Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-06
Religious Questions
DR.. S. Pdrkes Cddmdn.

@. Can we ever exclude private judy
ment in religious thinking? l have
wondered what will become of religious
progress II we do.
A. Professionalism encourages the exer-
else of private Judgment and relies upon
its products for many of its finest in
terpretations Of the things of the Spirit.
Catholicism accepts the pronounce
ments of the papacy and of church
councils. Yet how greatly all branches
Of Christianity and Judaism are in
debted to the free and unfettered think
ing of elect menl
The great doctrines which concisely
formulate Biblical teaching have been
produced by such men. The develop
ment Of those doctrines is evident in the
books of the Old and New Testaments.
Cardinal Newman, in his essay on this
question. written as his apologize for
joining the Catholic Church. pointed out
this marvellous development. 1t pro-
ceeded at the demand of life rather than
OF logic. and of the saints rather than
Of church officials.
Who can fully estimate the service
rendered by individuals to the common
faith? Reflected on the visioned beliefs
of st. Paul, st. Augustine, st. Anselm,
ST. Thomas, John Bradwardine, John
Calvin and John Wesley. These beliefs
have literally recreated civilizations.
Once the ideals generated in the mind
of a solitary Christian thinker domi-
mated by the Holy Spirit commend
themselves to Christian experience they
become universal. Therein lies the vim
dication you suggest, and it Is complete
and overwhelming.
@. There are many sincere Christian
men and women who say that God
sends sickness to His children as pun
ishment for their shortcomings. They
also say that He does all things well,
and that they humbly bow to His will.
But when sickness comes to them why
do they run to doctor to escape that
which God in his inscrutable wisdom
sends them, and thus try to thwart His
will?
A. This question is f1rst-class exem-
pie of the futility of logic chopping
once we forget to check and check
again the agreement OF our logic with
the facts of life. Even II sickness Is
traceable to the cause you suggest, ana
in MANY instances that is exceedingly
doubtful, it does not follow that the
sufferers should endure 1t Indefinitely.
Suppose fall and break limb. Should
1 say, Thy will be done" and leave the
bone unset? Or II l contracted pneu-
my life?
God outlaws the self-destruction
which might ensue from such fanatl-
cism Nor is there any inconsistency
between acceptance of life's hard eX-
periences AS a necessary discipline ana
the use of all legitimate means TO over
come them. We can be fairly sure that
when we have conquered them other
severe trials await u.s.
4~ p
levers in Him should endure unavoid-
able affection with patience and trust.
and also maintain that its relief ac-
cords with His purpose. Acquiescence
with difficulties of this kind may
thwart that purpose. Otherwise, why
has He surcharged nature with healing
powers and revealed to man the bless
ings of surgery and medicine? Are they
not to be recognized and given due
weight? What greater ofgense is there
than to have light either for body or
soul and refuse to follow it?
O. DO YOU consider Christian unity a
suitable theme for the celebration OF
the nineteenth centennial Of the Pen
tecostal baptism? II so, why? -.
A. Christian unity Is suitable theme
not only for the great occasion YOU
mention. but for all times and all places
related to Christian history:
First, because the Holy Spirit of the
Living God was bestowed on the watt
ing disciples dwelling at Jerusalem In
one accord and with one mind for the
furtherance of their Lords gospel.
The twentieth century church must
seek TO recover the oneness of heart.
cooperation and purpose which dis
tinguished those Pentecostal believers
Second. not a single spiritual force
was experienced by them which may
not be experienced by us. No prom
Use has been nullifed. no gift OF heaven
withdrawn The dynamic that made
the fishermen Of Gallilee Gods ambas-
sailors to the world is in no way weak
ened II is at our disposal. When faith
lends its revealing light, we shall know