The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-02-14
SEES CHURCH CRUMBLING
Bismarck. N. D.,
Ian 26 1893.

blSmarcK, N. ~,
Jan. Is, 1888.
OF ali organizations of society that
are depressed, there is one that is
depressed to far greater degree
than any other, considering the fact
that it should at all times be more
hopeful and have greater faith and
encourage mankind to look up and
lift up. And that organization Is the
Christian church.
In fact the root OF the cause Of the
depression can be traced to the fail
ure of the church to keep itself alive
to its function and duty to society.
Many of its officers and preachers
have little or no faith that is practi-
cal to make this world better place
to live. Many churches have no gen.
uine Christian spirit about them. The
churches are in many cases closed in
stitutions to those who need hope and
encouragement the most in these times.
There is many family in this land OF
ours who can't 60 to church or send
their children to Sunday school be-
cause Of the lack Of clothing whereby
they can feel at ease among those
who attend church that have more
Of the comforts Of life.
To my mind the depression will not
end until the Christian church per-
forms its real duty to mankind again
by seeking and expressing and living
Gods truth in all phases Of life. And
II ~ hn Ia -
church living up to its high purpose.
The organizations and constitutions
of the different branches of the
church strange Gods truth.
The hope of real Christian church
for tomorrow is in those who do not
attend church today. and in many
cases despise the church for its lack
of understanding Of both human and
devine aspects of life. The Christian,
church began with the social outcasts
and down trodden of that time, and If
there is to be real Christian church
again. it will probably be formed from
among the humble folks Of this land,
and the children who are in the grade
school today.
The divisions and branches of the
church mean nothing worth while to-
day except q source Of strife when
mention is made to do away with
them. Many official members object
because it might mean q loss Of their
positions If there were . united
church.
You may ask are there signs Of q
new Christian church in the making?
I would say, yes, there Is.
First the lack Of growth, influence
and attendance Of the average church
is a sign Of crisis near at hand 1oE
the church. All down through reli-
gious history that has been the for
runner Of better church for the ~.
ture. y.
Second. there Is q great need for 4
live church to perform its God-giveu
task.
Third. the average person would
gladly be Christian II the church
was really Christian in all its as
poets.
Fourth, there are In recent year,
great numbers Of students who have
taken religious training and fitted
themselves for leaders in the Christ,
ian church, but the so called Christian
church has denied them any chanc'
to prove themselves successful Christ
ian workers. Why should that be y
in these times when there Is such I
need for real Christian work to b
done? It Is because the present
church has lost its vision and Is dy
ing. Churches are folding up. Preach
ers and church officials. are lookinl
out for their own positions. They ar
are not giving the stranger. the stu
dent. or the young fellow q chance q
Join their union. or conference. O
whatever they may call It.. It Is NOR
Of closed organization in man.
branches Of the church than Is an.
labor union or other professions
group.
! What is this large group Of newl,
trained religious workers doing? i
many cases AL over this land Of our
they are starting independent Christ
ian projects and Ire meeting with
large measure Of success. They nQy