Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-01-12
CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP.

The editor Of the Journal made speech night
or two ago on the subject of Christian Citizenship
May we pass a few observations along to our
readers?
At the time when the Masters foot trod this
earth and He was utterng from the rocky hills and
on the shores OF Palestine, the simple philosophy
which has resounded in increasing volume down the
ages the whole world ruled by monarchs.
The power Of the ruling classes during the sue
ceeding eighteen hundred years was eyerted to
see to 1t that the theology taught which
would create no social unrest. Men were led to be-
Neve in Christian resignation. Environment was to
be accepted as a Divine dspensation. Oppression
and lack of opportunity were said to be the will of
God. 1t was sacrilege to oppose the plans Of the
Almighty. Men must submit to the inevitable.
Even today such a theology often is heard from
our pupits. Over the body of child, dead from
typhoid fever we hear words counselling submis-
sion to the Divine Will instead Of warning to fer
ret out the source of the infection.
Theology was cast on personal lines and men
were taught private rectitude and individual Chris
tan virtues. All Of which is at should be- except
shat It does not go far enough. Men should be
taught personal ceanness of life. The laws OF
hygiene which are the laws OF God, require It, Inc
PSYCHOLOGICAL power which comes from sense OF
being right is in accordance with the Divine plan
Men should be faithful husbands and fathers, we
out 1t into practice.
All this has been handed down to for two
thousand years. 1t is all good and necessary
Decent men accept It, But it was harmless to
despots 1t made good subjects Of the people Por-
haps the world was ready for nothing else.
Today practically the whole world is ruled by
democratic principles Men have new RESPONSE
hities They are the government. The old teach
ings need to be continued but they are in need Of
vast expansion. America not come into her own
until the pulpits thunder warnings of the necessity
for the application of the Christian philosophy to
the duties of citizenship 1t must be impressed up
on us that the personal life must be clean the nome
responsibilities met; the daily dealings of barter IN
the market place be in accordance with principles
of righteousness. But it must be made known that
men not escape the responsibility OF Christian
citizenship.
The man who steals your pocket-book is thief,
the man who steals ballot box is politician. He
must be regarded thief also Of the most dan
gerous type. The man who practices peonage is an
outlaw; the man who deprives Of our political
and economic liberty remains respectable" citizen.
There must be no distinction in the eyes Of Chris
tian men. Both must be made outcasts by public
opinion trustee, guilty of breach of trust by
stealing his wards estate, is a criminal The man
who accepts the trust public office and steals the
funds of the people should have his wrist slapped.
or be gently chided. according to our standards Of
public virtue.
Christian sociology Christian socialism not
the great need of the world just now. Christian
ethics In public life are the crying need. Integrity,
fair dealing Christian brotherhood, common hon
esty and ordinary humanity, as taught by the Mas
ter. will cure the worlds worst evils Then we can
evolve, through experiments toward Chris
tian socialism. The people. honestly governed will
solve their problems slowly, surely and safely.
Christian and women with the finest in
stlncts In private life, tolerate public wrongs with
indifference. They condemn private evils fearlessly