Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-19
Bishop Manning
and DIR. Grant Again
Clash Over Doctrines

New York. Feb. 1S.-Eishop Will
nam T. Manning, of the Prottstant
Episcopal Diocese of New Yocl. and
the Rev. DR.. Percy Stickney Grant,
OF the Church of the Ascension. tC-
day again came to grips over Christ
ian doctrines.
DIR. Grant. preaching On Tho Rcli-
Sion Of Main Street" attacked the
attitude of the American small t5Wn
toward the controversy which broke
out between him and the Dishon at
ter the rector in a sermon had qucs-
toned the Deity of Christ. The small
town, he asserted, was narrow in DC
lieving that the doctrines OF tha
Christian church comprised clear
cut and dried proposition.
Bishop Manning. preaching at the
Church of st. John the EvanC list Oh
Called Into the Fellowship Of Ills
Son, Jesus" declared that ,'o2tl inc
was not to be pooh poohed."
Referring to newspaper accounts OF
his controversy with the Bishup. ana
the editorial comment thereon, Dr.
Grant said he had foun1 the pcess Tor
| the most part very far. : ti.Ikc,!
the newspapers of the county tol
the intelligent manner il, WnIcn tho
matter has been treated
But, said the rector he was sur
! nrised to find that comment when
indicated a narrow and un-lihcral
/ view toward religion came mostly
! from smaller places.
| Referring to the small town. DIR
Grant continued:
"Eobody cares about the theology
of ministers. It's their economic
! opinions that count. Under these
| circumstances, what the small town
/ needs is the fresh air Oc indcpCndGrt
| thought.
THE country stores are complain
| ing that their business is being :ti
away by the houses that iii goods
| by mail: the country ministers are
, complaining because people would
| rather stay at home and i.sten TO 4
| sermon by radio.
"The country newspapers may
| likewise take notice, that the time
NAV come when the city newspapers
I may be delivered by aerop!dne tc
every country town. :,
For the most part, these small
newspapers arc standpat papers. con
| trolled by the interests that miro
| the town. Who knows, PERHAPS, tne
time will come when the news VIII
| be transmitted ny I.tuio. - -'iS'
not to be so difficult, because after al
| it's only n few columns
Bishop Manning in his sermon &C.
clarcd that being a Christian 'ncans
more than being a phlanthropist OF
| a humanitarian
"It's nonsense. the talk re h21r OF
doctrinal belief" he said. "Truta Is
important as it is the very --ori linn
| self. If we are to have an lntclll :
| gent religion, we must know wna'
we believe and why we belieTe In II
Doctrine is not to be pooh-poonch
| We need to think more carc1"li!
| about Jesus Christ
| "While doctrine has its necessary
place. it is not the whole of being
a Christian.
"Forms and ceremonies have ticil
| nlaces in religion, but ttat is not al
F! religion means. All should oc fol'
| lowers of the Lord. Jesus CHRIST.
4 "To be a Christian one must nave
| faith in Christ, knowledge OF Cnfls'
| fellowship with Christ and CtcatSncS
| to Christ. Without prayer. no one
is in relation with God. Prayer Is
simply speaking to God right out OF
our hearts.
"All should worship and pay pub
lie tribute. One Of the great helps
of being a Christian is the help o'
the sacraments. Another is the HON
| Communion. These things are the
gifts of Heavenly help