Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-08-08
Blu Bishop w. 4. Gambler

In a very aDle eullOIldl puOAiSASN AS-
Gently in the New York Tribune occurs
this striking and suggestive passage:
THE mental and spiritual crisis
produced by the present war is
greater than that of any preceding
struggle, for the reason that this
conflict has fallen upon the most
sensitively humanitarian generation
of thinkers in all history. Never be-
fore had the social ideals of broth
erhood, peace and justice taken such
universal possession of mems
thoughts. The scholars and the
public alike shared in an unprece-
denied sense of security, philoso-
ply of easy optimism, and belief
that progress had carried us beyond
the barbarous conflicts of former
years.
With few exceptions, writer's and
scholars had the modern habit of
regarding evil and pain, not as
things inevitable to the lot of man,
but as mere superficialities contin-
gent upon the free choice of the
individual and the Embellishments
of our social and economic systems.
The mind of the age is now strug-
Cling with tremendous readjustment.
1t is too soon to expect many signs
of a deliberate solution of the great
problem. At present there are only
preoccupation and mental unrest,
When men begin to think again,
they will probably be less occupied
with the accidents of economic af-
fairs, and will wrestle more cour-
ageously with the deeper cosmic
significance of the problems of
living
The eyes of the man who wrote tina
see beneath spiritual forces.
For a good many years the eyes of tn
leaders of what we call christendon
have been holden so that they could no
perceive this fundamental truth, whic:
with truly christian minds ought to b,
Even some leaders of the churche!
have fallen under the delusion that in
tellectual culture, coupled with econom
ical comfort, was quite sufficient II
safeguard the peace of the world and as
sure the moral progress of mankind
This academic illusion has been dissi
pated by the war in Europe.
The most cultured and comfortably
nations of Europe have been at dealt
grips during the last two years an,
their wealth and learning have been EN-
ployed in warfare of unprecedented de
structiveness. All the contestants hav
accused their opponents of adopting un
civilized methods and committing bar
barrie acts. Certainly all parties to tn
coflict have set aside international Law
as far as they have dared, wheneve
an advantage could be secured by s,
doing. The long accepted standards o
international morality have been set a
torIt Nfra,- iv,Ii
the only recognition of such standard
being given when they were needed a
a basis for ordinations and recrimina
tions among the belligerents.
When the war shall have closed ant
peace shall have returned, the first su
preme duty of the hour will be the re
civilizing of Europe by the restoration
of the ethical foundations of life; ant
since all ethics issue religion, a reviva
of religion as wide as the continent will
be required.
Even Claiming, although a Unitarian
who denied the divinity of Christ, say
clearly and proclaimed boldly that tn
recognition of the authority of Jesu
was the only effectual preservativ
measure against war. He said, wa
will never yield but to the principle
off universal justice and love, ant
THESE nave no sure root out IN the TellS
ion of Jesus Christ
Commercial plans and political pro
grams can never prevent war, or pre-
serve peace. They spring from selfish
ness, and all selfishness eliminates a
last in conflicts.
The war between Germany and Franc
in 1870, with the territorial re-arrange
ments which followed it, made absolute
ly certain the appalling conflagratiol
In Europe which now distresses an
depresses mankind. And the presen
war will be followed by a peace tina
will be no better than a more or les
protracted armistice unless a nObler an
highrer type of religion is revived among
the warning nations, so that there ma,
be between them a more ardent broth
erly-kindness and a greater respect TO
the right Of each other. A christian pre-
paredness for peace among them is nov
their supreme need.
To the meeting of this need the neu
trail nations must lend a helping hand
and in this blessed work our countr,
ought to bear the leading part by s.
much as we are a more powerful peopl
and more pacific in spirit than tn
rest.
We have had our parades in further
ance of preparedness for war; but
more urgent duty now is a pro
gramme of preparedness for the
more sacred obligation of peace. To thi
end our first duty is to begin to b
more religious ourselves. Our churche
must rekindle upon their affairs IN
holy fires of a fervent piety. Gu
schools must be penetrated and perme