THE GROUP MOVEMENT [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sin, — People
like myself who wish to know something about the real essence of the Group movement, find little enlighten- ment in the article by Mr. Cunningham. Like other writers on this topic he seems nimble to get beyond generalities so vague as to be almost meaningless. He says : " A Com, mittee of three hundred arranging plans on the basis . of, listening to God's guidance." But the whole of Christianity,' is based on, listening to God's guidance. How do the Groupers listen in any 1 other or better sense than St. Augustine, St. Francis or David Livingstone ? 'Again, the whole team (an ugly word) witness that seeking the kingdoni of God has caused life to be " sane and whole, free from strain, and fUll of adventure." Christ did not offer these advantages. In this world ChriStianity is and, must be more or less of a strain, and the offer of a life full of :adventure 'may be attractive to some, but it is not the offer of 'Christianity. " The explanation is the same." But, we do not get any explanation. Then ' there are " things in human nature " which divide men from. God, and " these people declare, that they have been set free from such things." If so, they have the advantage of all the Saints of the Christian era, We are not told how this miracle is accomplished. What procedure is adopted other than that recommended by Christ and His Apostles ?
And so on through the whole article. " There is evidence of awakening " ; " the effect of a new quality of life !'; " the discovery of personal life and social relationship straightened out and vitalised." This hollow phrasing does not convince. Is this Christianity or is it not ? If it is, what is present in the teaching of the Groupers which was absent in the teaching of Christ or St. Paul ?—Yours faithfully,
Earith, West Kilbride, Ayrshire. T. D. Lown.
Previous page
