Vol. 57 No. 9 SEPTEMBER 1952 Threepence Notes of the Month
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' Vol. 57 No. 9 SEPTEMBER 1952 Threepence Notes of the Month Custos The Story of South Place—VIII The Choice of Life and Death Archibald Robertson What Social Psychologists Should Study Professor T. H. Pear A Time for Reflection S. K. Ratcliffe The Grey Heads George E. O'Dell Who is a Warmonger? D. H. Martin Books Reviews Correspondence South Place News Society's Activities A A SOUTH PLACE ET HICAL S 0 CIET Y SUNDAY MORNING MEETINGS AT, ELEVEN O'CLOCK September 14—ARCHIBALD ROBERTSON, M.A.—"Christian Morals and Rationalism" Violin and Piano Solo by MAY HARRISON and MARJORIE ALEXANDER : • Sonato No. 2 .. Delius Hymn: No. 112 September 21—JOSEPH McCABE—"Juvenile Delinquency" An Thou Troubled? .. Handel Devotion SchUmann Soprano Solos by HELEN ANDERSON. Hymn: No. 81 September 28-5. K. RATCLIFFE—"Conscience and Treason" Bass Solos by G. C. Dowman: Linden Lea .. Vaughan Williams The Vagabond .. Vaughan Williams Hymn: No. 76 QUESTIONS AFTER THE LECTURE Admission Free. Collection SOUTH PLACE SUNDAY CONCERTS 62nd SEASON (1952- 1953)will open on Sunday, October 5, 1952. Officers Hon. Treasurer: E. 3. FAIRHALL Hon. Registrar: Mts. T. C. LINDSAY Conway Hall, Red Lion Soutue. W.C.1 Secretary: HECTOR HAWTON The Monthly Record is posted free to Members and Associates. The Annual chaige to subscribers is 4s. 6d. Matter for publication in the October issue should reach the Editor, G. C. Dowman, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, W.C.I, by September 10. _ 11 The Objects of the Society are the study and dissemination of ethical principles and the cultivation of a rational religious sentiment. Any person in sympathy with these object's is cordially invited to bechine a Member painimum annual subscription is 10s.), or. Associate (minimum, annual sUbabffition Ss.). .• Msociates are not eligible to vote or hold office. Enquiries should be made of the Registrar to whom subscriptions should be paid. The MONTHLY RECORD vol. 57 No. 9 SEPTEMBER 1952 Threepence CONTENTS PAGE NOTES OE THE MONTH, Cas /05 . 3 THE STORY OF SOUTH PLACE—V1 I 5 THE CHOICE OF LIFE AND DEATH, Archibald Robertson . 7 WII47 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGISES SHOULD S [MDT, Professor T. H. Pear .. 10 A TIME FOR REFLECTION, S. K. Rarclifie 12 THE GREY HEADS, George E. O'Dell .. 14 WHO IS A WARMONGER? a H.H.Menlin 16 BOOK REVIEWS 19 SOUTH PLACE NEWS .. 20 SOCIETY'S ACTIMI ries 21 The views expressed in ihis journal are no: necessarily those of the Society. Notes of the Month Me Conference on Present Questions in Oxford last month heard one address that some members may well have thought to be a rather puzzling contribution to the never-ending debate on Science and Faith. Professor M. Polyani of Manchester University was-examining the origins of those influ- ences that have aided in undermining orthodox belief. The main respon- sibility, he said, lay with the mechanistic views of the universe first pro- pounded by the great philosophers of the Renaissance. These were developed by Galileo and Kepler and in due time were most clearly crystallised by Mill On Liberty. The conclusion of this process, it appeared, was that beliefs for which we had the highest warrant WM at the mercy of "a standing invitation to the whole world to prove them unfounded"— which, surely, is a strange gloss on the duty of free inquiry? Professor Polyani seemed to imply that the scientific temper, as understood in our day, demanded "the rejection of any belief that could conceivably be doubted". And yet he was impelled to admit that mankind oisied to scientific humanism the immense social benefits of the modern age. It is not a little strange to have a Man- chester professor, at this late date, affirming that scientific proofs have no "bearing on beliefs that sustain us as moral beings". How can there be be- liefs or moral principles outside the realm of knowledge and challenge? 3 Rationalist Conference THIS YEAR'S R.P.A. Conference at Leicester was extremely successful. The theme was "The Menace of Roman Catholicism", and Mr. Joseph McCabe opened with a vigorous lecture on "Roman Catholicism and Crime". The following day was devoted to an examination of the activities of the Church behind the scenes in international politics. Both Mr. Avro Manhattan and Mr. Kingsley Martin made a disturbing analysis. Catholic theology was in the capable hands of Mr. A. D. Howell Smith. On Sunday night a public meeting in the Secular Hall, Humberstone Gate, was addressed by Dr. Marie Stories. She gave a fascinating account of her long fight with the Church over Birth Control. The final lecture was given by Mr. Hector Hawton on "The Roman Catholic in Literature Today". No one who attended the Conference could fail to realise the