Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-03-01
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Why the Need of a Liberal Church?


Why the Need of Liberal Church?
Editor Journal:-The influence of
progressive liberalism and of liberal
progressiyeism is recognized in educa-
tion, art, science, even in politics. In
school, business, industry, in peaceful
pursuits, certainly in Obstructive war
fare, the latest inventions and discov-
cries are in great demand. Ever is the
| result of human genius welcome in the
promotion Of power, wealth and ef-
ficiency. Why not in religion!
In practical business and in our secu-
lar interests we are scientific evolution
lists. We realize that the first steps in
progress are of least value and are our
last consideration. The last type, the
latest model, be it automobile or cen
timeter gun; the latest is the best,
hence of greatest value and first in our
considerations.
Why are not these attested methods
Of efficiency, these progressive prin-
ciples of liberal modernism in use in
the church!
What is still the attitude of the
church toward scientific advance! and
toward scientific thinkers
Has not the church rejected. de-
nounced, and prosecuted all scientific
advance Under the cry of heresy she
has ever opposed the light of prophetic
vision and tried to fasten the yoke Of
binding authority upon the shoulders
of rising man.
What is the real purpose of the re-
ligion of Jesus! To bind men! No.
He came to liberate men; to set them
free from the bondage Of priestcraft,
from the bondage of fear, superstition,
idolatry; from the bondage of ignor-
ance (the mother Of all evil, sin, sick
ness poverty, etc.)
Jesus came to bring the light of
knowledge into the existing darkness
of his time, What that darkness was
is not difficult to understand, nor need
we flatter ourselves and think that
the old Paganism is entirely overcome.
What is the attitude and method of
the church and in religion even in this
boasted age of reason and enlighten
ment2 Is it the evolutionary method
Is it the scientific and progressive at
titude of open-mindedness OF progress,
of growth and advance? Which lead
to higher attainment, greater effici
ency, greater liberty?
Is it2 Sad and strange as it may
seem, it is mott Not liberalism, not
modernism not progressiveism, but,
traditionalism still rule in the church
with iron hand. Still looking back
ward (Which means downwar6, still
questioning the position and method
of science which have led men to con
quest, triumph and victory.
Need we wonder why? and that
progressively modern men are out of
Joint with the church? That they have
become disinterested? That they care
no longer to subscribe to creeds they
no longer believe or hold without men
tai reservation?
The liberal church, of which the
Unitarian church is a branch, not only
welcomes the discoveries of science,
but, keeps abreast with the spirit of
modern scholarship, modern research,
modern method. Its prophetic vision
keeps its eve singly upon the goal of
our high calling, which lies before
never behind! The larger liberty of
the abounding life of love, truth and
rghteousness-through the knowledge
of the laws of life fulfilling the divine
purpose thereof-is the purpose and
Justification for its existence. Here
also must be found its need and help
fumess.
RICHARD F. FISCHER.
Minister of Unitarian Church.