What Christ Did

There are some of us who believe that Christ came on earth to show us, among other things, the way to live together. By His teaching and His life He showed us that it is the way of caring for each other, bearing one another's burdens, friendliness, and love, that enables us to have life most abundantly. References to some illustrations of this life and precept may be of value: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22, 39). "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matt. 7, 12). "But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them which hat you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." (Luke 6, 27-29.) "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matt. 5, 38, 39). And Matthew 26, 51 and 52: "And behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priests, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." These are not isolated instances of Jesus' teaching and examples—they are in harmony with His whole life on earth. Furthermore, they are specific, practical directions. We must meet evil, not by returning evil, but by loving those who would do us evil.

I am of the opinion that Russia is not menacing us. But even if Russia were menacing us in the most terrible way, the course of action of those of us who call ourselves Christians is to vote against conscription. Our action as Christians is to vote against conscription. Our action as Christians should not rest there, of course, but in New Zealand today it may be said to commence there. We must also lose no opportunity of showing our care for our fellow-men, both close at hand and in all nations. Many Christian groups, among them the Society of Friends (Quakers), are trying to do this, and are in small but significant ways bridging the barriers between people and nations. We can take more practical steps by supporting these groups. Nor are groups designated Christian alone in these activities.