Evening star., 1937-01-02
Religion Shows Gains
And Losses During 1886
Leaders of Various Denominations Review
Activities During Last IL
Months.

much that indicates that the Chris.
tian appeal Is being more widely rec
ognized.
"One of the finest evidences of re-
ligious progress is to be found in the
growing comradeship Of those who
stand for moral and spiritual ideals.
At no time within my memory have
I witnessed more of this spirit than
during the past year. The leaders of
the churches, and indeed the rank
and file of people generally are more
and more exemplifying the good
neighbor spirit. This spirit is re-
flected in the larger concerns Of our
public life. Witness it in the recent
conference Of the republics of the
Western Hemisphere in their search
for a plan by which peace may be
maintained.
Preaching Mission.
within the sphere Of the churches
influence the past few months have
witnessed one of the finest demonstra.
tions OF religions appeal. yes, of its
popularity. in the Nation wide preach.
ing mission. A group of leading
preachers. broadly representative of
the evangelical bodies, has covered the
Nation. and in every place churches
and great auditoriums have proved in
adequate to serve the thronging crowds
that have listened responsively and
reverently to the speakers. Large
bodies OF clergymen. numbering thou
sands. have likewise been addressed.
and at MONDAY luncheons. like bodies
of business men. have disclosed fresh
and deep interest in the high claims
OF the Christian religion. Slow as We
have been to interpret and understand
the meaning Of the long continued
world depression, there are unmistak-
able signs that men and women are
beginning to respond to George Wash
ington's dictum that morality and
religion are the essential pillars Of
civil society
ut may be that there is less Of emo
tional religion than heretofore. but 1t
is my deep conviction that there is
more Of practical or applied religion
in the life Of the world than formerly.
One thing is becoming increasingly
evident, namely: That something other
than returning prosperity Is needed to
stabilize our social and economic sys-
TENS. We cannot legislate ourselves
into wholesome ways. The moral and
religious tone of our people must be
lifted to higher levels As We enter
new year I join Robert Louis Steven
son in believing lin an ultimate de-
cency of things Decency will come
as We learn to accept and follow the
precepts Of Him who is the giver OF
the more abundant life"
Problems Of Judaism.
Dr. Abram Simon, rabbi OF the
Washington Hebrew Congregation,
summarized the history Of the year
in Jewish religious circles. He said,
"Religiously speaking. there are three
definite schools-orthodox, conserva-
tive and reform Judaism; and each
Of these expresses itself in its own
unique way. But all three come to
the very wholesome conclusion that the
problem of Jewish survival lies, not
so much in synagogue attendance as
in thorough development Of Jewish
education on the part Of the adult no
less than that Of the child.
I'VE are all struggling for unity in
Jewish life In America; We covet one
compact organization that will inte-
crate Jewish organizations into a more
harmonious and effective whole. The
congregational life as expressed in our
national Jewish organizations ought to
be unified and speak with an authori-
tative voice.
Growing more enthusiastic and
admitting the more co-ordinated
philanthropic national and. interna-
tional endeavors, there is strong con-
viction that Jewish adult education Is
likely to prove one OF the greatest
forces in solidifying Jewish religious
endeavors.
Meanwhile, I consider the picture
of Jewish life, religiously speaking. In
Washington and in the United States
during 1886 quite creditable.'
Rabbi Simon specified the welfare
work of all schools Of Jewish thought
as indicating the admirable unity" Of
our people in their attitude toward ma
tional and international problems Of
every kind