importance of exposing the devious tactics now employed by the Church to win power and to obstruct the sort of social reforms that Rationalists and Humanists believe to be essential to the well-being of society. The Church of Rome has staged a remarkably successful come-back by exploiting the anxieties of the times and establishing willing tools in key positions. Quite apart from her political triumphs, she has not disdained a snob-appeal by creating the impression that it is smart to be a Catholic and rather dowdy to be a Rationalist. New and skilful strategy will be required to meet this situation. But if inter- national tension became eased it is probable that the disillusionment and despair which have made so many people turn to an illusory Roman peace will be lifted like a monstrous shadow. The present unwholesome climate of opinion might undergo a dramatic change. Eight-Fif ty A.M. LesTeNeus to the morning "uplift" during one week of August may well have been pleased to hear a sensible voice dealing with an actual problem of the day in place of the usual churchy repetition. It was the Bishop of Bristol talking sense about the way to read a newspaper. Dr. Cockin followed this useful little piece by another, urging parents to think about their attitude to the children's teachers. In the routine of the B.B.C. proarammes for many years past no feature has been morc mechanical than the 8.50 a.m, religious talk. On one morning not long ago a transient chaplain assured his hearers that the burden of the day would be lightened for them if they gave prayerful . attention to the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ! Whenever the troubles and defects of the younger generation are debated, we are sure to hear laments concerning the absence in our country of anything in the nature of ethical and social instruction. Here, then, is a plain opportunity for the new Director-General of broadcasting. Let him drop the formal preachers, and recruit a corps of men and women able to speak from direct experience of life, work, and the difficulties of every day. • SUMMER CONFERENCES Summer schools and conferences continue to multiply. The organisation of these affairs is now an established industry; and as one result of the national gain of holidays-with-pay, to the accompaniment of high prices and crowded seaside places, wc may expect to sec an increasing percentage of the British people spending a week or more in listening' and talking. Conferences are an inevitable outcome of the democratic process, and they play their part in the formation of public opinion. Nevertheless, we know that this immense expenditure of energy and vocables produces no more than a meagre result in terms of the national life. It would seem that we need a policy, or philo- sophy, of get-together; and should not one essential of that be an agreed 4 method of free exchange? Roughly speaking, all conferences 'are exclusive; like turns to like, and they are content to have it so. There are, of course, many sects and communities that insist upon utter separateness. On principle they treat their neighbours as heathens and outcasts; they will not compro- mise or even discuss. All such strange creatures have to be left alone; but why should not the larger bodies work out a co-operative programme? The whole summer pattern might thereby be transformed, the interest of all meetings‘be enhanced, and their social value indefinitely expanded. CUSTOS. The Story of South Place—VIII CONWAY'S NOTABLE TWENTY YEARS ENTERING upon his ministry in 1864, Moncure Conway found himself confronting a difficult situation amid circumstances entirely strange. As a young American of thirty-two, he had decided to remain in England, although he had come with the intention of making only a short stay. No one could have thought that his motive was other than idealistic. For lack of a suitable leader the South Place congregation had dwindled, the chapel was heavily in debt, and there was some reason to fear that the members might not take to a stranger from the West. Conway, however, does •not appear to have been troubled by any misgivings. His addresses on slavery and the Civil War had been well received in many cities, so that he was already at ease with English audiences. At South Place he was heartened by the warm welcome given- by the Committee, most of whom had lively memories of W. J. Fox. His first task was to rally the old members who had been scattered during twelve years of disturbance and repellent sermons. His success was not delayed. Many of the City and other families were glad to return. The financial basis was quickly restored. Long before thc close of the eighteen-sixties Conway had established himself in London and South Place had regained much of its former reputation as a centre advanced thought and progressive social activity.