Evening star., 1934-04-01
America More Spiritual

! Calvary Church: Il think that spir-
itual recovery will be felt, though
just how soon I cannot tell. Most
people are looking for a return of
the days Of so-called prosperity. I
do not believe they are going to re-
turn. at least the days of material
prosperity such as we knew in 1929
and prior to that date. I think 1t
would be calamitous If they did re-
turn. As soon as we cease signing
and begin to think of building for the
future on foundations other than ma
terial. and therefore more enduring,
we shall be on the road toward real
recovery. .
"Out of suffering always comes
something worth while, If we are wise
enough to find it,
The Congregationalist point of view
Is outlined by Rev. DR.. Allen A. Stock
Gale, minister, First Congregational
Church: MY opinion is that more
people are interested in religion than
ever before ="
Frequently, some creeds are so hard
and fast in their grip upon tradition
that folks have to go outside of some
churches to express new ideas in the
practice of the social teachings OF
Jesus. 1t should not be so. and the
day will come when it will not be so.
Men and women are not only try
ing to live better lives, but are sue
ceeding in fine way. The new deal
Is shock to those who are looking
over their shoulders, but stimulus
to those who turn prophetic eyes to
the future. period of material sue
cess and luxury keeps many folks
away from church because they are
absorbed in worldly pleasures and
earthly cares. A period of depression
keeps many away from church be-
cause of lack of funds and injured
pride In not doing what they have in
former times.
All the while there is a great
glorious middle class upon which
church. State and society depend to
give poise, stability and good char
acter."
Churches Weathered Depression.
For the Washington Federation OF
Churches. Rev. DR.. w. l.. Darby. sec
retary, offers a comprehensive review
prepared by Rev. Dr. William Wilson
Mckinney. Presbyterian pastor at AM
bridge, Pa. The churches have
weathered the depression more sue
cessfully than other organizations.
The Literary Digest is authority for
the statement that during the last
three years 'one out of every four
banks, one out Of every 20 business
and industrial concerns. one out of
every 40 colleges, one out of every As
hospitals, has failed and gone out of
business. But only one out of every
2,344 churches has closed its doors.
Whereas national income since 1929
has fallen off 54 per cent contribu-
tion to churches show a decrease of
only 40 per cent.
This drop in receipts has necessi-
tated reduced budgets in all churches.
but a spirit of conservation and 10y
atty is being manifested which prom
ises to make the work of the churches
increasingly effective Denomina-
tional pride Is giving way to united
efforts. Local churches are now CO.
operating to serve their own COM
munities. They are growing indif-
ferent to appeals for funds to keep
functioning vast denomina tional over
head machines. Agitation for unity
is resulting in the consolidation of
the churches and the contemplated
merger of several denominations. A
general strengthening of religious work
is assured thereby.
From all parts of the country come
reports of quickened activity in the
churches. Programs designed to
deepen the spiritual life of the indi-
vidual members have been formulated
by numerous denominations. Attend
ance at the services of worship is
better than at any time since the war.
New members are being received in
encouraging numbers. Men are dis
covering that God is indispensable in
their lives and that the teaching of
religion must receive greater appli-
cation in complex civilization.
Leaders in industry and Govern
ment are turning to Jesus sermon on
the Mount as the practical basis
for more equitable social order. ="
More and more. the church is be-
ing recognized as the necessary agency
for developing that morale and un-
selfishness essential to the success of
any plan for social cooperation and
wider distribution Of the worlds
goods.
The antiquated virtues so extolled
in former age of selfish individual
ism must give way to the newer vir-
tues of cooperation. sharing. service,
good will, tolerance and social re-
sponsibility."