Parish Magazines
SIR.—The letter from the Rev. H. J. Hammerton is so courteous, sd moderate in tone, and I so much appreciate his fair-mindedness in, sending me two copies of his own parish magazine, that I wish I could withdraw the remark which called forth his " modest reproof." Alas, I cannot.
Very probably his magazine is an improvement upon many. But, if it really represents the Church's idea of " a challenging Christian mes- sage," particularly to " outsiders," 1 am afraid that most of them will continue to stay outside. I believe in the Christian revelation, and I find, in this and other parish magazines, about as much challenge as there is in a milk puading.
There are in the Church scores of men able to challenge the "out- sider," to speak to him in terms that compel his attention and respect. The crowds drawn at the universities by certain preachers, the congrega- tions that gather in certain churches,. the fact that several national news- papers give regular space to Christian apologists, show that the interest is there, the attention ready to be caught. Naturally there is an economic, journalistic side to the problem. But, since nearly all palish magazines contain syndicated matter, this could.be adjusted, leaving the local pages for the essential local, parish news.
Surely the Church ought to have the very best in material presenta- tion and typography. Instead it is getting, not " the nadir of all literary genres" (Mr. Hammerton's phrase, not mine), but one of the most insipid and unrealistic. By unrealistic' I mean least suited to its avowed purpose of spreading the Christian message and recommending it to the intelligent " outsider."—I am, Sir, youts, &c., Shorifield House, Frensham, Surrey. L. A. G. STRONG.
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