the two words are not identical at all. Our Lord never compromised; but he was the most tolerant of persons. He said, “ He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.” In speaking to His disciples He said, “ He that is not against us, is for us.” He was intolerant of sin, yes, but never of the sinner. It is our human tendency to be just the opposite. How we could improve conditions in the home, in society, and in our international relationships, if we would learn the blessing of tolerance! Tolerance really means understanding — and it is understanding that brings people to Christ. Arguments are never won; but people are won. They can only be won, however, when we meet them just where they are, and in tolerance and love endeavor to make Christ winsome to them. What changes might be brought about in the matter of juvenile delinquency, if we had real tolerance between the generations! The older generation looks at the younger and throws up its hands in disgust — forgetting that here lies the hope of tomorrow. The younger generation looks with scorn upon the old-fashioned ideas of the pre vious one — forgetting that much that is good in the world is handed to them as the gift of previous genera tions. We cannot solve anything until we look with love and understanding upon one another. Each has some thing to give, and something to receive. This leads us to the who of Christian Education. Who shall learn? Who shall teach? Oddly enough, every person is both the teacher and the taught. We all leam from the Holy Spirit and, regardless of our choice in the matter, we are all teaching others. There is no running away from our testimony. Every moment of our lives we are influencing people either for, or against, Christ. This is a solemn thought, we are all engaged in Christian Education. This is not optional. It is obligatory and unavoidable. Shall we not then give more particular heed to these things? Let us read between the lines. Let us listen for the overtones. Let us look for the afterglow in our own hearts and the hearts of others. Let us grow up in Christ and help others to do the same. This is Christian Education.
begin? What shall we learn? What, shall we teach? Why not begin where Christ began with the beauty of forgiveness? Why not teach them, “ Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Surely forgive ness is a grace sorely needed in the life of each of us. What havoc is wrought in the home, in society, and, alas, even in the Church, because Christians are lacking in this grace! How we clutter up Christianity with our little human grudges; how we hinder revival as we sit tight- lipped nursing our petty grievances. Yes, forgiveness should be the first step in Christian Education. There can be no growth without it. Let us also learn and teach the benefit of discipline. Here is a word that has fallen into disrepute. Through long association we have come to think of it as synony mous with punishment. Actually discipline is a beautiful word. It comes from the root word, disciple. Who were the disciples? The immediate followers of Christ. Surely it should be the goal of every Christian to be an immediate follower of Him, to walk close beside Him, and to listen to His voice. Then we must learn and teach discipline. Perhaps most of us have had an evening ruined by the arrival of friends with completely undisciplined children. There was no enjoyment for anyone. Every classroom teacher knows that until discipline is learned, little else can be taught. Discipline implies control. In the secular world, we think of the goal as self-control; but the Chris tian knows true discipline must go a step beyond this. Even self-control can get one into trouble. We need Christ-controlled lives. The fruits of discipline are many: We learn to be more critical of ourselves and less critical of others. We learn moderation in all things. We develop regular habits of study. We become constantly aware of the fact that “ our testimony is showing.” If we are to grow in grace and help others to do the same, we must certainly learn and teach the benefits of discipline. And let us learn the blessing of tolerance. Here is an other word we are inclined to avoid. In our Christian zeal to “ earnestly contend for the faith” we have come to associate the word tolerance with compromise. Actually,
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The Course will last four months: 16 lessons on the following subjects: The Seven Sacraments — Tradition and the Bible — Infallibility of the Pope — Is the Roman Church the First and only true Church? — Purgatory — The Mass — Confession to a priest — Vows taken by priests and monks — Extreme Unc tion — Holy Water and Indulgences — The Rosary and scap ulars — Mary — The Saints — Relics — Mixed marriages — How to win Roman Catholics to Christ. Each subject will have questions that you may send back for correction, if you wish. Each lesson will cover the subject thoroughly by giving the official teaching of the Roman Church and the answers in the Light of the Scripture to prove its errors. The course is free. The only charge is for postage and clerical work: only $3.00. Ask your pastor and your Sunday School teacher to take this correspondence course so that they will be better able to cope with the heartaches of their parishioners who become involved emo tionally with Roman Catholics. A special discount when five or more sets of lessons are mailed to the same address as to the Sunday School teachers at the same church or any other group: only $2.00 per student for the 16 lessons each.
FEBRUARY, 1960
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