In view of the absence of Rev. D. M. Macdonald, the Convener of the above Committee, the following report is herewith submitted.
I. RELIGION.
I. As to Religion, we remark (1) on Romanism. We believe that the current of opinion in certain Church circles outwith the Papacy itself is strongly running in sympathy with Romanism. The insidious danger of the Papal system, both religiously and politically, is not realised as it should be. The Papacy, to a vast extent, is not regarded as a spurious branch of the visible Church as it should be. This system exalts the works of mere man above the alone salvation of the gospel. Its “exaltation” of the Saviour above “altars” and in the “host,” etc., is derogatory to the true glory of Christ. Christ is in such a manner exalted that Mary is also required as mediatrix, and with her an host of saints to lend a helping hand of intercession. This is a form or fruit of ancient Docetism. Protestants should beware of drinking of her cup.
(2). Episcopalianism. This denomination has not got in Scotland the influential position which it has across the Border, where it ranges from evangelicalism to Modernism and on to High Anglicanism, which is sub-Romanism. It were well if the Evangelical party were more courageous. They feel their lack of leadership. It is a matter of comfort that many of the editorial articles in their organ, “The English Churchman,” make such savoury reading. Their protest actions are regrettably feeble in many ways.
(3). Presbyterianism. Here we have our own condition in Scotland specially in view. How deeply we need a revival of true religion! We have a kind of gospel in the land. We need, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be made aware of sin, of our ruin, of what “the” gospel is—of being delivered from being ashamed of the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believeth.
Among the highly regrettable matters regarding the Church of Scotland, reference may be made, inter alia, to St. Ninian’s Retreat, Lassodie, Dunfermline. An account of it is given by Walter Allen in the “Catholic” for December, 1934. Also, an editorial in a Scottish weekly has the following stricture on St. Giles’ Church, Edinburgh: “We have seen a minister of the Church of Scotland fall on his knees at the steps leading to the holy table before turning to bestow the blessing on the people. We have seen a minister ‘cross’ himself as he prefaced his sermon with the name of the Trinity. Just think of the ministers of the Scottish Church, with their scarlet trains spread out like a rippling wave of colour, making deep obeisance to the communion table in the very church where Jenny Geddes threw the cutty-stool at the priest who dared to say mass at her ‘lug’!”
It may also be noted that women have been making endeavours to be accorded recognition as members of Church Courts; that a high place is more and more being given to “Christmas Day,” “Good Friday,” “Easter Sunday,” and “Armistice Day.” Dr. P. D. Thomson is reported as saying, “All Scotland should observe Christmas as a religious festival.” It was reported of Govan Old Parish Church, “More than 100 young people will act in a Bethlehem tableau this (Christmas) week,” i.e. in the above Church. It looks as if Pollard’s edition of miracle and morality plays might suit some more than the usual Book seen in Church pulpits and pews.
(4). Under this head of our report, we refer to the Greek Church marriage ceremony permitted at Buckingham Palace. The Greek Church is almost on a par with the Papacy in doctrine and practice, although not perhaps so arrogant and imperious. It is deeply regrettable that countenance was given to their religious services by our nominally Protestant royal family.
A refreshing attack, we would note, was made by Sir Ambrose Fleming on the man-pleasing, pride-fostering doctrine of evolution. “The theory of evolution not only failed,” says the press report of his address, “to explain the origin of man’s excellence and mental superiority: it also failed to explain the degradation and evil use of his powers.”
The subjoined statistical table may be helpful to show, with approximate accuracy, the religious elements of the population of Scotland, which is about 4,850,000. The figures are quoted from Rait and Pryde’s “Scotland,” (Benn, 1934). “Church of Scotland, (percentage of total population) 43.3; U. F. Church, (Contg.) 0.6; Free Church, 0.4; Free Presbyterian Church, 0.1; Reformed Presbyterian Church, 0.0; United Original Secession Church, 0.1; Total non-established Presbyterians, 1.3; Total Presbyterians, 44.6; Episcopal Church of Scotland, 2.8; Methodist Church, 0.6; Baptist Union, 1.5; Total Evangelical Dissenters, 3.2; Total Non-Presbyterian Protestants, 6.0; Total Protestants, 50.6; Roman Catholic Church, 12.5; Total in Christian Churches, 63.1; Jews, 0.4; Salvation Army, 0.6.
Dr. Pryde makes the following illuminating remarks: “The modern avoidance of once-favoured topics like predestination, election, and the need for individual salvation, and the stress laid instead on the universal aspects of the Atonement and of the whole Christian ethic, indicate what is little less than a revolution—the vivid realization of the common heritage of all Christian Churches in place of a doctrinaire insistence on their differences. It is harder to explain the decrease of the private exercise of religion, the growing infrequency of family prayers, and even of grace before meals, save by means of a decline in the religious spirit.” Perhaps part of the explanation could be found in the decline in preaching the “need for individual salvation!”
