New Britain herald., 1925-10-19
MINISTER ANSWERS
What IS religion?
Officials Congratulate Repre-
SenttatiVeS at LOCarnO

Religion consists OF more than a
system of dos and don'ts: 1t is a
practical everyday affair that ap-
plies to all Of mans activities" Rev.
Vernon L. Phillips. pastor OF the
Kensington Congregational church,
declared yesterday In a talk to
Eyerymans Bible class, Rev. Mr.,
Phillips answered the question
What Is Religion" His talk. in
part. follows:
Religion Is far more than OBJ
serving the formal commandments
A man may keep the ten command
ments TO the letter and still be very
far from being religious. Religion
consists OF more than system OF
dos and don'ts; 1t Is a practical
everyday affair that applies to all of
mans activities.
"Religion is a quest. It is a quest
for the finer and nobIer things in
life. II man wants to be religious
he must always search for those
things in life that will lift him to a
plane OF nobler and higher living,
Religion Is also quest for man,
seeking to know mankind, to know
the needs Of men as we meet them
in our everyday life, 1t seeks to
benefit and live SO that others shall
be blessed by our lives. Religion is
interested In the social needs Of men.
1t is concerned with how he must
live and the conditions that make
his life a pleasure or burden that
is TOO great to be borne. Religion
is also search after God. A seek
ing after Him II happily we may
find Him and thereby know Him.
II is knowing God as personal God
who Is interested In the affairs of
our lives We must recognize that
God loves men and is interested in
his highest good,
"Religion Is friendship. 1t Is a
friendship among peoples. You are
not religious II you fail to be friend
" and practice friendship in your
business and professional dealings
with men. Religion is friendship
among races and nations. You are
not religious in the real meaning Of
the word when there is race preiu-
dice and national hatred in your life.
Religion means the brotherhood of
all men. Religion is also a vital
and real friendship with God. The
highest point of religious truth in
the book Of Genesis is found in that
monotonous chapter of genealo-
gies where this gem occurs.
'Enoch walked with God and
Enoch was not for God took him..
A very fine illustration of the
friendship that ought to exist be-
tween man and his God. The highest
concept of the relationship that
exists between man and God Is ex-
pressed in the word friendship.
"Religion is a cause and demands
the active support Of any who claim
TO be religious. 1t Is an active force
in human life and Is interested II
the remaklng OF human life in all it
relationships. 1t demands from al
its devotees that they shall be active
Nv about the task of bringing th'
Kingdom of God here and now. Re
ligion has a program of righteous
ness that must be set up in the earth
Those who are religious must seek t
make all conditions Of life better.
"Religion is also plan of saliva
ton. Salvation for individual men
1t has In It the force and power It
lift a man out OF the common
everyday slough OF life and place hi
feet on f1rmer footing Of right
eousness and responsibility. re
lieion also means the salvation o
human society. The community Il
which you live must be better be
cause of your religion or there Is n
real value to your religion for you o
anyone else. Religion is pracuca
enough 10 have an effect on You
business dealings with your fellows
II will likewise affect all industrla
and international relationships,
"Religion Is finally way of life
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