The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1919-02-22
Religion In The Social Order


and life practical, fruitful, Astounding
in countless blessings for all the chill
dren of men. The divine Founder of
the Christian religion declared: T
have come that you may have life,
and life more abundantly" The Chris
tian religion is infinitely superior to
all the religions the world has ever
known. Any ethical system that sim
ply may claim to soothe the human
soul, and satisfy the cravings of a re-
fined imagination, by poetry, music
and painting, does not merit a place
among the religions of the world, un-
less at the same time it is able to an
swer the questions of the human soul,
and direct inquiring men to an intelli-
gent knowledge of their origin, their
aim in life and their final destiny.
The Christian religion was made
the depository of the eternal truths
brought down from heaven itself, by
the incarnate Son of God, Who alone,
among all the great leaders of men
could dare to claim, Il am the light of
the world. l am the way, the truth
and the life" The truths of the Chris
tian religion are delivered to the mind
of man by the authority OF Him Who
was teaching daily in the temple, and
who puzzled the doctors of the law
by His wisdom and His answers, when
but boy of twelve years. The Chris
tian religion is the most competent
and courageous defender of the rights
of the human mind to an understand
ing of the supernatural and the spir-
itual
The Christian religion is the faith
full champion of liberty of thought
against all the delusive variations of
error. The human mind enjoys it's
sacred right to freedom only when
the light of truth illumines this cita-
del of the soul. The mind of man is
enslaved when it is fettered by de-
ceitful vagaries of error. Hence the
Christian religion has been human
itys most capable and devoted teach
er. The highest honor that could have
been conferred upon reasoning men,
was shown them when the Son of God,
as a man among men, condescended
to be living teacher of men. He
made provision also that his teaching
religion should continue it's work in
1.-The world until the consummation Of
ages. This enlightened and enlighten-
ling religion, at it's birth, on that pente-
costal day at Jerusalem began its
| glorious task of teaching men the mys-
terious wonders of the Incarnation,
| the Redemption and the Atonement,
marvels unknown in a sin-distracted
world until the tragedy of Calvary en-
gendered new hope in the heart of
despairing humanity. By a miracle of
supernatural power, Saul, the perse
cutor of the Christian name, becomes
the intrepid Paul, the most valiant de-
fender of the name and the authority
of his crucified Master, and is crowned
with an immortal halo of unfading
glory, as "The teacher of truth to the
| universe!"
All the unconquered might of the
great Roman empire exhausted its re-
sources during the tragic cycle of three
hundred years to Danish from the face
of the earth and from the memory of
men this religion of a despised race,
but in vain. The mighty empire fell,
but the spiritual kingdom of the Mas
ter arose glorious and invincible above
the ruins of organized materialism,
and became the inspiration of every
noble ambition of the human soul.
The Christian religion is the mistress
of learning. 1t inspired the establish
ment of every great institution of
llearning. All the illustrious centers
of education and culture came into be-
ing at the call of religion. Music and
poetry, painting and architecture, sci
ence and agriculture, all the arts,
found in the Christian religion their
best and most constant friend.
In the more practical affairs of life,
in the care of the poor, in compassion
for the unfortunate, in sympathy for
the wretched, as defender of the weak
against the aggressions of the strong,
the Christian religion has never failed
to prove itself worthy of the spirit of
it's divine Founder, who went about
doing good" To do good in the world
, is the first and highest aim of rehg-
ion. 1t has made provision for the
wants of all the victims of human mis-
cry and sin. It's true worth to the
world is found in the works it has
done, rather than in the profession,
, or promises it has made. 1t feeds the
hungry, it clothes the naked, it visits
the sick, comforts the dying, and con-
soles the sorroWing. Irreligion never
, wiped away human tear. The sell
fish materialism of today or of yes
; terday, that SCOTS at religion or cen
sures it's methods, and feigns to ig
more the spiritual in human lives, has
not merited the gratitude of mankind
The zeal of the messenger of truth to
the nations that sat in the darkness
; and the shadow of death has ever out
!, run the hunter for gain or for gold
! Paul confronting the learning oi
Athens, Patrick on the royal hill oi
:, Tara, Augustine, armed with the
!. sword of the spirit, conquering the
= Saxon, king, Francis Xavier dispellins
: the dreamy delusions of the orient, OF
the valiant French herald of the cross
chanting the praises of the Saviour.
? name in the smoky wigwams of on
: native tribes, present to the admira
7 tion of men an unrivalled spectacle o
lofty ambition to win the world to th,