II. MORALS.
(1). The Ne Temere Decree. This decree is still in force. Rev. F. E. Watson wrote a pamphlet on the subject. It is published by the Scottish Protestant Society, 50 South Bridge, Edinburgh. It should be almost needless to add that no serious-minded Protestant should contemplate marriage with a Papist.
(2). The Drink Trade. Figures here for 1934 are not yet available. Literature which the Scottish Temperance Alliance kindly supplied shows that most breaches of the peace are due to drink. Police reports for certain towns in the south show that arrests for drunkenness have gone somewhat heavily up in 1934 in comparison with the previous year. No reports are yet issued as to any part of this year.
In the above literature, Prof. A. A. Bowman says, “There is a stretch of slum-land in Glasgow which one may cover in ten minutes’ walk. To-day I counted on that stretch no fewer than 27 public-houses—an ambush every thirty seconds. There is something more here than the natural response to a spontaneous demand. There is ‘penetration, solicitation, exploitation.'”
The sums expended on intoxicating drink for 1933 are (1) for Scotland, more than 18½ million pounds; (2) for the nation, nearly 225 millions. To compare this with somewhat recent figures in other spheres, we have, e.g., Poor Relief (nationally), circ. 43 millions, Education, circ. 100 millions, Unemployment Assurance, circ. 53 millions, and Britain’s share of expenses for the working of the League of Nations works out at somewhat more than 1-10 of a million pounds.
(3). As to Betting, etc., we notice mainly at present that by the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934, small lotteries may legally be held in connection with bazaars, sales of work, etc., provided certain conditions are complied with. Lotteries generally are prohibited. It is well that the Church of Scotland opposes all forms of gambling, although legally permissive as above stated. “The Church of Scotland discountenances such methods of raising money for Church purposes . . . . and repudiates the suggestion that it should avail itself of such legislation.” The General Assembly of 1934 enjoined Kirk-Sessions to avoid any recourse to raffling, etc., for raising money, and advised that the young should be trained to resist all gambling inducements.
(4). Section 18 of the Education (Scotland) Act is still unrepealed or unrevised. At their December meetings, the E.I.S. made no reference to it, to our knowledge. It may not have come within their ambit, and perhaps could not have been conveniently introduced like the congenial subject of their school inspectors.
(5). Saloons of pleasure, viz., Cinemas, etc. The following questionnaire was sent out by a London cinema proprietor:
“What kind of film do you prefer, e.g., Society Drama, Comedy, War, Thriller, Adventure, Travel, Musical Comedy, Romance?” Thriller films were voted the first place among the young and Society Drama among the older members. In connection with the above, 42 per cent reported a twice-a-week attendance, and 37 per cent were satisfied with once a week. Among the six highest favourites (films) was “The Private Life of Henry VIII.”
Recently a deputation was received by the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, and the Secretary for Scotland to consider what steps should be taken respecting the censorship of films. The whole subject is being considered. It was said at the above meeting that about 20 million people per week attended cinemas, and that at least 25 per cent of the films “were for one reason or another unsatisfactory and in many cases demoralising.”
(6). It would unduly lengthen our Report were all the subjects taken up which we should wish to refer to. Reference has already been made directly or indirectly to Sabbath desecration. Owing to the pass to which things have come, it is almost difficult to say where to begin in such a subject as this. Railway companies, ‘Bus companies, the Post Office, among other public concerns, are all involved in trafficking for gain on the Lord’s Day. So also, in their own way, shops, cinemas, etc., which are permitted by law to be open on the Lord’s Day—and in company with the above is the Sabbath Newspaper. May the day speedily come when people are so instructed in the faith by sent-ambassadors that they will give up fostering all that dishonours God’s Day and services.
(7). Note may also be taken of the figures for 1933 for Scotland bearing on “its terrible moral conditions.” Colonel Haverfield of the Social Service Board says that about 69 out of every 1000 births in that year were illegitimate. Many Presbyterian ministers reported to him a high percentage of “forced” marriages.
Other subjects need only be mentioned here, e.g., Naval regulations authorising salutes to the Pope—the Deceased Wife’s Sister’s Act—the B.B.C.’s “Sunday” Programmes—Ministers’ concerts or services of “praise” on “Sunday” evenings, etc.
There is one unfailing remedy for all these ills—for all ills—the Gospel of the Grace of God. Were the love of God and of His truth in heart and in home, in pulpit and in pew, how we should prosper both for the life that now is and for that which is to come!