Pueblo chieftain., 1921-09-04
WHEN RELIGION INTERFERED
WITH BUSINESS
The 1nternationa Sunday School Les
son for Sept. is. From Phillippi to
Athens. Acts 16:19-11:15.
BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS


BY WILLIAM T ELLIS
Lloyd George, the British premier,
recently stirred up hornets nest by
scolding the preachers for meddling
with public affairs They should, he
advised, stick to the simple Gospel"
and leave political and industrial ques-
tions to public men. The prime min
lister was doubtless speedily sorry that
he ever so spoke, for from every quar-
ter of British press and pulpit came
straight. strong words. reminding him
of his own past utterances to the con-
trary; and of the Christian Church s
plain duty to call office-holders to ac-
count when they depart from the stand
ard of Christian integrity in national
affairs: and of the simple truth that
the Gospel is concerned with all of life
80 that wherever wrong is done, there
should be heard the swift. clear, con-
dennatory word of the preacher, cry
ing Thus saith the Lord!'
This episode has contemporary
parallel in the United States, as well
as in the New Testament story which
in this weeks Sunday school Lesson.
Following the precedent of the bust
ness men who threatened to withdraw
support from the Young Womens
Christian Association because it adopt
ed a social service platform committing
the organization to a programme of po
litical. industrial and social righteous
ness. a group of Pittsburgh leaders
criticised the ministers of the city for
likewise 'meddling'' with matters out
side of their sphere. The ringing reply
of the clergy sounded like a page from
the Old Testament prophets or from
the Apostle Paul. 1t is manifest that
the Christian pulpit of Pittsburgh may
not be dictated to by business.
In like manner. when representa-
tives of large financial interests at
tempted to rebuke the Federal Coun-
Gil of Churches for it's actions and ut
t-rances upon the theme of industrial
rela tons, the leading pulpits OF New
York cried out in fearless tones of in
dependence DR.. Harry Emerson Fos-
dicks sermon, with his clarion asser-
ton that eAe pulpit of America is Not
for sale. gentlemen! not for salel" is
having a quick, wido circulation.
This entife group of recent expcr1-
ences. on both sides of the Atlantic.
is ono of the significant developments
of our day 1t is acting as tonic upon
week-kneed and wobbling Christians
everywhere A new declaration OF inde-
pendencefdr the ministry of the Gospel
is being written. Tho pulpit's cham
ptonahtp OF the wronged in every
sphere of Life is being vindicated. The
dauntless proclamation OF righteous
ness as Me ono and only standard for
all classes and callings of mankind is
seen as the present duty of every per-
son who teaches in tho name of Christ.
Should there be n proportion of timid.
trucking. ume-scrving ministers in tho
sacred calling. they will find themselves
carried forward to the advanced posi-
tion OF the entire Church Militant. The
shreadbare snser that the Church
fawns upon .he rich and defends prop
cry rightly above human rights is be-
ins disproNcd by current events. The
present LESION is pertinent.
A Crest -Ne~. story
His.orys "star reporter" is Dr. Luke.
who was special correspondent attach
ed to the staff OF Major General Paul.
who led the victorious Christian in
vasion OF Europe. Every line that Luke
vrote throbs with life. He had the
'-nevs sense for human interest"
Ms narrative of the first events follow
tne the crossing over from Asia is a
story passing tho power of modern
Journalists. In n wonderful feat of com
pFeesdon. he porrays, in living colors
! business woman's conversion and
hospitality: n fakir's undoing: a fcroc-
rms attack Of vested interests" upon
the preachers OF truth: an incident
lncItsfn"bI 10 Inpb pdSslON ana
srtton. with consequent miscarriage Of
Justice: a midnight scene in an oriental
dungeon: a dramatic intcrposition Of
Divine Justice. Roman official living
np to his code. tho maEnanimity OF his
persecnted heroes: tho quick convcr-
mon of the callouscd keeper OF the
prison. and his gracious hospitality and
social service: tho mAnful assertion
rights by the two preacher
prisoners: tho confusion OF the coward
u politicians and tho triumph OF the
undismaycd missionaries. For sheer in
,erest. from journalistic standpoint.
this PhilippiAn experience of Paul.
which the Sunday Schools arc study
ing. In unsurpassed.
Only those persons who read the
Bible as an unreal book. without re-
spect to time. place. personalities or
sezoenca, can fail to catch tho dra-
matte quality OF these first events in
the history of Christianity in Europe.
The third great experience in Paui's ex-
pefienecs Is told hero. First came his