
Ing force.
e W. VAN vAL4KENBURoH
| Dast orang~ N. J.. MAJ q. ia