The Mississippi enterprise., 1959-02-28
THE BROTHERHooD OF MAN. A CHRISTIAN IDEAL :

THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN, A CHRISTIAN IDEAL
The struggle for human rights and human dignity is
as old the human race Prophets and phosoph-
have always challenged existing practices and en-
phasized the worth of the individual All through the Od
Testament we find grownp vision OF the brotherhooo
of then Christ came to declare it. but even IN our
ENLIGHTENED age the idea is still vision in mems minds
In spite of our religions and Christian teachings, we
find world today torn with strife hatred and sus-
picions against man, race against race, rehglon
against religion We find these differences not only on
goba scale but within nations and states In communi
ties find differences of opinion and even families are
torn with strife.
Why is this? Is it because basically selfish?
Is it because we want something for ourselves Whcn we
are unwilling to share? Is it because we feel ourselves
superior? social class maintains cul-
tural and economic barriers which prevent intimate So
cal contacts? Is it because people IN certain groupings
or with different ethnc backgrounds develop standard
ways of conduct and thinking which are not agreeable
with other peoples?
AS we look at our world today, we find cleavages
according to religon-Cathoc Protestant Jew Hindu,
Isamc etc. There are ceavageS according to ethnic
origin We see for example people of Slavic beginnings
seeking each other We find ceavages according to social
prestige such professional groups which seek each
other labor groups Then, of we lind cleav-
according to These cleavages are all within
the scope and influence of the Christian faith One would
not denv that the particular groupings essential de-
sirabe and worth while We would not take away the
personality of a Individual a group This would be
utter folly and bring about great confusion and unhapp
ness.
foundy disturbed by the lack of understanding and ap
probation of group for another The hatredS and
strife which have been gendered between groups smack
of communist influence on people who let agitators do
their thinking for them.
What is the position the church should take? We
need first of all to remember that the primary task of the
Church is NOT to rally people to be ntegratonists
segragationiss but rather to call people to love and
understand each other sometimes Christians spend
too much time criticiZng and too little time loving and
praying for those with whom dsagree) Christians
helin IF
must stand together against tyranny and oppression in
order to remain free
Neither the ntegratonist the segragationist has
solved the complex problems which arise from iealouses
exploitation cultural conflicts and racial hatreds Both
have succeeded in generating fear apprehensons
and misunderstanding The Christian mandate to Love
thy neighbor thyself" and the Golden Rule are the
principles upon which build mutual respect,
understanding and goodwill.
Southern people are not alone in opposing abrupt
and unwelcome change in long established man-made
customs People resent being forced to change their way
of life we Southerners do not want other peoples cul-
lures imposed on should be very careful that we
do not try to impose our wills which deprive others of
their constitutional and Christian rights on them
We Southerners can afford to be more tolerant of
people who do not look like We can be kind and
generous and loving and accept people who are
different brothers in Christ We can pray and
seek Divine guidance, knowing that "our God able to
do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or
think if seek Him with open minds and hearts God
created this world with all its creatures. and He
placed MAN the responsibility of keeping peace and
harmony. Yet we have made of His world shambles
as far as human relationships are involved UnChrs-
tan relationships lead to tyranny and oppression
We might well heed the calls to brotherhood as
found IN the great hymns of the church.
Lift up hearts, o king of kings
10 brighter hopes and kindlier things
TO vision of larger good
And hoier dreams of brotherhood
Thy world is weary of its pain,
OF selfish greed and fruitless gain
VI tarnished honor, falsely strong
And all its ancient deeds of wrong
Almighty Father, who dost give
The gift of life to all who live
Look down all earth's sin and strife
And lift us to nobler life
NO. 472 The Methodist Hynnal