OBJECTIVES FOR YOUTH
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Mr. G. A. Rowan-Robinson's article " The Nazi Gospel and the Christian " deals with a problem which, in one sense,
is not only confined to Germany. In England, without the application of State interference, we may see a similar process taking place, although of a less dynamic nature.
The increasing indifference of British youth to the teachings of the Church must be apparent to any regular church-goer or, for that matter, to anyone who finds himself in earnest conversation with a member of the younger generation. In this age of reason the results of empirical observation are bound to claim the attention of the young rationalist. Such indisputable laws as the " Law of Substance " and the " Lass' of Conservation of Energy " will naturally assume a position in his philosophy of life. But he finds these things at variance with the Christian creeds. The Church, by being dogmatic where it can least afford to be, is defeating its own ends and is showing itself to be even More unreasonable in outlook than Herr Hitler himself.
In National Socialism, the young German undoubtedly find the essence of something living—something which apper- tains to this earth—something which :defines a purpose for existing. To do a job in this world simply- and only because it is worth doing well—to strive for and above all to achieve ; to be a credit and help to the community—is this what Hitler is asking from every German ? If so he has my complete moral support. And if the Church, while it looks to the skies for guidance, should stand in the path of such ideals —well, I will stand by Hitler and still remain an Englishman.
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