The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1940-07-13
Points Out
Obstacles To
j
Craig Speaks
To Delegates To
MCEU Meet

The Inconsistency between our
speech and action" has proved
serious obstacle to the Christian
progress OF the world" Peter II.
Craig, postal clerk, told delegates
to the ffty-second convention OF
the Michigan Christian Endeavor
Union. MIR. Craig was speaking at
the annual banquet held June 20.
The speaker shared the program
with the principal speaker. r. n.
Espy, field secretary. Universal
Christian Student Council, Geneva,
Switzerland.
Mr.. Craigs address on christian
Social Action in Community and
World reads as follows
THE Inconsistency between our
speech and action-our ideals and
conduct constitute serious prob
lem TO day for all representative
OF Christianity
AS | observe the universal So
cial upheaval and the mass des-
iruction OF life and property. | am
moved to deal with this theme in
a very realistic manner.
Some critics say that Christi
anity has been tried and found
wanting A resourceful Christian
layman replied. christianity has
been found difficult and has not
really been tried"
II share the latter opinion and
think that the wholehearted appli-
cation OF Jesus teachings to all
human relations is the sole means
Of establishing human brotherhood
and averting another dark age OF
barharism.
Apparently. there Is tendency
liz human nature 10 express verbal
approval and give intellectual as
sent to Christian principles without
any real effort TO carry them
through 10 action. We recite the
model prayer, "Our Father and
continue 10 act unbrotherly toward
our fellowmar who may be of a
different race. creed or color.
Evidently Jesus realized this
fact when He made the significant
declaration. Not everyone who
says. Lord Divine. Lord Divine
shall enter into the Kingdom OF
Heaven, but he who puts the will
OF God into execution"
For more than nineteen centur-
les the clarion voice OF Christ has
beer challenging His diciples to
follow His way OF life as we'll as
repeat creeds with their lips. How
ever there are other voices which
seem to frustratae any effective en-
deavor toward Christian social ac-
ton.
The first voice 10 speak Is the
voice Of cowardice. which asks. lis
1t safe 90 The second voice OF vanity
asks. us II POPULAR" The third
voice Of expediencv inquiries. Does
II paw" The profit motive Is deep
~ rooted in human nature ard is
not easily modified or corrected
The whole question Of motiva-
ton. in the speakers opinion, Is Of
vital interest to all processes OF
character development ard Chris
tian education.
THE fourth and final voice Is
the voice OF an enlightened Chris
tian conscience which asks. is II
right Is 1t true? Is II just? Is II
brotherly? Is It what Jesus would
do"
THE following course Of action
il presented to every Christian
youth and adult who would over-
come cowardice. vanity and lust
and extend the reign Of Christ To
every area of human experience.
!. ITO assume an attitude Of
respect for the sacredress Of per-
sonality. To recognize the divine
image OF the Creator in each OF His
creatures. whatever their race, ma
ton. color or creed.
2. ITO reject the false propagan-
da OF inherent racial superiority
and accept the truth OF racial
equality as supported by Biblical
authority and scientific evidence.
War is termed un-Christian because
truth Ia the first casualty. War
tan OILY W. Wdktu WITH wv V'h''
nation or individual has been mis-
represented by false propaganda
and must be destroyed.
we lament this sacrifice OF The
truth during war and yet DURING
times Of peace we have attempted
10 build our present civilization.
democracy. even Christianity upon
false assumption OF inherent racial
superiority. May appeal to Chris
tan youth OF all groups 10 give
truth hearing and be free.
3. "ro cultivate the motive OF
love and loyalty 10 the radiant per-
son OF Christ alone. As We make
this incentive the central dynamic
TO ererglze our Wills. We VIII act
upon our highest convictions. ana
the "Kingdom Of this world Will
become the Kingdom OF our Lord
and His Christ.
where cross the crowded ways OF
life
Where sound the cries Of race and
clan
Above the noise Of selfish strife
We hear Thy voice o Sor Of Nan
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