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Dr. Clyde M. Narramore, graduate of Columbia University, New York City, is a psychologist and Consultant in Research and Guidance with one of the largest school systems in America.
Clyde M. Narramore, Ed.D.
Pacifism Q —Can a Christian be a pacifist? i I can’t. I believe that as a Christian citizen, I have a responsibility to pro tect the country whose security and advantages I enjoy. For more than four years I served as a naval officer and felt that I was in the Lord’s will. He blessed me and used me in bringing many precious souls to Himself. Romans 13:1,2 says— “ Let every soul be subject unto the higher pow ers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God . . . and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” In 1 Peter 2:13, 14 we read— “ Sub mit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” Since our rulers are ordained of God and we are instructed to obey them, how can we refuse to serve in any way we are able? I have known some fine Christians who felt that the pacifist position was right. Although I did not agree with them, I respected their point of view. Of course, I feel that we should do everything possible to promote peace among the peoples of the earth and I am looking forward to the time when nations shall learn war no more; when “ The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 11:15). I feel that the problem concerning pacifism is one that must be solved by each individual after much prayer and searching of the Scriptures. Each of us is accountable to God for his own position.
Wanted — A Man Q —What would you advise a young lady in these days to do in order to meet someone who has the same Christian standards? This is an important question, since your entire life will be influenced by the one chosen as a companion. The choice of one to be continually in your life should be made most care fully and prayerfully, with the Lord’s help and guidance. There are thousands of Christian young people at our Christian col leges, Bible schools, churches, Chris tian camps and Christian organiza tions on non-Christian campuses. At Christian colleges and Bible schools you may meet those who are preparing for specialized Christian service. Church activities afford opportuni ties to become acquainted with those of varied interests. Christian camps are excellent places to meet with Christian young peo ple and appraise the behavior and spirituality of those in whom you might be interested. In the Christian groups or organi zations on non-Christian campuses you can find many fine Christians with your interests and standards. However, it is far more important to serve the Lord unmarried than to marry out of His will. To marry a non-Christian or one of unsound doc trine could ruin your life and cause you and your family great unhappi ness and distress. Some people never marry, prefer ring to devote more of their time to certain fields of Christian service. Happiness in life is not dependent upon marriage, although in my case it means much to have a wonderful wife and family. In Proverbs 18:22 we read, “Whoso findeth a wife find- eth a good thing, and obtaineth fa vour of the Lord.” As I travel throughout the United States, I am impressed with the many thousands of fine, intelligent, con secrated young people who are seek ing to serve the Lord!
Nightmares Q —Are frequent bad dreams or night mares serious? Nightmares or bad dreams are re ferred to as disturbances of sleep. Usually they are fright reactions in volving intense anxiety or terror. They are experienced by both chil dren and adults. They are believed to be caused by emotional conflicts, anxiety, appre hension or worry. Such disturbances of sleep may be attributed to unsatis factory home conditions and inade quate parent-child relationships. They may also be the result of unconfessed sin, or not having the right relation ship to God. A frail person who is over-taxed physically may have nightmares. People who experience too much com petition or who do not have good relationships with others may have sleep disturbances. Extreme fright, anxiety and emotional conflicts which occur during the day may find their release in bad dreams. Over-stimulat ing television programs and other similar experiences may cause night mares. Those who do not have ade quate opportunity to discuss how they feel are more likely to have dis turbances of sleep. As to seriousness, I would say that nightmares are not as serious as they are symptomatic. Frequent night mares are indications that there is undue emotional conflict, anxiety, ap prehension and worry. These conditions may be improved by giving the person frequent oppor tunities to talk about his feelings. They may also be improved by chang ing the environment so that he is not subjected to injurious pressures. The true believer in Christ has ad ditional resources. He can commit his anxieties and fears to God and talk to the Lord about them. Daily, through prayer, he can have forgive ness of sins. Also, by reading the Word one can receive comfort and peace. These are effective ways of ridding ourselves of troubles which would be detrimental to us.
Readers are invited to subm it questions which will be answered in future issues. Address questions to Dr. Clyde M. Narramore, King's Business, 558 South Hope Street, Los Angeles 17, California.— ED.
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