Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-14
LIBERAL CHURCHES HAVE OPPORTUNITY
IN PRESENT RELIGIOUS Indifference
DECL ARES SPEAKER AT LAYMEN'S SERVICE

Pointing out that a great change
has taken place in the matter of re-
ligious belief since the thirteenth
century, when all who did not ac-
cept literally the Pope's interpre-
tation of the Bible and his decision
in doctrinal controversies, were de-
clared to be heretics and were not
spared, Attorney Herbert e.. Locke,
delivering the sermon at the annual
Laymen's service at All Souls Uni
tartan Church on Sunday morning
declared that there is a manifest
religious indifference on the part or
many today.
He said "What has been the
progress Of our theology, mean
while? The so-called liberal fellow
ships have grown to recognize de-
nominations. But the orthodox
creeds have remained the same. The
respectable, well-meaning citizen,
Pilgrim, will call him, attends his
orthodox church and is enjoined to
full belief in the creed of his de-
nomination. He reads his Bible.
He is a reasoning person,-and hon.
est in intellect. He lives in an age
OF honesty and reason in all affairs
Of life,-unless it be his Church. He
has difficulty in accepting the Mira
cles as statements of actual fact.
And he absolutely revolts at the
solemn assertion that one in a dis
tant land of darker color and differ
ent race worshipping differently
conceived Diety is doomed to the
everlasting torments of He'll unless
Joined to particular orthodox
III fHkf AIz u 80 ~ 1kr-Nr
His creed says Yes His innate re-
ligion says NO. A product Of evo-
luton, he follows his religion. Re-
suit? Indifference to his church."
Mr.. Locke then pointed out that
the result of the attempt to interest
by theatrical means is a change
from indifference to disgust. From
disgust to real vexation and serious
disturbance runs the reflection of the
Pilgrim. puzzled he feels the need
in his nation of true religion, of
spiritual peace and comfort. Crop
ing for 1t he encounters only ac-
Icusation and recrimination. Per-
haps blind adherence to theological
creed has loitered so far behind true
religion that it cannot discern it. If
alienated from his orthodox church,
where can he find a church home,
which admits the truths and bless
inRs of science and yet preserves a
belief in God and adherence to the
teachings of Jesus?"
Here and now lies the opportun-
ity Of the liberal denominations,
particularly the Unitarian, to furn-
ish a church home to those who like
our Pilgrim have none. Perhaps
Pilgrim was wrong in his cenclu-
sions. Perhaps his indifference was
unwarranted. Likewise his subse-
quent disgust and vexation. But he
was honest-true to himself. And he
finds many in his plight, men with
out a spiritual home but searching
for one, even though unconsciously."
"In our church and it's like. this
Church is furnished an opportunity
to be of real service to the nation.
But we must nit stop with oppor-
tunity. To lack opportunity is sad
To shirk the responsibility imposed
by opportunity is tragic. We should
bring the Pilgrim to our Home. We
can truly give him the food and
shelter he deserves"
The Invocation and scripture read
Ing at the service were given by
Justice Warren G. Philbrook, the
prayer was by Judge Sanford L.
Fogg, and following the sermon the
benediction was pronounced by At
torney Locke. Music was furnished
py the regular quartet of the church.