Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-01-22
WOULD MAKE CHURCH SOCIAL CENTER

Yesterday issue OF the Capital journal was cOA
muncaton from Rev. Richard F. fischer, which is well
worthy of perusa and study 1t shows in remarkable
degree the changes which have taken place In the
churches within the past twenty years. and indicates the
wonderful broadening of the religious mind.
Mr.. fischer says that if he could have his way as
minister he would provide his church with social hail.
pool and billiard table for both boys and girls and with
gymnasium for all indoor sports He goes even farther
in saying he would arrange under proper supervision
dancing parties where the young could mlnge and IN
dulge their natural tastes for social pleasures.
He pertinently asks why wherein dancing is any
more immoral than coastng skating and thinks the
church and the schools should provide the proper avenues
places and times for such edcuation and enjoyment.
All this sounds natural and rational, and is much
better solution of the problem as to what we shall do
with our boys and girls than the arbitrary condemng
of all such amusement simply because they are not prop
erly safeguarded.
Nature has placed in the young of all kinds whether
"kds or kittens the desire to play to exercise and
develop 1t is instructive for the young Of all animals to
get together and find in each others company pleasure
and amusement. ,
these natural instincts 1t unreasoning, arbitrary
dctatoral "Thou shalt not"
Because gambling is an evil cards were condemned.
Because inscrmnate dances led to mischief all dane
ING was abooed Because the violin furnished the music
at these dances the fiddle" became the seat and source
of inquity.
Yet cards are now seen in every home The dance has
lost its bad reputation and the violin is now part OF
most church services
1t is not so long ago that to the young the church was
an awesome and gloomy place Inside its doors no smile
could be nduged in worldly thought enter God was
made to appear to the young as an unforgvng and ter
ribe Judge who had sympathy with or love for them
How different today and how infinitely better They are
now taught that God is tenderness and love, smmg
sympathetic friend who shares their pleasures and re-
joces in their happiness He no longer stern parent
to be feared only but warm close friend in whom they
can conide and on whose affection they can rely
The world is no longer vale of tears, with every
pathway strewn with brambes bordered with thorns
but great sunshiny flower-decked home The air is
filled with the music of joyous birds and fragrant with
the incense of millions of blossoms Color and light,
music and beauty, fragrance sweetness warmth love,
all these are divine attributes and all given by loving
father for the pleasure and enjoyment of His children
Mr. Fischer is right in his idea that expression rather
than suppression is the remedy and that provision for
the harmless exercise of social instincts rather than
arbitrary condemnation is the true solution of the
problem.
1t would be an experiment we'll worth trying, and let
us hope some way may be found by which Mr. Tschers
theory can be given thorough practical test