The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-04-11

I we'll recognize the terrific
complexities, both psychological
ana economic, if We are to step
forth resolutely into world affairs
as the present time. 1t may be
impossible politically, and I claim
no expertness in that field But
from the religious point of view,
I feel confident that we must ex-
pand our vision TO embrace the
far-off countries and must take
steps to adjust our economic af-
fairs so that we are benef1tting
the far-of countries at the same
time that we are benefitting the
rank and file of our own people.
These things undoubtedly can be
done. They are economically and
politically possible if our hearts
are right. Of course, it may be
that in the process of doing these
things it will be advisable to de-
centralize our great corporations
and to have less transportation
OF goods rather than more. I
question this, but have an open
mind.
In any event, the world is now
ripe for a type of religion which
is truly Catholic in the original
sense of the term. I wish that in
some way, it might be so universal
IS to embrace BuddhiSts, Moham-
medans, Jews and ProteStantS, as
well as the so-called Catholics.
1t should be possible for the peo-
pie in all of these religions to have
a fellow feeling for those who
strive for the good life in the
other religions. Perhaps We can
accept from the humanists enough
federation to give greater cath
olicity of approach.
DUT in addition to recognizing
ID the honest seekers by what
ever path they come, it is also
essential to remember the need
for tremendous earnestness.
EarnestnesS of the depth I have
in mind can only come from such
a contact with inner and outer
reality that it produces a state of
mind which can say in all hon
eSty Thus sayeth the Lord" Or
in more modern language, THE
whole current of righteous events
is in this direction. Decision is
undeferable. If We decide wrong
ly, the time of great tribulation
will come upon U.s."
The world is one world. We
have our AmoSes crying aloud
over the injustices of the social
system, but we need in addition
our Isaiahs who perceive that the
Lord is Lord of all the earth and
that the application of spiritual
power to system of nationalistic
or class enterprises is a negation
of true religion.
A modern Isaiah seeing the pos
Sibilities of modern transportation
and communication and obServ-
ing the national barriers imposed
by the nations against each other
since the war would cry out
against international injustices.
He would go to the people of
the different nations with his
message and call for new deal
among nations. He would do
this with vigor and immense
earneStness, even though from an
immediate practical point of view
his message might be premature.
If the Protestant reformers were
living today, they would be striv-
ing not against the Catholic
church nor the Protestant church.
but against capitalism, commu-
niSm, fasciSm or some other sys-
TEN challenging in its power.
Lenin in his attack on capitalism
proceeded with logic not unlike
that of Calvin. He was condi-
toned by capitalism in the same
way as Calvin was conditioned by
catholicism.
He is one of the few man of this
century whose earnestness de-
serves to rank with that of Amos
or John Knox. He suffered, med
itated, thought and acted. How
ever much we may dislike such
men, we must respect their power
to transform society in line with
their vision