"I Got Rotten"

The level of social life—"Gee, it was a good party! I got rotten!"

The drinking habits—in the words of Bertrand Russell's Chinaman. "Me no drinkee for drinkee, me drinkee for drunkee."

The utilitarian attitude to culture—"How are you going to use your degree?"

The divorce rate—"Yes, we've done everything: bought the ring and the trousseau, sent out the invitations, booked for the honeymoon, and we went to see a lawyer about the divorce laws just in case. . ."

And when we've done something about these problems, there are other awkward questions that need asking. In economics—why should people in Asia and Africa starve while this country dumps food at sea? in politics—what can we do to help the peoples of Eastern Europe against Communism? in culture—if books or films or plays are offensive why don't we condemn them strenuously instead of burying our heads in the sands like ostriches? In education—why don't the basic facts of our birth gel their proper place in the curriculum? And what about juvenile delinquency?

It is possible that we shall make ourselves unpopular by plunging into action; it is possible that we might even suffer for it. What is certain is that the Church of God would once again become a living and effective force for good in the world.

B.D.

J.H.C.