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We shall endeavour to preserve and record from time to time under the heading "Light
for the last days" any item of interest that touches upon the various features connected
with the last days. These articles will not occupy much space, as the theme is only
distantly related to the dispensation of the mystery.
We give below an extract from an article published in the "News Chronicle" of
19th May, 1936, which is an indication of the way in which "religion" is drifting.
"To unite the inspiration of all Faiths upon the solution of man's present problems."
I take this phrase from the prospectus of the World Congress of Faiths, which is to
meet in London from July 3 to 18. It represents the ultimate purpose of a remarkable
gathering, which will bring together notable spokesmen of many religions and will see
them uniting in devotion, not only at their daily meetings in University College, but also
at St. Paul's and in Canterbury Cathedral.
"Mankind", says the prospectus, "is crying out for peace. But there can be no true and
lasting peace until we get down to the very roots of the present world unrest, and quicken
into more active life that feeling of fellowship which, through all appearances to the
contrary, is ever latent in the hearts of men."
"To intensify this sense of fellowship is, then, the main aim of the Congress. Since
only those of profound spiritual insight are capable of arousing this feeling, such men are
being brought together from many countries."
Here, at least, is recognition of the fact, so consistently ignored by the politicians, that
at root the world's disease is spiritual, demanding a spiritual remedy. And the list of
those who are to speak or contribute papers is striking proof that the spiritual ferment, of
which we of the Christian faith have long been aware, is something affecting all mankind.
The "present problems" of which the Congress will have to take note are tabulated
thus:--
(a)
Fear.
(b)
Hate.
(c)
Nationalism, in excess or defect.
(d)
Racial animosity.
(e)
Class prejudice.
(f)
Poverty.
(g)
Ignorance.
(h)
Religious differentiation.
Opposed to them is the ideal of world fellowship, and it will be the aim of those
who contribute to the discussions to show how that ideal may be attained through
religious channels. Just think of the possibilities of a convention which links, for
example, Dr. Parkes Cadman with the Sheik-Rector of Al Azhar, Cairo's great Moslem
University, Dame Elizabeth Cadbury with Dr. Pen-Chun Chang of Tientsin, and
Sir Herbert Samuel with M. Berdiaeff, of the Greek Orthodox Church, and
Professor Suzuki, of Kyoto.
Comment is hardly necessary. Some such world-wide religion is bound to come, but
it will not be of God. The rise of the Beast and the dictatorship that will be in force at the
time of the end, will mean not only commercial and political slavery, but a fierce
opposition to "all that is called God or worshipped". The Congress tabulates eight
problems that are "at the root of the world's disease" and the solemn omission is the word
"Sin". Or again, in the remedies proposed, while we have such vague terms as the