The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1922-09-02
Religion and The Present Day.

More frequently than in former years hear the complaint
that the church is failing fill the prominent place in the lives
Of individuals which formerly filled Especially this notice
able among the falling off in church attendance and the
apathy with which appeals for its support and increase
Varied are for this lack of interest Some ar
that religion has been commercazed that appeals for
funds take precedence appeals for sou others that
the church life is not made conform nearly enough to the
life and its doctrines do not help its members to live
in this advanced and progressive age.
That the condition is wide spread and affects American
church life generally expressed in all religious journals and
Leaders everywhere are studying to corrct it.
The which hey believe responsible for vary but
plea Of the church to be found in the methods Of the church
Most recent the uerances along this line is that Of Dr.
corder under date of August Oath as follows:
THE crisis the religious world has been brought about by
the failure Of existing religion to adapt itself to the two oustand
ing facts and democracy The church
must lean adapt itself to these two mighty forces which are
building our civilization Of these two science the
standing dominant It the foundation Of views Of life
and Of the universe well as Of our material progress and 50
has largely created h conditions which favored the rise mod
democracy Yet the maadusmen of religion with science
remains pronounced Often are we assured by some one in the
perstiton error or the woc Of some privileged class
N the oEer hand the representatives Of religion not IN
frequently proclaim it outside the d Of science and its
scientific svauation species of sacrege Both attitudes
have made difficult the attann emit Of rational religion that is
religion with the established facts of human experience
But f religion vital element in civilization then the at
tanment Of rational ethical religion Of the greatest and
most fundamental Of social needs ard nothing could be
lsorsigted and stupid than irrational attitude toward
gon whether the part Of its defenders Of its critics In
lte reconstruction Of civilization which face it is
time that scientific thinkers and the representatives Of religion
hands seeking to promote the development Of rational
lligion as the worlds supreme need.
For shall be able TO reconstruct civilization without
tbs reconstruction of religions and the first thing to e aimed at
lin reconstruction Of religion make it rational Science
I'VE have noted the outs ndng and dominating fact in modern
civilization religion which is adapted to the requirements OF
modern life must first Of ali be adjusted modern science
religion which not in harmony with modern science cannot
by remain the religion Of the hsng class Of the future The
hope for religions for social life generally must lie in fol-
lowing reason. not in thwarting it,
Certainly religion like science has been determining factor
in civilization and it must ontnve to be-
Those Who direct its destnes may well study make Il eff
cient in its service Of the people Of this day and time
The difficulties which it meets not greater than
those Of former times.
People are no less lacking in soul than in former times
They bTe@ched. They be Interested They be
converted thai he church. the dunn through which the urge
to CHS service will become prominent in their affections
But this condition maintain only church leaders study
to serve efficiently the needs Of this day