Embryonic Science
Some leading gynaecologists are calling for a halt to research into human embryos. When such men are speaking out in this way we have reason to conclude that the dangers are real if research in this field is not proscribed. It may seem strange that a generation which, through abortion, prevents the birth of millions of children is so intent in bringing others into the world by whatever means it may. The matter would be strange were it not for this common denominator that “God is not in all their thoughts.” Man left to himself is a beast — and worse than a beast. The rejection of Biblical standards is producing its own fruits, not only in the lives of individuals, but also in the lives of nations as well. What the final outcome will be the example of Sodom and Gomorrah foretell. Only repentance and the turning away from iniquity will prevent it.
The Miner’s Strike
It may seem strange to us that in the year 1984 damaging strikes, such as the long-continued miner’s strike, are still part of our national life. Surely, one would say, with all the advances in labour relations and technology that some way would be found of settling industrial disputes without resort to strikes and especially to the violence seen in the miner’s dispute. The ostensible reason behind the strike — the preservation or provision of jobs — none would find fault with, though many might find fault with the way of doing it. The real cause of such industrial trouble is on one hand man’s fallen nature — this is true on both sides of industry — and on the other hand is the presence within the country of an evil organisation that does all in its power both to foment and exploit industrial unrest for its own ends. This evil force is atheistic international communism which spreads its tentacles everywhere seeking to undermine democracy and all that is good. Like its author — for it is Satanic in origin — it works subtly and maliciously and with the utmost cruelty. Being anti-christian in nature — for it deifies man — it shall, like Romanism, its counterpart in the church, be destroyed with the brightness of Christ’s coming. Let us pray for that day.
Religious Cults
Lord Denning has called for legislation to outlaw bogus religious cults. He suggests that the Attorney-General should seek a declaration that cults like the Church of Scientology and the Unification Church are not religious and do not qualify for charitable status. Another High Court Judge recently described Scientology as “corrupt, immoral, obnoxious, sinister and dangerous.”
It is good to know that persons in high positions of trust as these Judges have been brought to see the evil of these system which are so opposed to the truth of Christianity. It would also be a blessing if it were possible to prevent young impressionable people from being ensnared by these sects. Satan has many ways of deceiving men and the use of false sects is one of these ways. Young people joining these cults have caused untold grief to parents as well as harm to themselves.
Dean of Faculty of Divinity at Edinburgh University
A Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Professor James Mackay has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Edinburgh University. On Prof. Mackay’s appointment to the Chair of Systematic Theology at New College, considerable opposition was aroused. Dr. Ross whom he succeeds as Dean justified his new appointment. He said: “We teach people from many denominations including people training to be priests, and this appointment is simply a reflection of that.” However it cannot be dismissed so tritely. The appointment is one further evidence of the direction in which the Church of Scotland is moving, that is from a reformed to an unreformed stance.
Scientology
A High Court judge branded the Church of Scientology as immoral and socially obnoxious after a case in which he awarded care of two children to their mother who had left the sect. The Judge declared that the children would be at risk if they remained with their father who is a dedicated Scientologist. During recent times there has been a proliferation of sects of one kind or another and they have become very active in many countries of the world. The increase coincides with the decline in Christian belief. Men and women, as well as the young, have fallen a prey to these godless sects. Only a day of the Lord’s power will rid our land and the nations of the world of them.
I.R.A. Bomb Attack on Government
During the Conservative Conference at Brighton, the I.R.A. mounted a cowardly and murderous attack on the Government by setting off a bomb in the hotel where the Conference delegates were staying. One M.P., Sir Anthony Berry died as a result of the blast along with three others while Government Minister Mr Norman Tebbit, his wife and many others were injured. It was in the good providence of the Lord that the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers escaped with their lives. This attack is in keeping with the evil activities of the I.R.A. over many years, yet it takes on an even more serious aspect in that it was an attempt to destroy the British Cabinet in one fell swoop.
The Prime Minister has made it clear since this tragic incident that there will be no surrender to men of violence and that democracy will prevail. These are brave words and we trust that they may be fulfilled, but the present low moral and religious state of the nation does not augur well for a bright future. The removal of the death penalty was a signal to murderers that the way was now open for them to act, and they have not been slow to take advantage of it. The removal of that penal sanction has bred a violent society, and the time has come to restore it. Instead of spending time in debating its deterrent value, let it be restored and the proof will be immediately at hand. The alternative is plain — the sacrificing of many more innocent lives in an increasingly violent society. The Brighton outrage is only one aspect of it.